8 Pretty Entertaining Essentials for a Chic Holiday Party

Jenny's editor's picks for entertaining — Photo: Atelier Saucier; Graphic: MyDomaine

There’s no time in my life that I feel more like a fully grown adult than when I’m hosting people in my home. It’s the time that I get to show my personality in my décor, open my home and play host, and enjoy a nice evening with friends.

A party is always a good idea, but the holidays is when I really want to get my friends over. I don’t have the space for a large backstock of seasonal décor or the desire to get anything my mom might refer to as “the good China,” but I do have some key entertaining pieces I know I can rely on to elevate any occasion.

Here are my 8 entertaining essentials I break out for every holiday party.

Atelier Saucier

View On Ateliersaucier.la View On Bloomingdales

Tables need coasters for protection from rings, and my guests need cocktail napkins for protection from cold fingers and drips of wine. Atelier Saucier makes reusable fabric cocktail napkins that make any drink look fancier. In my set, each coaster has a different color trim so each guest can keep track of their drink.

This Brand Is My Secret to Hosting an Elevated Date Night

The Home Depot

View On Home Depot

Are coupes technically necessary? No. Are they the most festive and fancy glassware that literally anyone would be excited to drink from? Absolutely. These crystal coupes are from Home Depot (yes, really) and are surprisingly affordable. They’re perfect for a toast and look great on a bar cart.

Crate & Barrel

View On Crate & Barrel

I’m a fine cook, but my meals don’t turn out pretty. My cheese plates though, are enviable. This slate board works well for serving cheese and charcuterie boards, passing appetizers, or even bringing out dessert — who says it only had to be used for cheese?

Home Decorators Collection Brenner 20-Piece Copper Finished Stainless Steel Flatware Set (Service for 4)

Home Depot

View On Home Depot

The gleam of shiny copper instantly makes my tablescapes shine. It’s the choice of something other than the ordinary silver that has the dinner table looking extra special.

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

I don't have the space for any counter décor, so the only festive accent that lives in my kitchen is a holiday dish towel. This one features a London street scene during the holidays. You can fold it in half over the oven handle for display or use it to keep rolls warm in a bread basket.

Amazon

View On Amazon

Usually I have out black candle holders with votive candles, but a party calls for tapered candlesticks. They work all season long, from Thanksgiving through the chilly months.

These Are Some of the Best Candles Out There—And They Cost Less Than $20

World Market

View On World Market

I love live evergreen cuttings and greenery for a seasonal and timeless accessory, but a live garland requires care (not to mention I have to buy it again every year). To save myself the time and money, I’ve got a faux eucalyptus garland. It looks great on the sideboard or as a centerpiece. Plus, eucalyptus looks great any time of year.

Amazon

View On Amazon

It’s a small thing to have a phone charger available for use, but it’s such a nice touch that guests always appreciate it. I leave it somewhere really obvious and that isn’t in the way (never on the kitchen counter); sometimes I put a note near it telling people to charge at will. It saves guests the trouble of feeling like they have to bother me and ask if they can borrow one of mine or where they can plug in.

The Entertaining Issue