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This post contains a sponsored inclusion of La Crema, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.

The Entertaining Essentials Every Hostess Should Have on Hand

written by GIANNA ALDANA & JESSICA WELSH

This post contains a sponsored inclusion of La Crema, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.

Product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

dinner party essentials"
dinner party essentials
Graphics by: Aryana Johnson
Graphics by: Aryana Johnson

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamt of becoming the ultimate hostess for my friends and family. There’s something so special about having your loved ones gather in your own home, while making memories that will last a lifetime. However, the title of being a hostess is no easy feat and, in fact, takes a ton of preparation, research, and shopping—lots and lots of shopping. 

When it comes to planning a memorable gathering, having a hostess toolkit at your disposal can make all the difference. Whether you’re throwing a casual get-together, a festive holiday party, or a fancy soirée, there are must-have dinner party essentials that will help alleviate some of the pressure that comes with hosting. Consider this your ultimate guide to amp up your hosting game, and to ensure that your guests leave with an enjoyable experience every time they visit your home.

From our wine and drink favorites to timeless decor, we have curated a list of dinner party essentials that will help ensure smooth sailing for all of your events. Whether you’re a seasoned hostess looking to upgrade your entertainment collection, or someone just starting your hostessing journey, there is something here for everyone.

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Wine & Drink Essentials

Every hostess knows that the secret to putting on a successful event often lies within the drinks being served. Whether you’re throwing a planned dinner party or a last-minute wine night, stocking your home with our editor-favorite wine brand, La Crema, is an ideal way to stay prepared. Their selections of high-quality wine paired with our drinkware essentials is the ultimate recipe for a good time.

No matter the occasion, you’ll feel confident going into any hostessing experience when you’re serving La Crema wines. They have a wide variety of options—including rich Pinot Noir, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, buttery Chardonnay, and more—meaning any guests you have in your home will be drinking something they truly love. When shopping on La Crema’s website, you’ll also find suggested food pairings for each wine, so you can rest assured that your dinner party menu is up to par.

la crema sauvignon blanc
La Crema
2022 Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc

Want a glass to enjoy right now? Order on InstaCart and have it delivered to your door ASAP!

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la crema wine pinot noir
La Crema
2021 Monterey Pinot Noir

Have a bottle in your fridge before you know it when you order on InstaCart!

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wine chiller
Pottery Barn
Marble Wine Chiller
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electric wine opener
Amazon | Vin Fresco
Electric Wine Opener

4 colors available

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wine glasses
Pottery Barn | ZWIESEL GLAS
White Wine Glasses
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wine glasses
west elm | Horizon
Crystal Red Wine Glass Set
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bombay pitcher
Anthropologie
Bombay Pitcher

3 colors available

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barware kit
west elm
Brass Barware Collection
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ribbed glass cups
Amazon | American Atelier
Fluted Lowball Drinking Glasses
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cocktail glasses
Food52 | Luigi Bormioli
Italian Cocktail Coupe Glasses
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wine coaster
Crate & Barrel
Marble Wine Coaster
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wine pro aerator and stopper
Williams Sonoma
Rabbit Pro Aerator & Stopper
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Tableware

Sometimes it’s the little things—like bringing out your monochromatic dinnerware, fancy flatware, or chic chargers—that set the tone of your dinner party. The small details, cohesiveness, and the subtle accent touches are the things that your guests will compliment you on (and always remember!).

cream dinnerware
Food52 | Casafina
Modern Classic Ceramic Dinnerware

10+ colors available

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our place dinner plate seat
Our Place
Set the Table Dinnerware

4 colors available

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dinner platters
Our Place
Gather Platters

4 colors available

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white serware
west elm
Stoneware Serveware

multiple sizes available

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bowl salad bowl
Anthropologie
Old Havana Salad Bowl

3 colors available

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woven charger
Williams Sonoma
Woven Charger Placemat
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gold serving set
Food52 | Mepra
Italian Serveware

4 finishes available

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stainless steel flatware
Food52 | Fortessa Tableware Solutions
Stainless-Steel Flatware

2 finishes available

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Decor & Linens

There’s nothing that ties together the look of an event more than the right decor and linens. Swapping out everyday pieces with special or themed items can transform your space completely. Whether it’s custom place cards, accent pieces that catch your eye, or subtle pops of color, investing in these essentials can help bring your Pinterest vision to life.

scalloped dinner placemats
Anthropologie
Madeline Placemat

4 colors available

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scalloped printed linen napkins
Anthropologie
Madeline Napkins

4 colors available

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glass abstract candle holders
Anthropologie
Cut Glass Candle Holder

6 colors available

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flower painted tapered candles
Anthropologie
Faye Handpainted Taper Candles

3 colors available

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place card
Papier
L’oceano Place Cards
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faux olive branch
Pottery Barn
Faux Olive Branch
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woven table runner
west elm
Riviera Cottone Table Runner

4 colors available

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printed table cloth
west elm
Artisan Block-Print Cotton Tablecloth

3 patterns available

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30+ of the Best Hostess Gifts for Any Occasion
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This post contains a sponsored inclusion of La Crema, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.