Heather’s Holiday Hosting Essentials

Hosting season is officially here and nothing turns the chaos into calm like a well-stocked, beautifully organized kitchen. These are the tools and tabletop essentials I reach for again and again – trusted favorites that make prepping, baking, serving and styling feel simple and effortless. You’ve got parties to plan so let’s get right to it! Here are the essentials I never entertain without.

A beautiful (and big!) serving platter

Whether you’re serving roast turkey, a freshly tossed salad or a holiday cookie platter, a beautiful platter makes your table look perfectly polished. Choose one in a neutral color with a simple design for year around enjoyment.

Set of quality cloth napkins

Add texture and style to your holiday tablescape with beautiful cloth napkins (we love the look and feel of linen!). Whether you opt for a neutral tone or a splash of color, real cloth napkins will instantly elevate your space.

Sturdy wood cutting board

This is the hardworking holiday hero every kitchen needs. A wood cutting board doubles as a prep surface and a beautiful serving piece for charcuterie, bread, appetizers and desserts.

Cake stand or pedestal

Instantly elevates any holiday dessert. Perfect for showing off cakes, pies or stacks of freshly baked cookies. Choose one with a domed top to keep baked goods fresh.

Pretty serving utensils

Put away the plastic and select a chic set that adds your own signature style to the holiday table. Think salad servers, dessert spatulas and cheese knives.

Taper candles

Sets the mood and creates instant ambience. Candles make every meal feel extra special.

Oven-to-table baking dishes

Bakeware that can go straight from the oven to the table is a major hosting win. Less mess, fewer dishes – yes please!

Large Dutch oven

A good Dutch oven is basically the MVP of the kitchen, especially during the holidays. Soups, stews, braises and breads – it does it all, and looks good doing it! I even use mine to make the BEST homemade toffee.

Quality bakeware set

Those cookies for Santa aren’t going to bake themselves! Invest in a quality bakeware set made of aluminized steel and it will deliver deliciousness for years to come.

A few more favorites….

Festive glassware & champagne coupes – even sparkling cider looks fancy in the right glass!

A holiday scented candle – the perfect finishing touch before guests arrive.

Table runner. The easiest way to make your table look pulled together.

Fancy salt. flakey sea salt on dessert? Magic. Sprinkled on roasted veggies? Also magic.

Holiday hosting is so much easier when your kitchen is prepped and your table is dressed. With these essentials stocked in your home, you can host all season long with ease and style. Here’s to a holiday season that feels as effortless as it looks!