12 Must-Have Essentials for Hosting

Not only are they sommelier-approved, our Tour wine glasses are also our #1 bestselling. Made from break-, chip- and scratch-resistant Tritan glass (thank us later), these glasses have a slightly angular shape that’s both modern and timeless. Over time, you’ll want to collect both red and white wine glasses for the optimal wine-drinking experience, but if you are tight on space, you can’t go wrong with the Tour 18-oz red wine glass that works as a multi-purpose glass. Or, if ultra casual is your vibe, go with stemless, which we love for sparkling water and cocktails too. And yes, they are all dishwasher safe.

We are firm believers that all you need for a party is one guest and a good dip. Our chip & dip set is a one-step party display that works for all the best pairings like chips and guac and hummus and pita and even assorted pretzels and snack mixes or an epic french fry platter with aioli for dipping. The two pieces separate so you can use them independently, and the sleek white design compliments all of your other serveware. Even better, this set is dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe to 375 degrees so serving a warm dip is no hassle at all.

A great set of white dishes is a must, whether you host monthly dinner parties, one annual holiday meal or simply eat at home a few nights a week. Our Mercer dinnerware collection has a hammered porcelain finish that blends refinement and rusticity, while being easy to stack and store. While you can dress it up for seasonal celebrations with special linens and decor, this collection is also made for everyday living so it’s dishwasher-, freezer-, microwave- and oven-safe to 350°F. And starting at $4.95, it won't break the bank.

Both Wirecutter and Serious Eats agree that our Caesna flatware is among the very best. This flatware is made from 18/10 stainless steel which resists corrosion, bending and is meant to last for decades. Although the classic mirror finish is most popular, there are 3 additional options for a custom look: satin, vintage and textured. And since it’s been a staple in our collection for 10 years, you can easily find additional serving pieces and replacements as needed. 

Host a couple of casual get-togethers, and you’ll soon see why a set of classic appetizer plates is a must. The Party of 12 appetizer plates are a go-with-anything set that takes up very little storage space. Made from durable porcelain, the flared rims keep apps and crumbs from sliding off, and they are easy to pop into the dishwasher at the end of the night. Pro tip: Since this comes as a boxed set, it makes a thoughtful—and affordable—host gift too.

Our modular 6-piece serving set is a clever, customizable set that includes a large serving tray, a dip bowl and four shallow dishes that can fit together like a puzzle. One of our reviewers raves about the versatility, “This goes with every decor and can be used several different ways for hot or cold veggies, crackers and dips or cheese, or snacks. You can even remove all of the dishes and use the base as a tray, or remove some of the dishes to make the unit fit larger items. Endless possibilities!”