9 Essential Items Every Host Should Own

Add a little humor to your entertaining style with some funny or quirky cocktail napkins. Their lively nature makes them perfect for any time of year and any event, plus they act as a great ice-breaker for guests.

August Morgan "Buzzed" Napkins ($34 for set of four)
 

A classic set of white dishes is the perfect foundation for a chic tablescape no matter the season or occasion. Simple white plates and bowls can be dressed up or down using linens and table décor, making them the ideal blank slate for both casual luncheons and formal dinners alike.

Crate & Barrel Verge Dinnerware ($4 and up)

 

Classic linen napkins in a neutral color like ivory, flax, or navy are a timeless way to add a little sophistication to any soirée. No need to have a set in every color; neutral picks will work equally well at Christmas dinner as they do at a spring brunch.

Julia B. Lyon Dinner Napkin ($616 for set of eight)

Champagne is for celebrating and any good hostess should have fun flutes on hard for animated toasts and happy occasions.

Kate Spade Larabee Dot Champagne Flute ($40)
 

A pair (or collection!) of classic candlesticks is a must for the stylish hostess. They make for a completely versatile accessory—just change out the color of the taper candles for any season and occasion (black on Halloween, navy on the Fourth of July), and you have a chic design detail that works year-round.

Lulu & Georgia Selli Candlesticks ($124 for set of three)

A textured runner is all you need to add style to any table. Offering rustic element in the winter, a harvest-y feel in the autumn, and an organic touch in the spring, a natural runner in an organic fiber like jute or seagrass adds texture and dimension to any tablescape.

West Elm Fishnet Woven Runner ($29)

 

If you’re pulling together a last-minute event or dinner and had no time to plan a centerpiece, a striking vase is all your table needs to make a big statement. Even the simplest of flowers will look sophisticated when displayed in a unique vessel.

Wisteria Overtly Oval Glass Vessel ($169)

A large serving platter is the multi-tasking heavy-hitter for any entertainer. Use a large platter as a cheese board at a cocktail party, the serving piece for your Thanksgiving turkey, and to display pastries or muffins at Easter brunch.

Heath Ceramics Plaza Platter ($75)
 

An easy way to add a glamorous element to dinner parties, simple gold flatware is a timeless choice for entertaining. If you’re hosting a buffet brunch or cocktail party where your guests exceed your flatware sets, the gold spoons make stylish serving utensils for dips and salads.

Threshold 5 Piece Izon Flatware ($25)