What You Need to Host, According to Hostesses
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Besides the obvious — curated menu, drinks (including nonalcoholic), and a robust guest list — it can be hard to discern what you need to host a successful party or dinner party. What if there’s a lull in the conversation? What if the playlist sucks? What if you don’t know which drinks to serve? There are a lot of questions, and luckily we’ve consulted the experts.
We’ve tapped Dani Bao, the founder of Chévere Means Cool, and Alexandra Winbush founder Brittney Winbush, who both regularly host dinner parties, for details and ideas we’ve bookmarked and screenshotted, like Bao’s seashell glassware. We asked them to share all their favorites, including drinks to serve and the best glasses to impress your guests.
Read on to shop their picks.
So, you are wondering what you need to be a good host?
➼ Engage your guests
➼ Set the mood
➼ Serve up something creative
➼ Include conversation pieces
➼ Keep your favorites on hand
➼ Our experts
Engage your guests
Gainwell Wine Glass Markers
“Moments of interaction (especially upon arrival) are important,” Winbush explains. One of her favorite ways to engage guests is wineglass markers; guests can write their names or draw a little picture on their glasses. “It’s a perfect way to initiate conversation and sometimes collaboration, depending on the task,” she says.
Esther Perel Where Should We Begin? A Game of Stories
Keep the conversation going with a game that will deepen your connections with new and old friends. Bao’s favorite deck of conversation cards features questions that include sharing stories and new facts — no more awkward icebreakers.
Set the mood
Sonos Roam 2
“Other than food, of course, I would say my absolute favorite kind of night is when the dinner party turns into a dance party, so a good playlist is key,” Bao says. “My friend Sebastián Granda made a great one for a summer-inspired dinner we co-hosted, but I also love a good Latin throwback mix to get everyone dancing.” The outdoor-ready speaker from Sonos is light enough to move from room to room, or even outside, as the party progresses.
H&M 6-pack Spiral Taper Candles
There are very few occasions that candlelight doesn’t improve. Accent your table with a few of these colorful and cool candles in your favorite candle holders.
SIN White Wyat Candelabra
Start with this abstract holder that doubles as a centerpiece.
Philips Hue Smart 75W A19 LED Bulb
Senior shopping editor Bianca Nieves swears by the Philips Hue smart lightbulbs for setting the mood. You can change the colors and dim the lights via app; her go-to is a low-lit orange.
Hermès Eau d’Orange Verte Hand & Body Cleansing Gel
Hermès recently reintroduced its bath-and-body collection, making luxury hotel-amenity products accessible for the home. “It’s the perfect addition to your bathroom for when you have guests,” beauty writer Asia Milia Ware says. She likes it not only because of the minimal, chic packaging (how on brand for Hermès), but also because of the memorable scents. Eau d’Orange Verte’s vibrant citrus notes contrast with its woodiness and makes for a modern home staple. It’s a scent that’ll leave guests wanting more.
Cartier Les Écrins Parfumés Cartier Neige
Having guests over is the perfect time to light luxury candles. Ware lights her Cartier candles for a light yet unique and inviting aroma. This scent, Neige, is supposed to be like white snowflakes in a candle, cozy and welcoming, a hosting must-have.
Costa Brazil Vela Jungle Candle
If you’re cooking and don’t want your home to smell like food, Nieves recommends a candle as a quick fix. This one from Costa Brazil has notes of vetiver and cypress root.
Nette the Magician Scented Candle
Nieves’s favorite candle from Nette has notes of palo santo, sandalwood, and cardamom.
Serve up something creative
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
“Creating an attractive wine station is always a hit in any season,” Winbush says. Her go-to drinks include an Aperol spritz or Prosecco-and-St-Germain. She suggests leaning into the color theme or season with colorful garnishes like citrus or flowers.
Ghia Berry Aperitif
For nonalcoholic options, Bao loves Ghia with sparkling water and a splash of lemon.
French Bloom Le Rosé, 0.0% Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine
Ware loves hosting friends for a glass of Champagne. French Bloom, a nonalcoholic sparkling wine crafted from organic Chardonnay grapes, is her go-to for a low-calorie option. It is crisp, refreshing, and great for guests who prefer not to drink alcohol.
Levity London High
Want the nonalcoholic beverage option for guests, but still want to feel something? This Levity cannabis spirit drink utilizes hemp extract and natural flavors for a dry gin-inspired cocktail. With the hemp and naturally occurring THC, it has effects that hit similarly to alcohol.
Big Night x Sophie Lou Jacobsen Wineglasses
Glasses should be just as good as the drinks. Winbush keeps these colorful glasses on hand but also loves vintage glassware and mixing and matching pieces from Glass Studio.
Fferrone Tall Sofia Glass
Fferrone’s glasses are a standout option for your espresso martinis and your bar cart.
Our Place Party Coupes - 4
Nieves likes to keep interesting cups on hand for guests. “Cleaning up after hosting is the most tedious part, but I like to make sure all my friends have a special cup/glass in their hands,” she explains. “I’ve been collecting wine cups from Fazeek, Danny D’s, Our Place, and even ones from Studio Ghibli. They serve as great conversation starters, too.”
Fazeek Wave Wineglasses
Nieves go-to glassware from Fazeek is the clear Wave wineglass with the brand’s signature wavy silhouette.
Danny D’s Mud Shop Wine Cups - 1
These unique wine cups adorned with little cacti are Nieves’s favorite.
Studio Ghibli ‘Spirited Away’ Japanese Teacup
Another favorite of Nieves’s, this is bound to start a conversation among Studio Ghibli lovers.
Include a few conversation pieces
Alessi Silver Pepa Appetizer Tray
This stainless-steel Alessi tray features compartments for four different appetizers.
Mellow Sun Bowl
One of Bao’s pregaming destinations is Mellow for ceramics like this Sun Bowl and Marlow & Daughters for fresh produce.
Ferm Living Dimple Bottle
Something interesting to hold water, wine, or whatever drink you’ve mixed up for your guests.
Maison Balzac Cloud Serving Spoons
The best way to complement the meal you spent all day working on: cute serving spoons to dish it out.
Keep your favorites on hand
Le Creuset Straight Wall Ramekin
“I love when my coffee table is looking almost too full from all the little bowls and boards prior to the main event,” Bao says. Her favorites from Le Creuset are the perfect size for a variety of nuts, olives, chips, and her favorite gluten-free crackers. Plus they’re stackable for easy storage after the party.
Brightland the Couplet
“Big Night is one of my favorites right now,” Winbush says. “Whether you love hosting or you’re just starting to test the waters, this place is a dream. From décor to tableware and even specialty food items, it has it all.” She recommends going in with an idea of exactly what you want in order to save you some time and money. One of her favorites is this honey duo you can drizzle on fruits and cheeses.
Our experts: