Simple Party Hosting Essentials: 10 Basics I Use Every Time
I host a lot.
The best part is that it doesn’t take too much effort because I reach for the same go-tos each time I set up before my guests arrive. Truth be told, you can use the following basics at every party, even if you host a themed party!
If you feel like hosting a party requires buying a whole new set of decor every time, you’re not alone. The secret to stress-free entertaining isn’t a massive budget, it’s having a core toolkit of hosting basics you can rely on for any gathering.
You can build out your party, making setup faster, cleanup easier, and have your spread look put-together. Here are the 10 items in my hosting arsenal that never sit unused, why they’re worth every penny, and all the ways I put them to work.
1. The Cheese Board
Why it’s worth it: A cheese board isn’t just a prop, it’s the difference between “snacks on a plate” and “wow, did you do all this yourself?”
Invest in a good one, and it will upgrade every gathering (or, like me, have a few of varying sizes and shapes). The cost-per-use drops to basically nothing after a few parties.
Ways you can use it:
- Classic cheese-and-charcuterie centerpiece
- Dessert board with cookies, chocolate, and fruit
- Breakfast/brunch spread with pastries and jam
- Everyday serving tray for cutting and presenting bread and dips
- Sandwich platter with chips peppered throughout
- Graze board with a variety of different noshies
My newest favorite, and one that everyone asks, “Where did you get that?” can be found here.
2. Inexpensive White Bowls
Why it’s worth it: You don’t need matching china to look intentional. You need enough bowls that nothing’s overcrowded, and cheap enough that you’re not stressed if one chips or walks off with a guest.
These lightweight plastic bowls were first purchased for one event, but I loved the shape and size, so I washed them and used them again and again for chips and cold food.
Having this set means you’re never scrambling to find bowls that look good together which is a bonus, in my opinion.
Ways to use it:
- Chips, pretzels, popcorn
- Dips, salsa, guacamole
- Sides for a taco station/bbq station, etc
- Salad or side dish serving
3. Plastic Trays
Why it’s worth it: I’m a big fan of having uniformity in my platter because then the focus is on the food, not the chaos of different platters. If you like uniformity in your serving presentation, too, these trays do the trick. They aren’t too big ,and they are sturdy. Unlike a nice, ceramic serving platter, you don’t have to babysit these plastic ones.
These are durable, stack for storage, and won’t shatter if a party gets a little lively.
Ways to use it:
- Carrying a full spread from kitchen to table in one trip
- Corralling condiments, napkins, and cutlery in one spot
- Catching drips under drink stations or ice buckets
- Displaying your different food options in a visually pleasing way
4. Dish Towels
Why it’s worth it: A good stack of classic towels adds style to your entertainment. These were a fantastic buy because they offer classic lines and “go with anything”, making them useful at each party. Plus, they’re reusable and washable. You can see then featured in my post: How to Plan a Dinner Party: A Step-by-Step Guide for Stress-Free Entertaining.
Ways to use it:
- Lining bread baskets or the bottom of serving bowls
- Setting the table as a napkin
- Wrapping around cold drinks or wine bottles to catch condensation
- Leaving at the bar station for quick spills
5. Clamshells
Why it’s worth it: They’re around $.40 each, but they solve two expensive problems: food waste and guest goodwill.
Sending people home with leftovers is a low-cost way to make your hosting memorable, and clamshells make it easy without worrying about your tupperware making their way back to your home.
Ways to use it:
- Sending guests home with extra food
- Storing prepped ingredients the day before a party
- Organizing sliced fruit, veggies, or toppings before guests arrive
- Packing up your own leftovers for work the next day
6. Kraft Paper
Why it’s worth it: One roll lasts for dozens of gatherings, costs less than a tablecloth, and skips the laundry entirely. All you have to do is roll it up and toss it. It also happens to look great, giving spreads that rustic, farmhouse-table vibe with zero styling effort.
I like laying it down on my island because it anchors my presentation and adds a little color.
Ways to use it:
- Table runner under a charcuterie or dessert spread, learn my tips for charcuterie boards here.
- Instant table protection for messy foods (crab boils, ribs, etc.)
- Wrapping paper for hostess gifts or party favors
- A surface guests can write or doodle on at kids’ parties
- It can be the actual serving “platter” if you’re creating a graze station
7. Tongs
Why it’s worth it: A few dollars for three pairs of tongs buys you better hygiene, cleaner serving, and a more “put-together” table. They just make food easier to grab without a mess, which makes serving food to big crowds smoother. I love them so much, they show up in this post here.
Ways to use it:
- Serving salad, meats, sliced fruit, really I could go on, but you get the idea!
- Grabbing ice without a scoop
- Plating appetizers or charcuterie
- Grilling or flipping food at a cookout
8. Ramekins
Why it’s worth it: These small dishes punch way above their price point. They instantly make any spread look styled and organized instead of thrown together, and they’re small enough to fit anywhere on a crowded table. I reach for them time and again at each party because they are the perfect size for dips, nuts, chocolates…you name it!
Ways to use it:
- Individual portions of sauces, dips, or dressings
- Small servings of nuts, olives, or candy
- Individual desserts like crème brûlée or mini cobblers
9. Wine Stopper
Why it’s worth it: It’s a tiny investment that saves you from wasting half-finished bottles, and if you host regularly, that adds up fast.
Corks never go back in, and the screw tops don’t keep the wine as fresh. A reusable stopper pays for itself the very first time it saves a nice bottle from going flat.
Ways to use it:
- Resealing wine between pours or after the party ends
- Keeping sparkling wine or prosecco bubbly overnight
- Sealing flavored syrups or oils in the kitchen
- Handy for olive oil or vinegar bottles with wide openings
10. Cutting Board
Why it’s worth it: A sturdy cutting board is one of those items that quietly does double duty as a prep tool and serving piece.
This cutting board in particular is large and has a presence about it. I love to use it at my drink serving station to protect my counter from cut limes and lemons.
Ways to use it:
- All your usual chopping and slicing prep
- Serving board for bread, cheese, or charcuterie straight off the board
- Portable “plate” for bringing appetizers to the table
How to Stay Prepared When Hosting
That’s my go-to lineup.
When you have good basics, you can pepper in your style of the holiday theme easily, but who wants to invest in each party?
These easy entertaining must-haves earn their keep constantly. Honestly, that’s the whole secret to easy, good-looking hosting: buy a few smart basics, and let them work overtime.
What is the one hosting basic you can’t live without? Let me know in the comments below!
