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Party Planners Share Their Go-to Holiday Hosting Essentials

Get the party started in style.

Kelsey Mulvey

Throwing a holiday party—be it cocktails on Christmas Eve or a New Year’s bash of Gatsby-esque proportions—isn’t all popping bottles of bubbly and receiving host gifts. From fine-tuning your guest list to creating a menu that caters to a myriad of dietary restrictions, hosting is a rather tough task. Even once you finalize the party basics, you may want to focus on those small touches that will make your get-together gorgeous and guest-friendly in equal measure. Simply put, the very best hosts are the ones who have thought of everything—and didn’t sacrifice a dollop of design integrity in the process.

To help home in on your hosting muscle–and throw the best party ever—four professional event planners are sharing their go-to essentials. From chic serveware to well-appointed aprons, one thing’s for certain: These picks are the key to your most stylish soirée yet.

Party Like a Pro

1 /8 Courtesy of Casa Velasquez

Casa Velasquez Isa Bolero Apron

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.)

Casa Velasquez Isa Bolero Apron, $150
2 /8 Courtesy of Amazon

GenSwin Flameless Ivory Taper Candles

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 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!

GenSwin Flameless Ivory Taper Candles, $26
3 /8 Courtesy of Frontgate

Frontgate Super Chill Insulated Bowls

From ice cream sundaes to chilled watermelon and feta salads, some of the best party spreads are best 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.

Frontgate Super Chill Insulated Bowls, starts at $62
4 /8 Courtesy of Amazon

StorageWorks Water Hyacinth Napkin Holder

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.

StorageWorks Water Hyacinth Napkin Holder, $16
5 /8 Courtesy of Amazon

Simple Trending Standard Rod Clothing Garment Rack

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.

Simple Trending Standard Rod Clothing Garment Rack, $37
6 /8 Courtesy of JC DeSigns

JC DeSigns Drink Toppers

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.

JC DeSigns Drink Toppers, from $22
7 /8 Courtesy of Amazon

TOSSWARE POP 18oz Vino XL

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.”

TOSSWARE POP 18oz Vino XL, $64 for a set of 48
8 /8 Courtesy of Amazon

Smarty Had A Party Elegant Disposable Plastic Plates

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!

Smarty Had A Party Elegant Disposable Plastic Plates, $151 for a set of 240

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