11 Party-Planning Essentials for Hosting an Unforgettable Bash

The holiday season is upon us. It’s a time of joy, laughter, family, and — of course — throwing the best party the world has ever seen. Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a big New Year's Eve blowout, an excellent party comes down to the fine details. You may already have the mood lighting, a killer wine selection, a carefully curated playlist, maybe even a disco ball, but what you’re probably missing is that secret sauce — those products that make your party go from memorable to completely historic. So if you’re looking to up your hosting game, consider acquiring a few of these items. 

Yui Brooklyn 3 Piece Fruit Candle Pack

Cover your home with these fruit candles that are so lifelike, you may find your guests politely debating whether or not they are real. Scented with lemon, lime, and orange essential oils, Yui Brooklyn’s hand-poured candles will add a whimsical warmth to any party. ($49 for 3, yuibrooklyn.com)

Igloo Premium Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker Machine

Nothing is worse than lugging bags of ice from the grocery store to your home — especially when it happens in the middle of a party. Avoid the issue altogether with a countertop ice maker, like this self-cleaning one from Igloo. This machine can make both large and small ice cubes in under ten minutes and, thanks to its handle, it’s easy to carry from your kitchen to your outdoor patio. ($100, amazon.com)

Estelle Cake Stand

Pretty much every dessert looks better on a cake stand — pies, cupcakes, cookies, even jello shots. Not only are cake stands undeniably functional, making cakes easier to maneuver for icing and slicing and providing a spot for storing baked goods under an airtight cloche, but they also create visual drama around a dessert that your guests will love. This one, made by Estelle Colored Glass, is the epitome of elegance with its sleek neck, purple hue, and delicate dome lid. ($225 for stand and $75 for dome, estellecoloredglass.com)

Crate & Barrel Brixton Decanter

If you plan to make cocktails, having a fully stocked bar cart is essential. Pouring an end-of-day glass of whiskey from a stunning crystal decanter turns an everyday tipple into a special occasion. Spirits glisten behind the geometric textured glass, and yes, this decanter is dishwasher safe. ($45, crateandbarrel.com)

CB2 Boule Stainless Steel Ice Bucket

Sure, you can grab ice directly from the freezer (or your countertop ice maker), but there's nothing more elegant than effortlessly grabbing a few cubes for your cocktail tin from a stylish ice bucket. This gorgeous, double-walled ice bucket reflects a warm glow in low lighting. ($80, cb2.com)

Cocktail Kingdom Leopold Weighted Shaking Tin

Every good party host needs to know how to make a good cocktail. Shake drinks like a pro with this Cocktail Kingdom shaking tin set, our F&W-tested, best overall cocktail shaker. It’s incredibly sleek, sturdy, and expertly made. Plus, this shaker’s stainless steel material makes washing between rounds a breeze. ($32, amazon.com)

Viski Admiral Crystal Punch Bowl and Tumbler Set

For a big crowd, you’re better off pre-making a batch of punch for guests to ladle themselves throughout the night. Serve it in a dazzling, crystal punch bowl for the ultimate wow-factor. ($85, viski.com)

Big Night Snack Plates (Set of 3)

Elevate your cheese plate with these flat, hand-made acrylic plates. Designed in collaboration with acrylics-based artist Kaitlyn Fitzgerald and Big Night, a New York City-based store that specializes in dinner party necessities, these olive, grape, and cheese-shaped dishes add a touch of cuteness to your snack spread. ($160, bignightbk.com)

Miami Fruit Variety Box

Charcuterie boards are great and all, but you know what’s a real showstopper? A sliced and styled tropical fruit plate. Order durian, cacao, mangosteen, and so much more from Miami Fruit. Their fruit is sourced directly from local, South Florida farms in addition to prime growing locations from around the world. ($97, miamifruit.com)

Block Design Small Reversible Vase

Floral arrangements bring joy to any party, but overly tall designs can seriously get in the way of free-flowing conversation. Opt for low vessels like this translucent two-toned vases from UK-based Block Design that flips to fit both large or small florals. ($35, blockdesign.co.uk)

Graf Lantz Jaunt Felt Trivet

If you plan on serving dinner, your main dishes coming straight from the oven need somewhere stylish, colorful, and heat proof, to land on your table. These classic color-blocked merino wool trivets from design duo Graf Lantz are just the place. ($29, graflantz.com)