My Favorite Hosting Supplies for Entertaining

If you love to host and entertain, it’s a great idea to stock up on party and hosting supplies that you can use year after year. I did just that over 20 years ago and I can guarantee these items have saved me time and money over the long run.

I use my classic pieces that work for dinner parties, cocktail parties, bridal or baby showers, dessert parties, and everything in between.

I’ve picked these items for their flexibility and longevity, as well as their ability to give more bang for your buck. They include kitchen and cookie supplies as well as dining room and bar items. Ready to take inventory?

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Christmas Entertaining

If you’re coming to shop from my list in the Christmas Entertaining Simplified Hosting Guide, you can check out the entire storefront on Amazon.

Basic Entertaining Supplies

Here are the items I use over and over again no matter what the occasion is. While I do highlight white as the go-to option, clear glass is also an excellent choice.

White Plates 

This is always at the top of my list when I talk about party supplies. I have a collection of white dinner plates, as well as salad plates that cost about $1 each, twenty years ago. At that price there’s no excuse for not having them! Over the years, it has certainly saved money and the environment compared to paper or plastic.

What I love about them: It’s eco-friendly, goes with EVERYTHING, can easily be replaced if one breaks (no discontinued patterns to worry about}).

Favorite local resource: The Dollar Tree, HomeGoods, Restaurant supply shops.

Stemware & Glasses 

Just as white dishes add the look of a seasoned host, so does glassware. Once again, I’ve stocked up on all-purpose pub-style glasses for $1 each (twenty years ago). They work for water, iced tea, beer, smoothies, or bloody Mary’s.

I like having basic stems or stemless wine glasses for wine or punch. In addition, 8-oz. wide-mouth canning jars make fantastic glasses for casual occasions and backyard parties. 

What I love about them: They add an air of sophistication over plastic or paper, it’s eco-friendly.

Favorite local resources: The Dollar Tree, almost any home store sells boxed sets, plus you get a great storage box.

White Serving Pieces

If you love setting up buffets or dessert tables, you can’t be without white serving bowls, platters, and cake stands. I used to collect different colors and patterns for each holiday but that get expensive; plus I was running out of storage! Not to mention any given piece may only be used once or twice a year.

I decided to sell all those pieces at a yard sale and start fresh, collecting white platters, bowls, cake stands, even oven-to-table bakeware.

What I love about it: It really pulls your buffet table together and keeps it looking clean; it works for any holiday or occasion.

Favorite local resources: Target for different shapes and sizes of platters; HomeGoods for cake pedestals.

Punch Dispenser 

A punch dispenser is one of those items that you may only use 3 times per year, but you will keep it and use it FOREVER. Be careful of some cheaper models as the spigot can end up breaking if you’re not careful. I like this model because it’s similar to the one I paid over $100 for 2 decades ago. The spigot is stainless steel, and the beverage holder sits on a pedestal so you can put a glass underneath it to pour.

What I like about it: This modern version of the punch bowl is less messy, and they’re so pretty they even add to the decor. 

Apothecary Jars 

I can’t believe the popularity of apothecary jars over the past decade. I can remember looking for them 12 years ago and they were nearly impossible to find. Now they’re available everywhere home items are sold.

What I love about them: Fill them with salty snacks, sweets & candy, cereal, small decorative objects, small favors, even use them as a “punch bowl.”

Favorite local resources: Home Goods.

Solid Table Cloths 

A solid colored table cloth serves as the base for everything else. There are many options and resources, but in general a basic white cloth will take you anywhere. You can even use large sheets in a pinch, or to add a very specific color.

My only suggestion for table cloths is to PLEASE avoid those damask cloths – you know the ones that are a solid color but have a pattern woven into it. The pattern ends up being distracting and dated, so stick to a plain weave.

Favorite resources: Amazon, online event supply shops, TableVogue (they are fitted & floor length).

Glass Votive Holders 

Glass votive holders are NOT just for candles! Believe me, you need a set of 12 votive holders in your hosting supplies.

Why you need it: Use these little gems for small serving vessels on a party buffet. They can hold dessert parfaits, small snacks (like gold fish crackers), salad ‘shots’, or for beverages tastings like in our beer tasting party. You’ll be amazed at how much wear you can get out of these.

Favorite local resource: Craft stores like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.

Variety of Vases 

Flowers are the centerpiece staple of entertaining and it’s a good idea to have a small collection of vases, bottles, or even cans, to put them in. I like vases that have a small opening. That way it looks full and bountiful with less flowers, or can look very modern with a single stem inside.

White and clear glass are the most versatile options, but it’s fun to have colored glass or black too, depending on your decor. For more casual or rustic occasions, bottles and cans are a great option as well.

Favorite local resources: HomeGoods, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s.

Frames 

Who would have thought picture frames would become so important in party decor? Table top frames are perfect for holding buffet signs or welcome signs. Tiny frames are great for place cards, and large empty wall frames are fantastic decor for a buffet backdrop or decor, not to mention a fun element for photo props.

Craft Supplies & Backdrop Material 

If you want to pretty your party then you must have some crafting supplies. A collection of ribbon, scrapbook papers, twine, adhesive gems, fabric flowers, etc. can take you very far in dressing up apothecary jars, favor boxes, framed signs, etc. 

Backdrops have become a party staple as well, when it comes to giving your party personality. I use my 3′ x 4′ canvas for everything! Depending on what the design concept is, I cover it with fabric and/or hang a garland or bunting across it. It adds a much needed design element to an otherwise boring wall, or clashing paint color.

Favorite local resources – Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, JoAnn’s fabric & crafts.