“Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat.” - Guy Fieri
Hosting is one of the things I love doing in our home. Creating meals for your favorite people and making your home cozy, is the best thing a host can do. I absolutely love having family and friends over. Whenever we plan a get-together, G and I always make sure that we have the best items in our kitchen, to showcase the food we’re serving to our guests.
Today, I’m sharing the essential items I keep handy when hosting a party, and what I use them for. Also, I’m dishing on some of my favorite menu items that I love serving in or on these gorgeous Williams Sonoma items!
Monogrammed Charcuterie Board + Cheese Knives
I absolutely love cheese, and any opportunity to showcase a variety of cheeses and fruits for your guests, is one you should most certainly take. Having a cute monogrammed board adds a personal touch in your kitchen. This item is perfect to gift to newlyweds at their wedding or housewarming event.
Favorite Cheese: Trader Joe’s Creamy Toscano Cheese Soaked In Syrah (cheese + wine pairings)
Condiment Bowls
If you you serve food that has an assortment of dipping sauces, having a small bowl to hold it in is ideal. Sometimes having a variety of condiment bottles out can be cumbersome, and take up a lot of counter space. The small condiment bowls are perfect to portion out the appropriate amount of serving sauce needed for the guests to enjoy.
Dessert Stand
Whether you love baking cakes, cookies, or brownies, showcasing your delicious baked goods on a pedestal is always perfect. It is the most ideal centerpiece for your event, and catches the eye of your guests. I always love serving guests around two different dessert options, it gives them options to select the perfect treat to enjoy.
Favorite Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies (recipe)
Platter + Tray + Bowl
Platters and trays are perfect to have chicken, steak, and a variety of other meats or appetizers for guests to nibble on. I love having multiple items of goodies for guests to enjoy at our home. It’s always my rule of thumb to serve at least two different types of proteins - typically beef or chicken hold up the best. Also, I love having a variety of veggies and fruits as well, especially during the warmer months!
Favorite Dishes: Lemon Pepper Wings (recipe) & Oven Roasted Red Potatoes (recipe)
Pitchers + Beverage Dispenser
I love using a pitcher or beverage dispenser for my guests to enjoy some wonderful cocktails! My friends love my red sangria, as well as my tequila cocktail. The beverage dispensers are perfect for guests to grab a drink at their leisure, without requesting another glass from the host. I love having more than one pitcher or beverage dispenser available at our event. That way, each guest can have a variety of options to choose from when they need to refresh their glass.
Favorite Cocktail: Tequila, Champagne, and Lime Cocktail (recipe)
Wine Coaster + Wine Glasses
Wine is one of my favorite things to serve at our party! I love pairing wines with the different dishes that we make. Also, Champagne is something that is always served in our home. Whether we add bubbly to our cocktails, or serve it to our guests to sip on, its one of our favorites. It’s so important to buy the right amount of bottles for your party, and if you have a few leftover, it’s perfect to enjoy at a later date!
Favorite Wine: Wine Guide
Placemats + Napkin Rings + Place Card Holders
For a sit down dinner, it’s absolutely essential to have the proper place settings for your table. To add a personal touch, having cute accessories to dress up your table, truly catches your guests eye. Adding pops of color, or elements of gold or silver really help brighten up your centerpiece!
XO, Analise