Party Planners Share Their Go-to Holiday Hosting Essentials

As the founder of FOOD LA LA, a San Francisco company that throws food- and cocktail-focused events, Lindsay Kinder is no stranger to flexing her hosting muscle for the masses. Her secret? Find stylish accessories that will boost your confidence—yes, even if you accidentally overcook the crème brûlée. “From tablecloths to placemats, and aprons that will make you feel like a runway model, Casa Velasquez hostingware is essential,” she says. “I’m a big fan of her aprons that keep you chic, yet functional while cooking!” With a ruffled trim and eye-catching fabric on both sides, the Isa Bolero Apron offers a compliment-worthy way to keep your clothes clean while you cook. (Let’s face it: This apron is so cute that we wouldn’t blame you if you left it on all night long.)

If you want to double down on mood lighting, Kinder is a big fan of mixing real candles with a few faux flames. “You’ll save on buying new candles, plus you won’t have to worry about something catching fire,” she says. That said, LED candles often run the risk of looking very fake; however, Kinder promises GenSwin’s Flameless Ivory Taper Candles are different. “[They are] made with real wax and they even have a ‘flicker’ setting so the flame looks ultra-real,” she explains. Talk about a bright idea!

From ice cream sundaes to chilled watermelon and feta salads, some of the best party spreads should be served cold. To help keep her chilled bites from melting or turning (gasp!) room temperature, Chrissy Wolfman reaches for Frongate’s Super Chill Insulated Bowls. “They come in a variety of sizes and allow you to keep food chilled for hours without the need for ice or messy condensation,” the Planned to Be Wowed owner explains. “[These bowls] make for an impressive display for any party.” If you want to take your food to new heights—literally!—Wolfman recommends the Super Chill Shrimp Tower. “[It] can be for items as simple as guacamole or fruit salad to specialty dips and seafood,” she adds. 

When planning a party, it’s easy to have a laser-focus on common spaces like the living room, dining area, and kitchen. However, Wolfman says you shouldn’t overlook private quarters such as the bathroom.  “When we have guests coming over I swap out our guest bathroom hand towel and replace it with this woven napkin holder filled with disposable cloth napkins,” she says, citing this woven option from StorageWorks as a favorite. “It’s more sanitary—who wants to dry their hands on a wet towel?—and offers a luxurious hotel feel.” If she’s feeling really fancy, Wolfman will level up with some monogrammed napkins. 

Regardless of how many guests you invite, your coat rack or closet only has so much room. Instead of stacking a bunch of jackets on your bed, add this garment rack to your cart. “It’s the perfect solution that can be easily set up in a guest room or office to accommodate all your guests’ coats, scarves, and handbags,” Wolfman shares. “When the party’s over it breaks down easily and can be stored away without taking up a lot of space.”  Practical and space-efficient? Yes, please.

Don’t have time to whip up a batch of signature cocktails? Simple bar accouterments can punch their weight in a pinch. “Adding that next-level touch and focus on details is always appreciated for any occasion,” says Miranda Grubb, owner and lead planner of Roz Event Planning in Denver, Colorado. “Unique name tags and drink stirs have been huge this season!” While Grubb loves these glitzy, customizable ones from JC DeSigns, Amazon has a bunch of frills-free options you can snag with your Prime membership.

Speaking of drink stirrers, you’ll need to grab some cups. While your finest stemware might be suitable for intimate dinner parties, you might want to grab something disposable for larger gatherings. (Plastic cups are also a must if you’re nervous about your nice glasses breaking.) According to Marley Majcher, owner of the Party Goddess in Los Angeles, Tossware’s disposable cups can’t be beat. “Not only are they customizable but they look like the real thing. They are also in very hip shapes beyond just the basic all-purpose wine glasses.”

Plastic plates can help you cut down on your post-party cleanup, but they’re not exactly known for being chic. Fortunately, Majcher has the perfect solution: These dishes from Smarty Had A Party. “The square plates that make everything look a little chicer,” she shares. “The black are my favorite and make even the most uneventful food look beyond appetizing.” Bon appétit!