9 Essentials You Need in Your Hostess Starter Kit
Holiday dinners, cocktail parties and family gatherings are near. And many of us already have dates on the calendar on which we'll be entertaining family and friends in our home.
Holiday Gin Fizz Cocktail
Switch up your typical winter bubble routine with this simple sparkling cocktail. A perfectly festive and unique welcoming toast for your arriving holiday guests that's bursting with vibrant berry colors and evergreen-like fragrance. [Get the recipe>>](http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/entertaining/holiday-gin-fizz-cocktail?syc=applenews_hgtv-christmas-dinner-recipes-for-the-novice-host)
If you're new to the hostess scene or have never been one before, not to worry. We've created a list of all the basic essentials that you should have in your hostess arsenal to kick off any event in your home. (And we don't mean an apron.)
Serving Platters
You'll need at least one or two serving pieces if you plan to have a group of friends or family over for dinner. As you become more and more comfortable in your hostess role, you might find that you'll want to add to your serving piece collection; however, you can definitely keep it simple at first.
I recommend having at least one large serving platter and one large serving bowl in your hostess starter kit. Sticking to a white color scheme will ensure that your pieces will go with everything, no matter what design you choose for your table.
Our Product Picks:
Pearl Oval Serving Platter, Sur La Table, $39.95
Blanc Oval Swoop Bowl, Sur La Table, $23.96
Linen Napkins
Cross-Stitched Poinsettia Napkins
Add some modern folk to your holiday table with cross-stitched poinsettia napkins. [Download our free printable poinsettia pattern](http://www.hgtv.com/content/dam/documents/HGTV/2015/Original_Kristin-Guy-HostingHolidays-poinsettia-napkins.pdf?syc=applenews_hgtv-christmas-dinner-recipes-for-the-novice-host), and [follow our easy instructions to make your own>>](http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/how-to-make-poinsettia-cross-stitch-napkins?syc=applenews_hgtv-christmas-dinner-recipes-for-the-novice-host)
While they do require a bit more care and maintenance, you can really up the elegance factor of any gathering with some lovely linen napkins. Again, you can work your way up to having several sets of these, but to start, aim to have 8-12 napkins in one color or pattern.
Our Product Pick:
Painted Owl Napkin, Anthropologie, $12
Set of Flatware
Flynnside Out Productions
This is something you might already have in your kitchen drawer, but if not, you'll want to make sure you have at least one matching set of flatware. Now, "matching" can certainly mean eclectic if you happen to have a number of mismatched vintage pieces that you've chosen to go together. But you should have at least one set flatware that you feel good about displaying on your table in front of guests. I like to recommend having enough for at least eight but feel free to start with service for four or six if that fits your budget a bit better.
Our Product Pick:
Threshold Melodie 5-Piece Flatware Set (Black), Target, $19.99
Candles
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
You might be thinking that candles would be on the optional list, but I think they're key to creating the right mood for a gathering around the holidays. If you're using candles on your dinner table, choose candles without a scent, so they don't interfere with your dining experience. However, feel free to place scented candles in other spots around your home such as gathering spots or in a guest bathroom.
Our Product Pick:
White Pillar Candles, Pottery Barn, $24
Set of Wine Glasses
DIY Chalkboard Wine Glasses
Chalkboard paint adds a splash of color and will help guests keep track of their drinks. For this project, you'll need: wine glasses, chalkboard paint, bucket or small bowl for the paint, chalk sticks, rubbing alcohol and paper towels or a clean cloth.
You'll notice that these days, wine glasses come in many shapes and sizes. However, for your starter set, your best bet is to go for a versatile collection of red wine goblets. Is it ok to serve white wine in red wine glasses? Absolutely! If red wine glasses are all you have, then don't even think twice about it.
Our Product Pick:
The Cellar Ruby Glassware Collection, Macy's, $24.99
Coasters
Jim Bastardo
If you don't have or are not using a tablecloth, then coasters are a must. But even if you are using a tablecloth, coasters can zhush up a holiday table nicely. They're also important to have on hand for cocktail parties or more casual gatherings.
Our Product Pick:
Dot Coasters, MOMA Store, $25
A Few Vases
Bohemian-Inspired Vases and Jars
With a few simple drawing techniques, make these bohemian-inspired jars to decorate your home.
Along with candles, fresh flowers are another easy way to instantly bring a level of chic sophistication to your gatherings. You'll need a vase or two to hold your flower arrangements. If you don't have vases, you can get super creative when it comes to containers for your flowers. Pitchers, jars or wine bottles would all work well. And don't worry about getting fancy with your flowers; you can pick up a lovely, budget-friendly arrangement from specialty markets or high-end supermarkets.
Our Product Pick:
Gold Bud Vase, CB2, $10.95
Dessert Serving Piece
Though you could wash off your larger serving platter to use for dessert, I find it's nice to have a separate piece to use for dessert. Tiered trays are one of my favorite things to use and they allow a lot of flexibility in terms of how you can use them. Even if you don't have a homemade dessert and you're serving something simple like cookies, removing them from their original packaging and serving them on a tiered tray well help elevate the vibe of your gathering.
Our Product Pick:
White Basics Cosmopolitan Two-Tier Cake Stand, Bed Bath & Beyond, $19.99
Cheese Plate or Board
Brian Patrick Flynn
If you tend to have cocktail parties rather than formal dinner parties, you'll want a functional cheese plate or board. Even for a dinner party, you'll likely have a cheese plate set up before your meal as an option for hors d'oeuvres. You can use a charger; however, I love to use a wooden board for a lovely cheese display.
Our Product Pick:
Threshold Marble/Wood Large Cheese Board, Target, $14.99
So, those are the basics! But if you want to spread your hostess wings a bit and add a few more things to your arsenal, here are some optional bonus (but useful!) items you can add to your starter kit:
Bonus Items
- Napkin rings
- Cocktail or martini glasses
- Water glasses
- Name place holders
- Nice corkscrew
