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Entertaining Essentials: 5 Items Every Host Needs

It’s that time of year: Big dinner plans are made, parties are scheduled, and people gather around your table ready to celebrate.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or a holiday cocktail party, having a few versatile entertaining pieces is essential. Here’s what you need to make your upcoming soirees simple and stylish.

Pitcher

For serving water or your signature mixed drink, a generously sized pitcher is indispensable – you can even use it as a vase for those surprise bouquets you receive as host gifts. Choosing a metallic option like copper gives this vessel a special look, but it’s still neutral enough to go with any tablescape.

legend-pitcher
Legend Pitcher, Crate and Barrel, $50

Cake stand

Use a cake stand for serving your favorite dessert or as a pedestal for the table’s centerpiece. Adding a natural wood element makes any table feel more grounded and complete. Like the pitcher, it’s neutral and will go with anything.

cake-stand
Forest Floor Cake Stand, Anthropologie, $58

Serving tray

A tray is a necessity for serving hors d’oeuvres or simply corraling glassware. You can also use it to create a simple drink station: Just place beverage essentials on the tray and leave it on a buffet or the dining table for a pretty, yet functional, self-service display. Copper and marble are big trends in home decor right now, and this tray brings them together perfectly.

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Marble and Copper Tray, Pottery Barn, $119

Festive patterned napkins

For most of your entertaining basics, neutral is the way to go. But an effective way to liven up your table is by bringing in a colorful, patterned napkin. The options are endless, and choosing a look that appeals to you establishes the mood of your table in a snap.

napkin
Berry Meadow Napkins, Williams Sonoma, $40

Unique glassware

Traditional glassware is always a safe bet, but glasses with a unique shape or color can really make an impact. A terrific conversation starter, unique glassware is perfect for jazzing up your table or the specialty drinks you’re planning to serve.

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Northern Lights Glassware, West Elm, $10

Together these five chic essentials will make any table or buffet party-ready. They each feel special, but are versatile enough to mix and match with different color schemes for any event you can dream up. Happy hosting!

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