Tools

4 Hosting Essentials for Successful Year-Round Entertaining

Hosting is an art form, and even the best artists have their go-to essentials.

By Team Made InOct 11, 2024

It takes a lot to be a successful host, as anyone who’s become the go-to house for holiday dinners, get-togethers, or impromptu dinner parties will tell you. From the prep beforehand to the clean-up after, it’s not something you can do successfully if you’re not fully prepared. That’s why we put together the definitive list of entertaining essentials.

Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re looking to dial your entertaining skills up to an 11, here’s our approved list of hosting essentials every host should have on hand this coming holiday season.

Matching Wine Glasses

We’re of the opinion that details matter when it comes to hosting, including what your guests drink out of (it’s often the first impression, after all). There’s nothing inherently wrong with a mismatched collection of wine glasses or plastic champagne flutes—but if you’re looking for an upgrade or to give your guests the experience they deserve, look no further than our proprietary shaped wine glasses that are as stylish as they are functional.

Designed to enhance the flavor of your favorite wines, these glasses are the perfect match for any event—plus, they’re ultra-durable and easy to pop in the dishwasher once everyone’s gone home.

Plateware

Just as with wine glasses, having a cohesive set of plates takes the aesthetics and overall experience of your guests up a notch. There’s something charmingly collegiate about dining off mismatched or even paper plates—but a matching set of gorgeous English-made, restaurant-grade plateware makes for a refined experience that matches the effort put into hosting your friends or family.

From Appetizer Plates to bowls for dessert, our Plateware collection has it all. Bonus points if the table is properly set before your guests arrive.

Dutch Oven

This one may seem out of place compared to the other serving and entertaining essentials—but trust us, cookware pieces that can double as serving vessels are the unsung hero of hosting. Our French-made Dutch Oven is durable enough to prepare any dish, from a side of mashed potatoes to a whole roast chicken; and the hand-enameled exterior is beautiful enough to go straight to the table when it’s done.

Available in a wide range of shapes and colors to suit your kitchen needs, this is one hosting essential you don’t want to be without.

Serveware

Whether you serve meals family-style or buffet-style, there’s one last finishing touch that helps kick your hosting skills up a notch: dedicated serveware. From Serving Platters and Bowls for holding dishes to Serving Utensils that help you serve with elegance and ease, this small addition to your hosting lineup can make a huge difference.

Ready to Host?

Now you’re equipped with (almost) all the tools you need to execute a successful dinner party, holiday dinner, or festive get-together. Shop our Award-Winning collection of table essentials, serveware, and guest-proof glassware to check one more thing off your holiday hosting to-do list.