Hosting Essentials For Your Next Dinner Party

The invitations are sent, the RSVPs are rolling in and you realize you want to give your guests a fine dining experience. We’ve pulled together a four of our top items to invest in for your next dinner party:

Invest in chafing dishes

If you like to host dinner parties, this will be a sound investment. Yes, your guests are coming to enjoy great company, but there are also there to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve prepared! You have spent countless hours in the kitchen cooking and the last thing you want to ruin the meal is the food be cold before the guests arrive. My mom, the original hostess extraordinaire, gifted me these 7 piece 4-quart stainless steel chafing dishes as a housewarming present. They are quite possibly one of the best gifts I’ve received. 

Invest in uniform serving dishes

Throw away the aluminum pans! Run to your nearest HomeGoods, Marshalls or Burlington in the housewares section. Upgrading to porcelain or ceramic serving dishes does not have to break the bank. You can find serving trays and bowls for under $20. If you are just starting out, our recommendation is to invest in all white essential pieces at first. Consider sticking to similar shapes and patterns. Start to incorporate color and statement pieces over the years. It may be just me, but food served on crisp white dishes make the food on the plate pop!

Invest in stemware and glassware

You’ve stocked the bar and ready to make your signature cocktail for your guests. To complete any bar, it nice to have a set of stemware or glassware to serve 6-8 people. For example, I like to have 8 wine glasses on hand – one for each person I can seat at my dining room table. If you are looking to build your stemware and glassware collection, consider registering for these items on your housewarming or bridal registries or host a “stock my bar” event.

Invest in fun linens and accessories

Table linens and accessories like napkin rings, placemats, chargers and placecard holders can make a tablescape fun and whimsical. If you are just beginning, consider investing in a neutral but fun color palette. Much like your serving dishes, start to introduce color, pattern and texture along the way.

If you are anything like me, you will not just stop with these four items. Every time you venture into a home goods store, you will find a cute bowl or ramekin that you just can’t resist…and who are we to stop you ?.  Continue to build your collection and incorporate pieces that are uniquely you and show your personality.