The 7 things you should always have on-hand when hosting a dinner party
Ahh, dinner parties. Delicious food, lively music, good company — the evening feels effortless, but boy do we know how much work it takes behind the scenes. We see you! If you’re entering your dinner party era (or you’re already a hosting pro), we’ve pulled together a list of helpful items that will make your dinner parties flow just that much more seamlessly. Plus, it all just looks so darn cute in your kitchen!
1. This tablescape trio
We call this the “elevated, but effortless” starter pack. A good salad bowl, salad tongs, and a wood charcuterie board go a loooong way when it comes to hosting at home. These make the perfect centerpiece for your table because they anchor the space and make it feel bountiful and layered — the ideal base to build your spread around!
2. A trusty corkscrew
How many times have you gone to open up a bottle of wine for a guest and realized your corkscrew is nowhere to be found? The kitchen drawer is almost as mischievous as the laundry machine that somehow steals all of your socks. So, before you host, make sure you double check if you have a corkscrew and if you don’t, stock up! Better yet, make an affordable corkscrew the party favor for your event — your guests will think of you when they realize they have one on-hand the next time they host (you’re welcome!).
3. Photo-worthy place setting pieces
A few napkin rings, some chic glasses (feel free to mix & match BTW), and a variety of large and small dinner plates means you can throw together a nice place setting in a pinch.
4. Stay with us on this one… stain remover
You’ve cultivated an incredible vibe… you never know when someone will be in such deep conversation that they accidentally knock over their drink! Don’t let spills and stains stall your soiree… your guest will feel major relief to know you’ve got some easy-to-use stain remover on-hand.
5. Non-perishable snacks
Chunks of dark chocolate, a jar of olives, and some salted marcona almonds? You’ve got a classy and no-cook small bite spread on lock. Keep these in your pantry and you’ve got the perfect blend of briny, textured, and sweet that works for any time of day — from brunch to after-hour digestivos.
6. Candles galore
From classic scented candles to taper candles in on-theme holders, a little lighting goes a long way when it comes to establishing your hosting ambience. Set the tone for the evening with a moody, musky scent, lighten up a daytime brunch with something floral, or make candles the centerpiece of your soiree by filling a space with tons of white pillar candles. Pro tip: we see a candle warmer as a totally worthwhile investment for diffusing the scent throughout your space all party long.
7. Save room for dessert!
Sure, it’s called a dinner party… but in our world, we’re always thinking about that last bite of the night: dessert. Leave your guests with a taste of sweetness and a whole lot of wow by presenting your dessert course on a quirky platter, a tiered tray, or a classic cake stand!
Well… we’re sure in the mood for a dinner party! Now that you’ve got the essentials figured out, take a look at our Dinner Party Playbook to get the full rundown on how to host a memorable event. Or, get your party brain thinking about your next event by browsing our wide selection of Dinner Party Invitations. Happy hosting!
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