Entertaining is my specialty. My daughter jokingly calls it my love language. It’s true. I love making people happy by gathering people together…Bringing them light and laughter brings ME joy. Everyone wins!
Over the years it’s gotten much easier and yes, some of that is like the old adage, practice makes perfect. The more you do it, the more you learn what works for you and what doesn’t. You learn what you can do to plan ahead or how to best determine the flow within your home, inside and out. And you learn that no matter how big or how small a gathering…somehow everyone always ends up congregating in the kitchen!
I think one of the main reasons that I can entertain with such ease, is that I have built up an arsenal of items that I can pull from no matter what the occasion. These are the staples I have on hand that can be pulled out and used depending on the theme of the affair—a Swiss Army Knife of Entertaining, if you will.
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While I’ve far surpassed what I “need” to have on hand (don’t tell my hubbie I said that), here are some great areas to start you out:
LINENS:
Now full disclosure: I have a linen fetish. I absolutely love tablecloths, napkins, table runners…all of it. My husband likes baseball hats. I like linens. The good news is he wears his hats and I use my linens, so we’re “even” despite our rousting of one another.
There are some basics to consider when building your linen stash: Colors, Fabric & Size.
Colors:
If you’re starting from scratch, go with the basics: black, white and red. While black and white seem a little more obvious in their neutrality, red is incredibly versatile. Think Christmas, Valentine’s, 4th of July, Cinco de Mayo & birthday celebrations. These three colors can anchor so many events you will be amazed.
Fabric:
Fabric and use go together as the fabric choice can depend on how you intend to use them and the upkeep you’re willing to spend. While a linen or heavy cotton can look fabulous on a table, it can tend to wrinkle. Depending on the fabric, some time in the dryer can get the majority of the wrinkles out, but sometimes ya gotta pull out the ole iron for touch ups. Although the natural slightly wrinkled imperfection of linen can build beautiful character into your tablescape, too.
Polyester on the other hand wears extremely well (especially for spills) and out of the dryer tablecloths can come out like they’re freshly pressed. I use poly a lot when I’m hosting larger events and have varying sizes of tablecloths in black and white. While I do own some poly napkins, I prefer the look and feel of cotton or linen. Poly napkins also tend to slip off peoples’ laps when they’re dining.
To confuse us more, there are linen/cotton and poly/cotton blends that are great options and bonus, machine washable plus easier on the pocket book. This is where your own preference and budget comes into play. I own a bit of all of it 😉 but You do YOU!
Size:
Size matters. Since we’re talking about building your arsenal of linen items, I lean toward purchasing with more formal events in mind to allow for more versatility. That way they can also be used for more casual occasions as well.
A good rule of thumb is the longer the drop, the more formal the look. Typically for more casual events, a 6-8” drop length (the measurement from the edge of the table to the bottom of the linen) is standard, and 15” for formal settings.
But the deal is this: While it is all personal preference, if you’re building your linen closet go with the larger sizes. You’ll find more uses and more bang for your buck. I tend to layer my table linens, so many of my staples are sized for a “full drop” meaning the linens go all the way to the floor or sometimes even a “puddle” drop which gives a more billowy appearance.
This is my rationale for the full or puddle drop sizing for your solids:
I tend to layer my tables, so having a black or white tablecloth with a full drop allows me to build my tablescape.
It’s an easy way to elevate the tone and feel of the event.
3. When used for my “check in” table at many of my parties I often hide prizes, favors, and other extras underneath and it still looks tidy and clean. (Shhh! Don’t tell!)
4. It can cover up unsightly tables. Prior to purchasing our dining room set, we had a hand-me-down 8’ card table from Grandma Ida that served as our dining room table for years and no one was the wiser.
When it comes to purchasing, remember you are building your inventory and want them to last. Pay a little extra to get a better quality. You don’t have to break the bank to do this: Target, Amazon, Home Goods, At Home & Macy’s on sale are all great choices. Once you have the basics, then you can slowly build your holiday-specific or other layering pieces.
My mom would describe it this way: “Spend your money on a good, comfortable, quality sofa in a neutral color that will last you a long time. Then to mix things up, you change out the throw pillows. You can get a whole new look for a fraction of the price.” Thanks, Gigi!
*Fun-Size Take:
Bed sheets can also serve as a tablecloth. There are darling prints out there you could easily use on a dining table for your gathering. Get creative! I also keep a couple white flat sheets on hand to use for jeuging on the buffet table. AND, my hot pink “table cloth” I use all the time is actually a sheet I found at Target years ago. (I’m giving you all the tea! 😀)
TABLEWARE:
This is another obsession of mine: Dishes, cutlery, glassware. I would have dozens of sets of everything if space and money were no object. But having just the basics will provide a perfect clean slate to build from.
Dishes:
Classic white with simple clean lines is the way to go. Here are some options depending on your budget: Crate & Barrel’s Aspen Rimmed Dinnerware, Sur La Table Bistro, Euro Ceramic on Amazon. I would purchase a minimum of 8 place settings, but for entertaining I suggest 12. [Amazon Basics]
Flatware:
This is an area I struggle with as I feel it’s challenging to find new everyday flatware both of good quality and economical. I am still using my everyday silverware from my registry 31 years ago, Gorham Melon Bud. (I’ve seen it sold less expensively on Replacements, Ltd. but I hesitate to recommend this as I’m unsure how and where it is currently manufactured.) So, if you’re able, I would step up in this area in order to have the craftsmanship needed to avoid having a fork tine bend or your knife rust just from everyday use.
The Spruce Eats evaluated flatware and silverware for 2024 and recommended Robert Welch Westbury Mirror for best everyday, Lianyu for best budget and best overall was Lenox Portola (echoed by Better Homes & Gardens as the best larger set). As over time we tend to lose silverware, (Where do they go? Are they hanging out in the dryer with the missing socks?!) I would certainly lean towards larger-piece settings.
Another great idea that I’ve used as I did lose some pieces after 30+ years, is purchase vintage mismatched stainless flatware. I bought mine at Neiman Marcus, but I looked and didn’t find them to still be available. However, now I’m finding several great options on Etsy. I love that it’s less than perfect but well-made, a little eclectic and brings some fun and whimsy to the table. Yard sales and swap meets are another way to go and still be easy on the budget. Don’t forget to grab a few serving pieces for the buffet as well.
Glassware:
Perhaps it’s my family or how much entertaining we do, but we go through A LOT of glasses! Because of this, I don’t spend a lot of money in this area. Besides there are so many GREAT reasonably priced options: Target, Amazon, Ikea, Home Goods.
Choose simple lines and sets that have the 16 oz. and 12 oz. glasses are ideal to get you started. Add some wine glasses and champagne glasses and you’re good to go.
Stem or no stem? It’s really up to you. While stemless is trendy, there are pros and cons to both and true wine connoisseurs may have something to say about warming the wine by holding the bulb…but bottom line it’s reallly personal preference. You do YOU!
Serving Pieces:
Platters:
- 2 Medium-size serving trays. (Mine are white ceramic similar to these)
- Can be used for appetizers, plating veggies or meats for buffet-style dining
- 2 Large-size trays. (I have pewter, like these at Pottery Barn).
- Multi-purpose but especially useful for larger gatherings
- 1 Cheese board (don’t forget a spreader)
- Perfect for appetizers, desserts, breakfast stations and more.
I found these at Pottery Barn, but TJ Maxx, Target or Home Goods also have plenty of variety and some less expensive options.
- Perfect for appetizers, desserts, breakfast stations and more.
- 1 Melamine tray, small to medium (similar to these on Amazon)
- Backyard dining, concerts in the park or beach picnics are a breeze without the worry of breakage.
- 1-2 Large
- Side dishes, salads or popcorn for a “Girls Night”
1 Extra Large
* You ALWAYS need a bigger bowl. When you’re making salad for a larger group and are actually able to toss it, you will thank me. You’re welcome.
Baskets:
- 1 Small, 1 medium
- A bazillion uses like: bread basket, display favors, store utensils for buffet, raffles, and so much more! There are tons of choices for styles so it’s really whatever vibe you like. Pick them up at Home Goods, Michael’s Target or even check out your local thrift store for bargain prices.
Vases:
We’ve covered the basics, now for the jeuging. It’s time to stock up on the “accessories” to bring the bling and the pretty to the table. Fresh flowers are key so having varying sizes of vases on hand is a necessity.
Think about your home when you entertain and where you would typically place your flowers such as: dining table(s), buffet, powder room, living area, etc. Account for each of these and then add one or two more vases for an additional table or if someone brings you flowers as a hostess gift.
Here’s my normal “go to” when hosting:
- 3 small vases for dining table (I prefer smaller arrangements for guests to see over—no “bob n weave” necessary to chat, but 2 little larger vases work too)
- 1 small vase for food buffet (which is usually in my kitchen family-style)
- 1 small vase for outside conversation area or living room, depending on time of year or if I needed to add additional seating
- 1 bud size vase for powder room
- 1 taller vase if needed for hostess gift flowers with less time to trim and arrange
I certainly have some beautiful vases that I have been gifted over the years and I love and use them regularly. However, when I’m making my floral arrangements for a party, I pull out my ole faithful bubble vases or the clear square vases I’ve acquired. I do this for two reasons:
(1) I like the uniformity when I’m doing my floral arrangements and
(2) I give many of the arrangements away to guests. If I don’t get the vase back (as I’m a huge reuse/recycler) I’m not bummed. It just means a trip to Michael’s or a click on Amazon to replenish.
*Fun-Size Take:
*Note to those who choose to bring the hostess flowers as a gift at a party…DON’T!
(And before you freak out, read on…)
Okay, that’s not a fair or totally accurate statement. While it is a lovely gesture, the last thing your host or hostess needs to do as guests are arriving is to have to grab a vase and arrange your flowers. For just a small, casual dinner it’s fine. But for a larger party where your hostess is doing lots of “meet & greet” and well…hostessing, let’s not add one more thing to their plate.
If you still feel compelled to bring flowers (they could be their favorite!), just make sure they are already arranged in a vase OR choose flowering plants like orchids or even succulents are another way to go.
CANDLES:
Votives, votives and more votives! I have lots and I use lots. Candles are an inexpensive way to set the mood. I use them inside and outside; you won’t be disappointed with the beautiful lighting it creates around a table or room. I purchase them in bulk on Amazon or at Smart & Final and replenish on the regular. Great entertaining bang for your buck!
RIBBONS:
Ribbon? Yes, ribbon! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled out ribbon for different uses when hosting a party:
- Tie on basket holding utensils or bread
- Wrap around vases to add color or tie in theme
- To make napkin rings for place settings
- Add to cake knife for a birthday
- Make a last minute sign for the front door telling guests to “Come on In!”
- Use for tying up favors for guests
What kind? A variety:
- Wired edge ribbon in 1 ½” widths – wire makes it easy to manipulate when jeuging.
- Wired edge ribbon in larger 2 ½”-3” widths – great for bow making and also wraps easily around vases when I’m arranging and need to disguise the stems.
- ½” – 1” satin (or velvet) ribbon – elevates to a more elegant decor
- ¼” – ⅝” grosgrain – less formal, more whimsical
- Curling ribbon in various colors – especially great for gift wrapping and if need to roll utensils for larger parties. Inexpensive and comes in tons of colors.
- Bakers twine – I have this in red/white & black/white
I’ve built up quite a stash of ribbons in varying sizes and textures. Black, white, red, gold for your wire-edged and satin ribbon will get you started and then just add as an occasion or color-scheme arises. Costco has a fantastic selection during the holidays and is when I stock up. Buying your ribbon by the spool and having it on hand will save you both money and stress.
GIFT WRAPPING SUPPLIES:
In addition to ribbon, these are always great to have on hand for that quick present you need in a pinch, but also to have if you’d like to add a favor or even prizes to your festivities:
Gift Bags:
- Cellophane – can use for favors or small hostess or birthday gift. I buy the 12” and then you have the flexibility to cut them down if they’re too tall when jeuging
- Handle gift bags – White or natural colors are neutral and can be adapted for any occasion
Tissue:
- White as a staple as it goes with everything, and then mix in the fun colors, patterns and prints to coordinate with a bag or your theme
CARD STOCK:
You may be thinking this one is random too, but there are so many times I reach for it when throwing a bash. I use white cardstock most often as it goes with everything. But I have multiple colors from my scrapbooking days that come in handy, too. A few samplings of uses to get those creative juices going:
- Gift tags – for gifts or favors
- Menus
- Food Labels for buffet
- Place Cards
- Invites
- Displays for Check-In tables
ADDITIONAL CRAFT SUPPLIES:
A few other things to have at the ready:
- Hole punch – perfect for gift tags; I have them in both ¼” & ⅛” sizes
- Picture frames in varying sizes. (I found this variety pack on Amazon.)
- Black is most versatile, but I have gold as well.
- Clean lines are best. Styles don’t have to be exact as they’ll blend.
- Inexpensive, not cheap. You can find them at the Dollar Tree, but here’s the deal: these typically don’t withstand the test of time. Besides Amazon, Michael’s has great deals as does Home Goods and Target. Remember, you’re trying to have your “ready-to-go” stash instead of having to run to the store to replenish.
- Menu display, check-in table, quotes or pictures for the table, etc.
- Painters Tape – a million and one uses and doesn’t leave a sticky mark
- Glue gun – to construct or fix in a pinch, it’s tried and true for entertaining
- Glue sticks – grab ‘em up at Back to School prices!
- Scissors – where do they get up and go? I have these in several rooms in my house and somehow still manage to lose them.
- Paper Cutter – purchased back in my scrapbooking days, I pull this bad boy out over and over again. If I have larger jobs I head to FedEx/Kinko’s, but it’s perfect for smaller jobs at home.
- Assorted Colored Markers – another Back to School buy!
THERE YA HAVE IT! Your Entertainment Arsenal is complete.
You now have your “Swiss Army Knife” of all the essentials and you are ready for any FUN entertaining opportunity to come your way. I have no doubt you will be the hostess with the mostest! And remember, while I love a beautiful table, it’s truly the people around the table that count. Happy Hosting!
See something you think is missing and needs to be added to the list of “must haves”? Shout it out in the comments below! For more tips and tricks for your entertaining ventures, subscribe to Fun with Fun Size! (Be sure and check your spam if you don’t receive a confirmation email!) AND follow me on Instagram and Pinterest @funwithfun_size
*Having issues or want to contact me directly? Feel free to reach out at: Shelley@funwithfunsize.com