Home Entertaining and Party Planning Tips

Whether at-home entertaining is something that comes naturally to you or if you’re simply out to socialize from the comforts of your own home, having the right supplies and equipment can make all the difference. An admittedly tedious endeavor, at-home entertaining begins well before the actual party does.

The Washington post got valuable insight from professional party planners and event hosts for the essential toolkit of basic pieces that will ensure your home-entertaining efforts are a success. The big idea was to have the right supplies and equipment that will help take the stress and workload off you, the host.

Here are essential supplies and equipment you should have whether you’re a newbie or seasoned at-home party host.

Cookware

Whether cooking for 3 or 30 guests, having the right cookware will make preparing your guests food a joy.

Make sure you have these essential kitchen tools before embarking on large-scale cooking.

A Dutch oven is a versatile cast-iron pot that can be used for a variety of tasks, including braising meat and vegetables in the oven, making stovetop pasta dishes, or even serving mulled wine.

Chef’s knife. A high-quality chef’s knife is an indispensable tool in any kitchen. It can be used for everything from chopping vegetables to carving meat. Look for a knife with a sharp, sturdy blade and a comfortable handle that fits well in your hand.

Casserole dishes are great for holding baked main dish, sides, or desserts, and can help reduce the number of dishes you need to wash. Like Dutch ovens, they can go straight from the oven to the table.

Sheet pans are another kitchen essential that can be used for roasting vegetables or baking cookies. They can also be used for preparing and organizing ingredients.
An immersion blender, also known as a hand blender, is a versatile tool that can be used to puree soups and sauces, blend smoothies, or even whip cream. It’s easy to use and clean, and takes up less space than a traditional blender. Look for one with multiple speed settings and attachments for different tasks.

A tall pot, deeper than a Dutch oven, is ideal for boiling large amounts of water or stock for big batches of pasta, soups, or stews without spilling over the sides.

When cooking proteins like chicken or steak in large quantities, investing in a decent meat thermometer can take away some of the guesswork and stress involved in getting the cooking time just right.

Tableware

The table is arguably the heart of the party. Whether you want it to be a formal set up for guests to gather over a meal, or as a central grazing hub, the table is a focal point in any at-home party. With that said, having the beautiful tableware to present your food and drinks makes everything more impressive and makes your dishes come to life. Depending on the type of cook you are, mix and match these tableware basics to make your party food shine.

Glasses

Wine glasses
Cocktail glasses

Drinking glasses
Champagne flutes

Tableware Basics

Dinner plates
Salad plates
Dessert plates

Soup bowls
Spoons, forks, knives for entrees, soups, salads and desserts
Napkins and napkin rings

Place mats
Table runner or table cloth

Serving Plates

Wooden boards
Serving platters
Salad bowl

Cake stand

Mood Setters

A party doesn’t feel like a party without setting the mood. Having the right tools and equipment to set the tone of your party is an excellent way to achieve the vibe and aesthetic you want.

Always start off with a good playlist. Music brings any setting to life. Play your own curated playlist or a predetermined one in the background. Depending what type of party you have, music is one of your best supporters to set the tone. From kids parties to evening dinner parties, the right playlist is indispensable.

Work with the right lighting. The light in your party will instantly make your guests feel a certain way. Light up candles to create an intimate setting. On the other hand, open all curtains and windows to let as much natural and light in for a casual brunch party. If you have them in place, use dimmers to adjust the brightness for dinner parties and pair it with strategic accent lighting to add focus to specific areas.

Adding greenery is also an excellent way to set the tone for at-home entertaining. A simple vase with flowers is enough to elevate a Sunday family lunch while a more elaborate arrangement of flowers can carry the entire look of say, a baby shower. Work with flowers and plants to bring your at-home party to life.

Depending on what type of at-home party host you are, as well as the type of party you’re having, preparation and hosting is easier with the right equipment. Have the right cookware, tableware and mood setters ready to go for any special occasions held at home.