Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.
Ale here, your Skimm Tested guinea pig and proud Libra. And in true Libra fashion, I’ve spent the majority of this season getting ready to start hosting again. To prep, I sifted through emails and perused my own personal collection for the best decor, drinkware, and kitchen tools that would make any hostess feel like the mostest. Enjoy.
Twisted taper candles to set the mood…
One of my favorite hosting hacks is adding as many long-stemmed candles to the tablescape as possible. Bonus points if they have a unique shape or color, like these twisted tapers. Your guests will love the extra light and the warm, glowy vibe they create.
A mess-free electric lighter…
Your mood-setting candles deserve an equally elegant electric lighter. This sleek one from Flume is gas- and plastic-free, making it a more sustainable alternative to disposable lighters and matches. You can charge it with any USB-C cable (though one is included) and you can use it about 100 times before it needs a recharge.
An elite appetizer delivered to your door…
Whether you’re planning a multi-course dinner or a simple hang with friends, a solid appetizer will be greatly appreciated by all — especially one you don’t have to spend hours cooking or prepping. Rice's Market will send you 16 pieces of fresh, velvety tuna and golden crispy rice straight to your door. All you have to do is air fry the pre-cut rice cubes for about five minutes, spread the spicy tuna, and top off with pre-sliced jalapeno. Can confirm, they’re delicious.
The best goblets and flutes for libations…
For smaller get-togethers, don’t be afraid to break out the glassware. I love these colorful goblets because they’re large enough for a hefty pour of wine or iced drinks. For bubbly, I love these iridescent flutes for their funky, whimsical shape.
Sturdy plastic cups you’ll want to reuse…
If your party is large enough to be standing room only most of the time, plastic drinkware can help prevent accidents and make cleanup so much easier. These disposable stemless wine and whiskey glasses are durable and could pass as glass. The angled diamond shape not only makes them more unique and sophisticated than your average plastic cup, it also makes them easier to hold on to.
A serving platter from a classic homeware brand…
MacKenzie-Childs is one of those instantly recognizable brands that screams luxury (without the obscene price tag). This platter is great for passing around appetizers or serving sides at dinner.
A large serving bowl for eating family-style…
Never underestimate the power of an oversized bowl at a dinner party. This medium-sized bowl from Crow Canyon is equal parts eye-catching and practical. Use it for serving pasta or salad, or displaying treats or fruits for your guests. If you’re looking for an even bigger one that could double as an ice bucket, try the brand’s Giant Benson Basin.
A table fan that will keep bugs away during outdoor gatherings…
One of our editors asked me to include these fly fans, and I’m not in the habit of gatekeeping. They’re flexible and quiet, and can run up to 15 hours on batteries while keeping the pesky critters away. No wires or fires required.
Disposable plates that look ceramic…
Plasticware that doesn’t look like plasticware? A treasure. These swanky, baroque-style plastic plates cost less than $10. They’re made from 100% food-grade BPA-free plastic and handle heavy dinner portions like a dream. Pro tip: Buy both sizes and layer them on top of each other to elevate your tablescape. Don’t forget to mix and match colors.
Whimsical cocktail napkins you can reuse…
Instead of spending hundreds of decor you’ll use once, invest in some high-quality napkins with color and personality to help set the tone of your event. I love these washable linen napkins from Piecework to add pops of color to the bar and sidetables. Who doesn’t love food-shaped accent pieces?
A flower vase to show off your stems…
Flowers work wonders to create a festive environment with little to no effort. This cylindrical glass vase is tall and elegant, and won’t take up too much space on your counter or dining table. Because of its clear, minimalist design, it’s also a great option for filling with ornaments, marbles, candles, or other DIY centerpieces.
A solid cheeseboard and knife set…
Cheeseboards aren’t just the most aesthetically pleasing appetizers, they’re also super easy to throw together and typically require zero prepwork or cook time. To make your charcuterie assortment shine, go for this dramatically large 40-inch wooden board. The raised edges and iron handles help prevent spillage, and it even comes with a set of matching cheese knives. If you’re looking for something a little smaller, take a peek at the other sizes. I also love this three-compartment serving board for nuts and crackers.
A card game that will spark conversation…
Even though you’re entertaining, that doesn’t mean you have to be the entertainment. “Where Should We Begin” is a card game by renowned relationship expert Esther Perel, designed to spark conversation and encourage interpersonal connection. It’s a great way to break the ice at the start of your party, or wind down after dinner during your sobremesa. If you’re still hesitant, don’t worry, we tested it for you.
Decorative flowers that won’t wilt on you…
Realistic faux flowers are a great way to save cash in the long run and ensure you always have some sort of decor on hand. In other words, they’re the ultimate dinner party hack. These faux dahlias look real and will last for years. If you’re still on the hunt for fresh, live stems, we’re personally big fans of Bouqs.
Elegant place cards…
Place cards aren’t just for weddings. They’re a great way to elevate your dinner party and act as a sneakily helpful guide for any guests who may have forgotten others’ names. (It happens.) These foldable cards are sturdy and elegant, and will match well with most tablescapes. If you’re looking for something more unique, try draping these over your place settings.
A water pitcher you can use daily…
A solid water pitcher, like a large serving bowl, is key for any dinner party. This pitcher from The Pioneer Woman (a dinner party host extraordinaire) is clear without being boring. Better yet, it’s dishwasher safe.
Tablecloths to bring your tablescape together…
Tablecloths aren’t just practical, they also add a level of coziness to your table setup. I love this two-tone, European linen tablecloth because it’s colorful enough to warm up the space, but won’t compete with more elaborate place settings and centerpieces. If you’re looking for something more ornate (but no less versatile), this one from Rifle Paper Co. is a compliment magnet.
Salt and pepper shakers you won’t mind leaving out…
These marble and brass salt and pepper shakers are sleek and won’t get lost on the table. They’ve got a nice weight to them, which, yes, makes a difference.
Knit coasters that won’t stick to the bottom of a glass…
Good friends use coasters, great friends remind you to break them out, and best friends (that’s us) show you where to find the best ones for your next dinner party. These crochet coasters will add a unique handcrafted touch to the evening, and won’t come slamming down after accidentally sticking to a sweaty glass.
A chips and dip platter that moonlights as a cake stand…
This reversible dip platter is a great appetizer dish by day, and a stunning cake stand by night. All you have to do is flip it over. It’ll save you storage space and look fabulous no matter how it’s used (even if just for decoration).
A set of woven placements…
Tablecloth or no tablecloth, placemats will always make your table feel more put-together and intentionally designed. These round placemats from Pottery Barn will go with every type of vibe or theme, so you can use them year-round.
A silicone mat that will keep your food warm…
This rollable warming mat heats up in about one minute, and will keep any ceramic, glass, or stainless steel dishes nice and warm throughout the entire evening. It also works on frying pans and enamel cookware. You can choose between three adjustable temperature settings depending on the food you’re serving, then wipe clean when the party’s over.
An indoor mat for cleaner interiors…
It doesn’t matter if you’re a shoes-on or shoes-off kind of household, you’ll be grateful for this washable mat by the end of the night. It’ll help trap dirt and grime without sticking out like a sore thumb.