10 Must-Haves for Anyone Who Loves Hosting Dinner Parties

With the holidays around the corner, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need for those big dinners. Whether you normally serve elaborate classic dishes or homemade pizza and beer, the food is the star. These dishes and platters will ensure that whatever you serve this holiday season looks amazing!

The holidays are all about enjoying good company and good food. And there’s no better way to spread love and joy, and share fond memories (while making new ones) than over a delicious meal. If you’ll be hosting a holiday this year, or you just love to entertain, some of our serving selections will definitely come in handy!

A Charcuterie Board/Serving Tray

A charcuterie board tends to stand out at parties, especially when it’s topped with an array of delicious grazing foods, like fruit, cheese, meats, and bread. It’s the perfect mashup for both feeding and entertaining guests.

The Royal Craft Wood charcuterie board is designed with a non-absorbant, odor-free surface and made of 100% bamboo. The secure magnetic drawer is excellent for storing the included cutlery set and the beveled side handles make this a convenient platter to hold and carry. It comes beautifully wrapped, too, so it would make a charming gift for the “hostess with the mostess” in your life.

Large Serving Platter Set

A set of the large serving platters is a must whether you’re hosting a party of 10 or just having a few people over for dinner. These porcelain platters are perfect for apps, side dishes, or main courses and make your food really pop thanks to their all-white surfaces.

The heightened edges prevent brothy foods from leaking over the side. They’re microwave- and dishwasher-safe (if they’ll fit) and can also safely go in the oven. You get three sizes: 12-, 14-, and 16-inch.

A Timeless 40-Piece Dinner Set

The color of your dinner plate is more important than you might think. It sets the mood for your meal, and a bright-white set will really make your food stand out and take center stage.

And your food should get all the attention, after all—it’s hard work! White dinnerware will also go with everything, so you can decorate your table with colorful linens, candles, and whatever else suits the season or occasion.

This 40-Piece set includes enough plates, bowls, and mugs to serve eight people. Use them for casual or formal occasions, and feel free to toss them in the dishwasher afterward.

A Fancy Bartending Set

Dazzle your guests with this gorgeous golden mixology set, complete with a fancy mahogany stand. The high-quality bar accessories include:

• Ice tongs
• A bar spoon
• A jigger
• A muddler
• A corkscrew
• Two pour spouts
• A strainer
• A shaker

You can set this anywhere—on a counter, sideboard, or bar cart. Just add booze and you’ll be ready to whip up some delicious cocktails for your family and friends.

Rustic Bar Cart

This charming bar cart is sure to add some appeal to any dining room, kitchen, or living area that could use a bit of embellishment. When it’s time to show off your top-shelf liquor, just wheel this baby out and get to mixing.

The removable top rack makes it easy to mix, and then serve. We also love that it holds up to four wine bottles, plenty of glasses, and any other mixology tools you might need.

24-Piece Flatware Set

It’s fair to say that, over the years, we all tend to collect many pieces of flatware that seldom match. While using mismatched forks and knives is acceptable for casual weeknight meals, it’s nice to have a special set for guests.

This gorgeous 24-piece set by Avalon is made of sleek stainless steel. It serves six and stores away easily in a portable box. You can also choose a silver, gold, or black finish.

Dinner Linens

When you use linens instead of cheap paper napkins, it instantly upgrades the beauty of your dinner table. That’s why we recommend that everyone have a set for special occasions.

This set of 12 from Fingercraft is available in six colors to match any kitchen or dining room décor. Made of 85% cotton and 15% linen, they’re also perfectly safe to toss in the washing machine.

Le Creuset Braiser

Le Creuset impresses everyone and once a meal has been slow-cooked in the oven for several hours, the aroma will make your company feel like they’re in heaven.

The five-quart braiser boasts large handles for easy transport, which is essential when you start things off on the stove, move to the oven, and then the dinner table. The enameled interior and gorgeous, brightly colored exterior combined with the incredible heat retention of cast-iron construction make this an incredible piece of cookware.

Electric Fondue Maker

Nothing tempts people like melty cheese or a proper fondue dinner. This lovely, brushed stainless-steel fondue maker will definitely impress your family and friends.

Measuring 6.12 x 10.50 x 7 inches, the three-quart bowl will hold chocolate, cheese, broth, or oil. It’s especially perfect if you’re hosting a sleepover for the kids! It includes eight fondue forks, and the pot is dishwasher-safe, too.

Elite Gourmet Buffet Food Warmer

One of the biggest dilemmas when hosting guests is having enough room to keep all your hot food hot! When the oven is occupied, and you only have one slow-cooker to work with, the Elite Gourmet triple food warmer is a real lifesaver.

For under $50, you get three, 2.5-quart buffet trays, or you can use the entire base as a warming tray. It’s an excellent way to keep your food warm and out of the danger zone. You can also adjust the temperature if something gets too hot.

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These serving accessories not only make entertaining easier, but they’re also sure to impress your guests. But why stop here? There are plenty of other tools and appliances that’ll help you cook and serve delicious food.