Entertaining Essentials for Hosting at Home

Hosting a party at home is an art form that combines delicious food, great company, and the right tools to create a truly memorable experience. Whether you are planning a casual get-together or a more formal affair, having the right entertaining essentials will set the stage for style, fun, and success!

Below, I have curated a list of must-have items to elevate your hosting game and ensure your gatherings are seamless and stylish!

Essential Serveware

Serving Platters

Marin White Small Oval Serving Platter (Crate and Barrel Canada)

This versatile platter is perfect for appetizers, side dishes, or desserts. Its understated design makes it a timeless addition to your entertaining essentials. I love that this platter has an organic shape and is white so it will go with any season!

Serving Set

IKEA 365+ Serving Set (IKEA Canada)

A quality serving set is essential for dishing out food elegantly, and it does not have to break the bank! This stainless steel serving set from IKEA includes a serving spoon, fork, and salad utensils, making it a practical choice for serving both hot and cold dishes. These are my favourite as they are durable and are dishwasher safe!

Baking Dishes

Aspen Bakers (Set of 3) (Crate and Barrel Canada)

These versatile baking dishes transition seamlessly from oven to table, making them ideal for any recipe that is served out of the dish such as casseroles, gratins, and desserts. Their classic white finish ensures they complement any table setting and goes perfectly all year round!

Chateau Wood Cheese Knives

Chateau Wood Cheese Knives (Pottery Barn Canada)

No cheese board is complete without a quality set of cheese knives. These elegant wooden-handled knives are on the pricier side, but I love how stylish and practical they are. They are all perfect for slicing through everything from soft brie to a firm wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Essentials For the Dinner Table

Hue White Dinner Plate

Hue White Dinner Plate (Crate and Barrel Canada)

A versatile and timeless dinner plate is the foundation of any great table setting. Crate and Barrel’s Hue White dinner plate has a clean and modern design that makes it suitable for both casual meals and formal dinners. They are elegant yet understated and we used these as our everyday dishes. I love the weight of them, the slight lip around the edge, and their smooth finish as well.

Laguiole Steak Knives

Laguiole Steak Knives (Laguiole France)

You can use regular steak knives for your table setting, but why not go all out with some fancy French ones? I picked up these Laguoile Steak Knives on a recent trip to Paris and I do not know how I lived without them. They are sharp, durable, stylish, and a must-have for serving meats. The ergonomic handle and elegant design make them comfortable and will spark conversation!

French Wine Glasses

French 10 oz. Wine Glasses (Crate and Barrel Canada)

French wine glasses are my go-to wine glass to serve wine in. They are a bit more casual, but are still elegant thanks to the shape. I enjoy serving any type of wine in these glasses including red, whites and rosés. Their classic design ensures they will never go out of style!

Bar Essentials

Ridgecrest Coupe Glass (7 oz)

Ridgecrest Coupe Glass (Crate and Barrel Canada)

Elevate your cocktail game with these chic coupe glasses. These are always sure to impress your guests when you pull these out as they are not an every day glass, so it feels incredibly elegant and chic to drink a cocktail out of one of these! Whether you’re serving classic martinis or champagne, your guests will love how they feel sipping a drink from this glass!

Ice Bucket

Easton Stainless Steel Ice Bucket (Crate and Barrel Canada)

There is nothing worse than going back and forth to the freezer to get ice for drinks during a party. I like to keep my ice chilled in style with this sleek ice bucket. The double-walled construction ensures that ice stays frozen longer, while the modern design and silver colour complements any bar setup! Also, opt to get the ice tongs with this ice bucket so that you can bartend in style!

Bar Tools Set

Easton Bar Tool Set (Crate and Barrel Canada)

A well-stocked bar requires quality tools, and you get everything you need in this Easton Bar Tool Set. This set includes everything you need to craft the perfect cocktail including a jigger, a muddler, a strainer, a bar spoon, and the cocktail shaker itself! This set is durable and matches the Easton Ice Bucket for a complete bar set!

Extra Accoutrements

Personalized Embroidered Linen Napkins

Embroidered Linen Napkins (Etsy)

Personalized touches make any gathering feel special, and you can really go all out with these embroidered napkins. I have these exactly as the image shows below– one set of a white linen napkin with white stitching and another set of white linen napkins with green stitching. I went all out and get them monogrammed as well with our initial “L”. These embroidered linen napkins add a sophisticated, custom element to your table and are perfect for special occasions!

Maxfield Napkin Rings

Maxfield Napkin Rings (Pottery Barn Canada)

To go along with your embriodered napkins, you need some napkin rings! They add the finishing touch to a polished table setting and let your guests know that you took the time to decorate the table just for them. These chic, metallic rings provide a touch of elegance and will ensure your table looks cohesive and upscale.

That’s My Round Up!

With these entertaining essentials, you will be ready to host any occasion with style and ease- from dinner parties, to cocktail parties and beyond! Not only do these items make your gatherings more organized and enjoyable, but they also ensure your guests will remember the experience for years to come.

Let me know what some of your entertaining essentials are in the comments below! Happy hosting!