Entertaining guests and hosting gatherings is both an art and a science. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner party, a lively brunch, or a sophisticated soirée, being a gracious hostess involves more than just serving good food and drinks. It’s about creating an atmosphere where guests feel welcomed, comfortable and cared for. To help you become the ultimate hostess with the mostess, we’ve compiled a list of 10 essential items that every aspiring hostess should have in their arsenal. From practical kitchen tools to stylish decor, these essentials will elevate your hosting game and ensure that your gatherings are memorable for all the right reasons.

1. Quality Dinnerware

You can’t have a dinner party without quality dinnerware—it’s the cornerstone of any successful dinner party. Whether you choose classic porcelain or trendy stoneware, the perfect dinnerware is not just a necessity; it’s a statement of style and sophistication that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

2. Versatile Glassware

Having a selection of glassware for various beverages— like wine glasses, champagne flutes, highball glasses, and cocktail glasses—ensures you’re prepared to serve up any drink your guests ask for. Each type of glass is designed to enhance the aromas and flavors of specific beverages, elevating the drinking experience and adding a touch of sophistication to your get-togethers.

3. Flatware

A matching set of flatware, complete with forks, knives, and spoons, is essential for enjoying all the meals you cook up and creating a cohesive tablescape. Matching flatware also adds an air of refinement and completeness to your table setting.

4. Table Linens

Having quality table linens like tablecloths, placemats, and cloth napkins on hand can transform your ordinary table into a stylish focal point. Opting for high-quality fabrics not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures durability and easy maintenance. Style aside, they also provide more practical benefits like protecting your table from spills and scratches.

5. Serving Utensils

Make sure you have a variety of serving utensils such as serving spoons, tongs, and cake stands to handle everything you serve with ease. This not only makes it easier for guests to get what they need but also adds a stylish touch to your presentation.

6. Entertaining Serveware

Invest in entertaining serveware like cheese boards, appetizer trays and decorative serving bowls to showcase your main dishes and appetizers. Each one of these pieces provides a classy way to display things like charcuterie and arrange bite-sized treats neatly, making them easily accessible for guests.

7. Stylish Barware

Your home bar is often the focal point of any night in with friends and family. Equip your bar with essential barware items such as cocktail shakers, jiggers, strainers and a quality corkscrew to prepare all your beverages effortlessly.

8. Decorative Centerpieces

No tablescape is complete without a centerpiece. Elevate your table decor with eye-catching centerpieces such as fresh flowers, candlesticks and vases to create a focal point that’s sure to impress.

9. Ambient Lighting

Set the mood with ambient lighting options like candles, string lights and dimmable lamps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout your home. By placing lighting strategically, you can highlight key areas like the dining table or conversation areas. The right lighting, like soft, diffused lighting for an intimate gathering, can help create the perfect ambiance every time.

10. Hospitality Extras

Stock up on hospitality extras such as guest towels, hand soap, and fresh flowers in the guest bathroom to make your guests feel extra welcome throughout their visit. Scented candles or essential oil diffusers throughout common areas are also great to have on hand to add a little something extra to the ambiance.