10 Essential Items You Need Before You Host Guests
If you are new to hosting (and even if you’re not), you may wonder what you need to prepare for guests. The great news is that, contrary to what you might see in Pinterest-perfect party ideas, you don’t need that much.
To make things easy for you, I’ve compiled a list of ten items that have come in handy as I’ve hosted company over the years. Whether you’ve invited guests over for a spur-of-the-moment gathering or have set a date and have been planning for weeks, these ten essential elements will help before you host guests and begin to open your home to others.
Make sure you have these 10 essential items, and if you already do, they make great gift ideas for hostesses, housewarming parties, bridal showers, and weddings.
10 Essential Items You Need Before You Host Guests
1. A glass pitcher
Whether you’re serving water or another beverage, a glass pitcher makes a nice touch when you’re offering your guests a drink. Depending on your personal style, you may choose a simple, classic design or something more fun or interesting.
Bargain shopping tip: thrift stores are fantastic places to find all kinds of pitchers, typically at reasonable prices.
2. Napkins
Depending on the kind of gathering you’re planning, make sure to have a stash of napkins on hand. For nicer meals, choose cloth napkins. For more casual events, pick out paper napkins.
Bargain shopping tip: Shop closeout or clearance sections of stores for great deals. Or, head straight to Dollar Tree for a wide variety of paper napkins for $1.25.
3. Serving utensils
When I lived in my first apartment and started inviting guests over for meals, I had a basic set of silverware, plates, bowls, and glasses. What I didn’t have was a variety of serving utensils. So when I served a chili lunch, I needed to buy a ladle. When I planned to serve pie for dessert, I bought a spatula perfect for pie.
You may want to buy serving utensils as needed, like I did. Or, if you spy some you like, go ahead and get them. May your new purchase be a good incentive to invite someone over!
Bargain shopping tip: Closeout sections and secondhand stores are great places to watch for interesting serving utensil options. They may not always be available at these stores, though.
4. Serving platters and bowls
Serving platters are so useful when it comes to hosting guests. Platters can be used for anything—charcuterie, appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. Have one or two on hand. If you love to host guests, several sizes also are helpful.
Serving bowls are a little different than platters, in that if necessary, you could use a lot of smaller bowls around a table for food. If you have a couple of serving bowls, you should be good to go.
Bargain shopping tip: Not to sound like a broken record, but thrift stores and closeout sections are fantastic places to find serving platters. Even though I’ve collected enough platters throughout the years, this spring I found a fantastic huge platter on the endcap at my local Goodwill. I loved the painted pattern on it, and it looked brand-new … sure enough, the original price tag was still on the platter, and I ended up buying a $70 ceramic platter for $7.
When it comes to serving bowls, they don’t have to be matchy matchy with the rest of your tableware. Keep your eyes out for good end-of-season bargains at stores like Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, and Homegoods. You never know what you might find in the clearance section!
5. Enough cups, plates, silverware for guests
Like napkins, your cups, plate, and silverware options depend greatly on how many people you’ve invited and how formal (or informal) your event is. You may want to stick with disposable, or upgrade. It’s completely up to you!
Bargain shopping tip: If you’re looking for disposable options, Dollar Tree has a fantastic selection. To be fair, they also have reasonably priced plates and glasses, if you’d like to buy “real” tableware for extra guests.
6. A vase
While a vase isn’t a necessity, it’s a lovely addition to your home. While you may or may not decide to decorate with fresh flowers, there’s also a chance your guests might surprise you with a fresh bouquet. A vase is a lovely and useful way to display the gift!
Bargain shopping tip: Can you guess my go-to solution for affordable and unique vases? Secondhand, thrift stores! Garage sales or tag sales also are a great source for vases.
7. A candle
If you prefer the soft glow of candlelight, have at least one candle on hand for company. The cheery glow shines a warm welcome — plus, it can add a great fragrance to your room without being overpowering.
Bargain shopping tip: Wait for end-of-season sales for great deals (hello, Bath and Body Works!), or find a candle you like in your price range at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Homegoods.
8. Hand towels
Just as you should always make sure your kitchen and bathroom are the two rooms you clean before guests arrive, make sure you have fresh, clean hand towels. If you choose a cute design, keep it tucked away just for company so it doesn’t get worn out with daily use. Or, enjoy your towel daily and be ready to refresh your hand towels when needed.
Bargain shopping tip: Wait for end of season sales to stock up on a fresh, fun hand towel or two.
9. Hand soap
Whether you prefer liquid soap or a bar of soap, make sure you stock up on an extra bottle or bar of soap that you can keep on hand for company.
Bargain shopping tip: Marshalls and TJ Maxx is my favorite place for great deals on fancy soaps. Check the clearance aisle regularly and enjoy the deals!
10. “The Welcoming Home”
Finally, my book, “The Welcoming Home,” shares 52 different ways to prepare for guests, as well as 52 devotions that will help prepare your heart for welcoming guests in hospitality. Whether the thought of hosting guests makes you feel uncomfortable or excited, “The Welcoming Home” will help you in many ways.
Bargain shopping tip: “The Welcoming Home” is sold on Amazon and many in-person stores. Watch Amazon for unexpected sales.
With these ten essential elements, hosting guests will be easier. You even may feel more comfortable as you begin to open your home to others!
If you enjoy hosting visitors, what items are essential to your hospitality?
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