We all want to host well in our homes but it is difficult to do anything well when you don’t have the proper tools. The more I entertain the more thankful I am that I’ve invested my money wisely in useful, multi-functional entertaining essentials for hosting in my home. Recently I’ve found myself in the midst of planning several events, the fact that I already own a good stock of foundation pieces really makes planning much easier. I find myself able to invest in more specialized decor elements instead of having to worry about taking care of the entertaining basics. So in the interest of sharing I’ve compiled a list of my entertaining ‘must-haves’. You’ll notice that the majority of these are inexpensive and easy to find items (most could be found at Target!).
I generally find myself hosting buffet style events, either with snacks or as a full meal. The entertaining essentials I own work together interchangeably and are suitable for a number of different events. I used to buy any plate, platter, bowl or dish that caught my eye. What I ended up with was a hodge-podge of dishes that didn’t work together and often went unused. I quickly realized I needed to simplify my collection into base pieces that could be used for any gathering at any time and with any color palette. Since then I have changed to primarily collecting white serving pieces. I still do have a few specialty dishes that have colors or patterns but I find I reach for those less than I do my plain white ones. While this may seem boring I promise it has saved me many a headache as I arrange events in my home.
MY TOP ENTERTAINING ESSENTIALS RECOMMENDATIONS:
- 2 large white platters
- 2 small white platters
- 1 medium white platter
- 3 medium white serving bowls
- 1-2 large white serving bowls
- 4 small white serving bowls
- 6-8 white ramekins
- Gravy Boat
- Butter Dish
Linens:
It is also good to own a set of tablecloths that fit your table and can be used for a variety of different occasions. My dining table seats 8 without leaves so I have to look for tablecloths that are at least 104″ rectangle (tho I prefer bigger so there is a bigger drop, it’s just generally harder to find that size). In the beginning you may be tempted to purchase seasonal tablecloths but your money will be better spent in investing in solid color or neutral patterned fabrics first before collecting specialty designs.
One area that I continue to collect are cloth napkins. There are many cutesy cocktail and disposable dinner napkins but let’s all be honest – they aren’t absorbent and most of the time people grab them. This is why one area that I continue to collect are cloth napkins. I make sure to only buy in sets of 8 and allow myself many different colors and patterns. I often mix and match them on the table. Your napkins are an excellent way to change up your table settings for various seasons and events without having to have a full cabinet of decor items.
I also collect various place mats in sets of 8. I tend to gravitate towards round place mats because if I have too many people at my table place mats that are rectangle don’t fit as well. My favorites are a neutral woven set because they fit all seasons and add texture to the table.
Dinnerware:
As time has went on I have found that it has been incredibly beneficial to have a complete set of dinnerware and flatware that I can use as needed when I entertain. Equally as important is to have plenty of flatware on hand and smaller appetizer plates. When my best friend got married in a backyard wedding we made it a point to collect enough white plates (thrifted) to avoid all disposable service ware. We were able to thrift about 100 white plates at under $1 each. She also purchased around 100 forks through a restaurant supply company for the buffet line for around $30. After the wedding she kept all of the forks and to this day when either of us host an event we pull out the ‘wedding forks’. It’s been a stress, money and time saver! We went through the white plates and both kept a handful of ‘wedding plates’ that we also still use for hosting now.
- 12-16 white plates (When I first began hosting I aimed for sets of 8-12. As our family has grown we’ve outgrown those numbers and I now find myself needing larger quantities.)
- 12 appetizer plates (My all time favorite entertaining item that I use ALL THE TIME is this appetizer caddy from Pampered Chef. It’s an investment but has paid for itself in how often I use it.)
- 30 forks (make sure and have enough forks to cover salads, dinner and dessert without having to jump in to wash extras)
- 30 glasses (Make sure to have enough for each guest to have 2 glasses, one for water and one for a beverage.)
Building your entertaining essentials arsenal does not have to be hard or expensive if you know what you are looking for. I have a large entertaining collection, but it’s taken a lot of trial and error to refine it. Once I had the basics I began to strategically collect different patterns and colors of dinnerware for my tablescapes – but if you are just starting out don’t do that. Spend your time and money on the basics and then build in your ‘fun’ pieces!
Here is a list of ‘bonus’ pieces that I find myself using over and over:
- Chargers: These can be used in place of place mats or in combination with. I usually use these when I want to dress up my table. I’ve tried several colors and types over the years but find myself usually reaching for silver the most often. Gold and dark brown are also ones I’ve used heavily. I’ve tried using red and burnt orange but got rid of most of them because they didn’t get enough use to justify having them around. These should also be purchased in sets of 8.
- Drink dispensers: Great, no fuss items so you don’t have to constantly ask if people want beverages.
- Galvanized bucket: Very helpful for bottles of water, drinks, props, etc
- Cooler: A must for many outdoor events.
- Cake Stands: Great for creating multi level displays and freeing up valuable buffet space. I prefer the simple clear glass stands for easiest mixing and matching.
- Cupcake Stand: If you have kids this is great for parties!
- Chalkboard: I have found this an odd but incredibly useful item to have on hand for providing directions or simply writing the menu.
- Mix and Match China: I have a few sets of china inherited from grandparents and have picked up various patterns here and there. I love to have it for when I want to go ‘all out’.
A few last thoughts on pulling together your entertaining essentials:
- Don’t pressure yourself to go and get all of these at once. It’s perfectly acceptable to use disposable dinnerware (look for ones that biodegrade or are recyclable!). These suggestions are based on my experience and our family.
- Don’t be tempted to buy small or odd quantities of items. It will be rare you’ll want to set your table for 3 or 5. Always look for items in the minimum quantity that you set your table for. I will occasionally purchase sets of 4 but usually buy only sets of 8 or more.
- Bowls, napkins and glasses are excellent to have on hand but need not be the priority when you are just beginning to build your collection
I know that this is a lot of information so to help you keep track of what you need and what you already have I have created a one page printable for you to download and use as a reference! To get your copy of this reference sheet simply sign up for my email list to receive your download!
If you enjoyed this post you should check these out too:
- Thanksgiving Tablescape
- TMNT Birthday Party
- How to Celebrate Hanukkah When You’re Not Jewish
- A Book Birthday Party for Our 2 Year Old
- Camping Theme Birthday Party
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*I fully believe these items can be found at any number of different stores or bought second hand. I’m providing links to amazon items for your convenience. If you purchase an item through one of these links I will receive a small commission. You do not pay more for items that I link to on this blog. To read all of my policies and disclosures click here.
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