Guest Picks: Entertaining Essentials
20 beautiful finds to use for holiday parties — or any other time of the year
In the midst of the holiday season, my mind is on throwing dinner parties and entertaining family and friends. This is the time of year where we can really relish in good food and good company. I've collected several extra fun accessories that are not only useful for these parties, but also so interesting and unique that they are sure to be conversation pieces!
— Lillian from Unstitched
— Lillian from Unstitched
3-Tier Cake Stand
This acacia wood stand would serve so many uses at a party, such as presenting little desserts or hors d'oeurves. Wooden dessert stands aren't very common, and this one is especially well made and functional.
Nelson Wood Servers
These pretty wood serving utensils add an exotic flair to any ordinary meal. I just loved the polished, clean look of the wood.
Butter & Jam Spreader
These French-made spreaders are so festive with all their vibrant colors. They'd be great additions to any party for condiments, jams, etc.
Batik Tray + Spreader Set
The slightly African feel of this set feels very curren. This handmade set would be perfect for presenting any selection of cheese or fruit. It's the perfect conversation piece for any party.
Perennial Mini Colander
There's always a need for a colander at a party, whether it's for washing fresh fruit or for serving it. I adore these pretty little versions from Anthropologie. The petite size and fun color make this such a unique piece.
Scaled Leather Bottle Opener
For those casual dinner parties where beer is free flowing, this pretty piece would be put to good use. Made of stainless steel and leather, it's a very high-quality piece.
Branch Chopsticks
If you're throwing a sushi party, these fun handmade wooden chopsticks are made of wild olivewood and bone, so they're both sturdy and graceful.
Antiqued Mercury Glass Votives
Every dinner party should have some candles, and these add such an Old World touch. Even if you don't light them, they're the perfect prop to any table setting.
Marble Cheese Board and Slicer
This is one of my favorite entertaining pieces. People always love gourmet cheeses for appetizers, and this is the perfect slicer for those hard-to-cut hard wheels.
Vintage Silver Dome
This vintage silver dome is from Belgium. I adore mixing antiques with clean china in a table setting. Add this to your table for a dinner party, and it's sure to be a conversation piece.
Swing Top Water Bottle
I love putting sparkling water in a pretty bottle like this for a dinner party. Presentation is everything, and this is the perfect piece to store plain old water.
Teak Wood Coasters, Set of 4
These wood coasters have that wonderful rustic look; they're perfect for making you feel warm in the cold winter season. Bringing a bit of nature indoors is a simple way to make a home feel so cozy.
Porcelain Bottle Vase Set
Because no party — or indeed, home — would be complete without flowers, simple and pretty vases like these porcelain ones are the perfect backdrop for colorful floral arrangements.
Spool Candlestick
These solid walnut candlesticks are interesting in shape and so well designed. Made in India, they would be perfect additions to any dining table, along with elegant taper candles too, of course.
Mojave Coasters
This pretty set of Mojave-inspired letterpress coasters is so visually interesting with all of those patterns. They definitely would add a festive touch to any cocktail party.
France Cheeseboard
This cheeseboard shaped like France is pure brilliance. The French have a love of fine cheeses, and this would be perfect for displaying some varieties for a wine and cheese party. You could display the cheeses on the board according to which region of France they're from.
Stripe Salt & Pepper Shakers
Who doesn't like stripes? These Jonathan Adler salt and pepper shakers are so festive and happy; they certainly channel the joy of a circus. Plus, at a fun dinner party, you've got to bust out the fun shakers!
Porcelain Demitasse Spoons, Set of 4
These porcelain spoons are so delicate with their soft muted colors; they would add just a bit of softness to a table setting. They were made in Helsinki, Finland in a small studio, so you know you're getting something truly unique.
Crescent Brass Bottle Opener
This gold crescent bottle opener is unlike anything I have ever seen. Made in Japan, it has a simple shape that is enough to take off any bottle cap. Plus, the gold color instantly gives it a festive touch!
Hex Bottle Opener - Dining
This is another gold bottle opener for the holidays. It is such a simple piece; you wouldn't even know it was a bottle opener. It's sleek and elegant and so perfect for the holiday season.
Next: A Cozy Holiday Fete
Next: A Cozy Holiday Fete