When I first moved into my own place fresh of out college, the thing I was most excited about was hosting. Back then, “entertaining” consisted of pouring wine into whatever cups I had and serving snacks on a collection of hand-me-down dishes. But hey, every hostess starts somewhere. Over the years, I’ve slowly accumulated enough entertaining essentials that I can easily whip up a cheese board or set the table for eight without breaking a sweat (or making a panicked, last-minute trip to Williams Sonoma). With the right basics, you can truly be ready for any type of gathering at a moment’s notice.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a holiday gathering, a special celebration, or a simple get-together with friends, there are a few items that’ll come in handy whenever you have guests over. These are the essentials every hostess should have on hand to make entertaining a breeze:
1. Good Quality Wine
No gathering would be complete without something for guests to sip on, and wine is one of the most crowd-pleasing options out there. If you plan to host regularly, be sure to keep a good selection of wine stocked so you’re always ready for an impromptu get-together. And if you really want to be the hostess with the mostess, it’s time to take your wine shopping seriously. Instead of aimlessly wandering the wine aisle and picking something on a whim, take the time to find a high-quality wine you love and keep a few bottles stocked.
Here at The Everygirl, we recommend La Crema as our go-to brand because each of their wines is elegant, naturally balanced, and always top-notch in quality. If you’re growing your collection, this set of La Crema’s Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is great to have in your arsenal for a trusty red and a crowd-favorite white. Their vibrant, rich Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood and mild cheese, while their bold, layered Pinot Noir boasts a smooth finish that’ll keep your guests coming back for more.
Use code LCEVERYGIRL and get 15% off + free shipping if you order 4+ bottles!
2. A Set of Nice Wine Glasses
No matter what kind of gatherings you plan to host, a nice set of wine glasses is a must. Ditch the mismatched glassware and upgrade to a set of 6-8 matching wine glasses (the kind with stems, people!) for an easy way to elevate your hosting game. Now, if you’re serious about entertaining, you might want to invest in a set of both red wine glasses and white wine glasses. But if you don’t want to bother with buying and storing multiple styles of glassware, grab a set of universal wine glasses that work for all different types of wine.
3. Candlesticks
Candles are the ultimate way to add ambiance to any tablescape, and long taper candles are especially chic. Keep a set of candlesticks on hand so you can easily spruce up your table with a more elegant feel. I love the antique look of these brass ones, but you could also choose a colored glass or matte black version for a more contemporary look.
2 colors available
4. A Charcuterie Board
Whether you’re serving just a small selection of cheeses or a whole array of meats, cheeses, and accouterments, charcuterie boards are always a good idea. Make sure you have a nice serving board on hand so you can easily throw one together before guests come over. You can’t go wrong with a classic wooden cutting board, or you could opt for one made from marble or slate for an elevated look. Bonus: These entertaining essentials can also work as kitchen decor when you’re not using them.
4 colors available
5. Cheese Knives
Hot tip: A regular old butter knife isn’t the best tool for cutting into a soft, sticky wheel of brie. To make everything on your cheese board easy to cut and serve, cheese knives are your best bet. Grab a set that includes a few different styles of knives so you’re set for any type of cheese you choose.
6. A Large Serving Platter
For serving everything from appetizers to the main course, you’re going to need a serving platter. A classic porcelain platter makes a great investment because you can use it for any occasion and they’re typically dishwasher-safe. The angled corners on these platters add a little something special to an otherwise basic piece.
7. A Glass Pitcher
Whether you use it for a pre-mixed cocktail, iced tea, or plain old water, a glass pitcher is an entertaining essential you’ll reach for again and again. Set out a pitcher full of your beverage of choice ahead of time, so your guests can easily refill their own drinks and you won’t have to keep dashing back and forth to the fridge.
8. Linen Napkins
Your guests deserve something a little nicer than a paper napkin, so if you don’t have any linens to speak of, it’s time to invest in a set of cloth napkins. How many you need will depend on the size of gatherings you plan to host, but having 8-12 matching napkins on hand is generally enough. Napkins typically come in sets of four, six, or eight, so grab a couple of sets if you plan to host larger gatherings. These neutral linen napkins will go with any table decor and are versatile enough to take you from casual gatherings to fancy dinners. Plus, the off-white color makes them easy to keep clean.
6 colors available
9. An Ice Bucket
Ice is one of those things that guests are always going to ask for, so get ahead of the game by stocking an ice bucket before the party starts. Whether you stash it by the bar to use for cocktails or place it on the table to chill the wine, perfectly chilled drinks are an extra touch that your guests will definitely appreciate.
10. A Timeless Vase
Every good tablescape needs a centerpiece, but you don’t have to stock a bunch of different vases to suit every occasion. Instead, choose one timeless vessel you can use with all sorts of different flowers and fillers. This classic ceramic vase would look just as pretty filled with fluffy hydrangeas as it would with spindly fall branches.
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of La Crema, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
