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Read moreChatting families, clinking glassware, and a relaxed and warm atmosphere gives you the feeling that every host wants: the satisfaction of providing a wonderful experience for your friends and family. Every thoughtful host wants guests to feel comfortable and excited from the moment they step into their home. As you’re planning your next dinner party, you can elevate the experience and pleasantly surprise your guests with a few well-placed products that help everyone feel comfortable and at ease.
Whether you want to break the ice when introducing new friends or continue community-building conversations with old friends, these 24 must-have items will help you be an elegant and confident host. From ambiance to dessert, select your favorite items to make your home the gathering place you’ve always wanted it to be.
24 hosting essentials to make your next gathering a success
From delightful doormat to delicious dessert, you can plan a dinner party with these must-have products that carry a tone of elegance and warm hospitality from beginning to end.
1. Door mat that gives a soft and refined welcome
A great hosting experience starts at the door. Your doormat is the first impression your guests receive of your home, so your dinner party might be just the excuse you need to refresh your doorway. A sturdy and elegant mat like this one from Anthropologie offers your guests the first glimpse of what they can expect from their evening in your home: thoughtful hospitality that thinks of every detail.
2. Boot tray for your guests to confidently place their shoes
To go the extra step for your guests, anticipate the first practical question when they walk in your front door: what do they do with their shoes? Don’t let your guests fall victim to adding their footwear to a toppling pile of mismatched shoes in the entryway. Instead, prepare a designated footwear space by setting out this rubber boot tray from Ballard Designs. Added bonus: your floors (and everyone’s socks) are protected from any tell-tale signs of the weather outside.
3. Bluetooth speaker to carry the tone throughout your home
While you’re greeting and walking your dinner guests into your home, prepare some background music to set the atmosphere of the event. Decide if you want your guests to relax to laid-back jazz or reminisce over classic beats, and this sleek Klipsch Bluetooth home speaker will be on your team. A Bluetooth speaker also offers the advantage of discreetly choosing the tunes or adjusting the volume from anywhere in your home, so you can adjust the mood as needed without missing a beat.
4. Bergamot basil candle for a tantalizing aroma
The warm light of a lit candle is a tried-and-true method for making your home a cozy and inviting setting, but typical scents don’t always mix well with a meal. Where floral and fruity might overpower the meal you’ve prepared, this bergamot basil candle by Quince will enhance it and prepare your guests for your delicious meal.
5. Classic tic tac toe game for an easy icebreaker
A classic and simple game like this modern tic tac toe set from Printworks can be just the casual icebreaker your dinner party needs after introductions are made. Set it out as an attractive decor piece on your coffee table or any central location for an easy conversation starter to prompt the happy chatter that fills your home.
6. Porcelain appetizers dish for early arrivals
If you enjoy offering your guests appetizers, you’ll want to take a look at this divided porcelain dish by Sweese, featuring five perfectly-sized partitions set on a wide plate. As you add the finishing touches to the main course, your arriving guests can be snacking on fresh fruit, creamy cheese cubes, crispy crackers, dark chocolate chunks, salted nuts, hummus with veggies, and other tasty treats that complement your meal and whet your guests’ appetites.
7. Eye-catching tea towels to fill a practical need
Adding beauty to an event can be as simple as a few bold colors in unexpected places. For everything from an accidental spill to guests washing their hands before dinner, these unique tea towels by Geometry are just the versatile staple you need. Preparing for your dinner party means looking for the details that your guests will pick up on—and what better way to add artistic flair to your kitchen than with an eye-catching design?
8. Artistic cloth napkins that make every setting unique
If you’re looking for the magical piece to pull your whole decor theme together, these colorful dinner napkins by Variety are the key. With just this one elevated choice to express your style, every party you host can be a charming experience for your guests.
9. Pleated vases to elevate the eyeline with fresh flowers
Fresh flowers are the perfect touch of elegance to any dinner party, and these pleated vases are just the way to incorporate them into your decor. Available in three designs, the understated yet elegant design of these vases can help you add a touch of fresh color to your table.
10. Host Modern insulated dish to maintain the perfect temperature
As your guests make their way to the table, food is on everyone’s mind—especially yours, as the host. Every moment you’re welcoming your guests into your home, the preparation you have put into your dishes is at stake. This is where Host Modern insulated dishes can save your evening. With elegant Host Modern, you can take your time with your guests and still serve your meal at the perfect temperature and in a beautiful spread.
11. Compact pizza oven for the perfect homemade touch
Nothing can compete with the crispy texture of fresh homemade pizza. Dubbed the world’s most advanced portable pizza oven, the Ooni’s Karu 2 is an impressive option for dinner hosts interested in providing an original experience for their guests. Compact, simple to set up, and ready to be used every weekend, this is your next step to a memorable evening.
12. Beautiful acacia wood salad set that supports a good cause
Serrv International’s smooth acacia salad serving sets include a large salad bowl, six small serving bowls, and two salad servers, all hand-carved by skilled Filipino artisans. Every time you serve from this sustainable set, you’re supporting economic opportunity, equal rights, and a better quality of life for the artisans who crafted it.
13. Brass salt & pepper grinders that leave an impression
For the perfect balance of beauty and utility, consider these elegant brass salt and pepper grinders by Maple Kitchen Goods. When your guests are ready to add an extra touch of seasoning to their liking, your eye-catching grinders will make their experience just that much more enjoyable.
14. Handcrafted artisan olive oil bottle for the perfect drizzle
If you’re serving your guests crispy bread, roasted vegetables, smooth pasta, fresh salads, or flaky seafood, you’ll want to keep this Farmhouse Pottery olive oil bottle nearby for a finishing drizzle. Available in three sizes to match your preference, you never have to worry about having the perfect garnish nearby for extra flavor and shine.
15. Nugget ice maker for luxury refreshment
Fresh and flavorful drinks are the MVP to complement a meal. Any iced drink can be enhanced with the right texture and size of ice, and ice nuggets are a popular favorite for making cool sips more enjoyable. With a Gevi countertop nugget ice maker, you can provide your guests with a restaurant-quality chilled beverage that’s both attractive and satisfying.
16. Glass pitcher with stainless steel lid to make your beverage a centerpiece
A practical and well-sized pitcher enables your guests to refill their glasses at their leisure. This glass and stainless steel pitcher by Joy Jolt showcases your beverage, making it an integral part of the aesthetic of your dinner. When serving light yellow lemonade with lemon slices, berry punch with mint and raspberries, or golden brown iced tea, this pitcher will make your beverage both beautiful and easy to pour.
17. Smoothie maker to refresh your guests with custom flavors
A refreshing smoothie can be a delightful surprise for your dinner guests, especially when it’s blended to perfection by a Beast® Mighty 850. Space-saving and efficient, this blender might be just the touch of careful planning your dinner needed. Fresh smoothies bring the fun and fresh element to your meal that highlights your creativity, and it’s hard to say no to a custom delicious flavor like orange cream or pineapple açai.
18. Sleek French press for rich, silky smooth coffee
There’s nothing like a steaming cup of fresh coffee to follow a delicious meal. Whether you prefer the rich taste of French press coffee yourself or want to serve the coffee drinkers in your life, brewing coffee is simple with this French press from Fellow. As your dinner comes to a close, you can offer a fresh cup to your guests within just a few minutes.
17. Glass coffee mugs that bring artistic flair to your evening
As your guests settle in after a delicious meal, plan to set out these beautiful double-wall glass mugs by Hearth for a clean, modern look that adds to the rich flavor of your coffee. The double wall of glass keeps the outside of the cup completely cool while the comforting aroma of your steaming hot coffee fills the air, inviting the conversation to continue.
20. Mail order cake that takes the guesswork out of your final touch
After the main course, your guests are relaxed, chatting comfortably, and having a wonderful time in your home. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or looking for that final “wow!” moment from your guests, getting a mail order Gold Belly cake is the ace up your sleeve. Baked with love by a famous bakery near you, the Gold Belly cake collection offers endless flavors and styles to provide your guests with a delicious close to your meal.
21. Homemade ice cream maker that surpasses store-bought flavors
Making your own ice cream is one way to guarantee an unforgettable dessert. The Cuisinart ice cream and sorbet maker makes it easy to create a custom ice cream that is creamier, richer, and more enjoyable than anything from your local grocery store.
23. Charming ice cream containers for your homemade dessert
If you want to make serving your homemade ice cream at your dinner party a breeze, make sure you select these charming ice cream tubs by Zicoto. Make your flavors ahead of time, scoop them into your labeled containers, and place them in your freezer until just before you serve.
23. Colored glass coupes to serve with style
These stylish glass coupes by West Elm with their beautiful hues are a flawless addition to your ice cream night. Simply scoop your guests’ favorite flavor ice cream, add a couple berries, mint leaves, or chocolate drizzle for an attractive garnish, and hand it to your delighted guests.
24. Classic popcorn maker for a light sweet and salty finish
If the theme of your dinner party calls for a satisfying snack during late-night games, you’ll want the time-tested classic Whirley Pop popcorn popper. This copper-plated model even offers the personalized touch of customizing your handle. Simply add oil and kernels, heat, and stir as it begins to pop. Add your favorite seasonings and flavors, or consider mixing in some nuts or chocolate afterward for a snack your guests won’t be able to resist.
Make every gathering a special event with Host Modern
Any good host anticipates how to make their guests’ experience stand out. With Host Modern insulated dishes, you can serve your meals how they’re intended: at the perfect temperature with uncompromised texture. With a sleek and stackable design, each dish can add cohesion to your spread while preserving the quality of your meal. Whether you’re hosting your own dinner party or going to a friend’s, Host Modern is the solution to keeping your food steaming, portable, and elegant.
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