As we head into the holiday season, you may have raised your hand to host family, friends, or a combination of both. Regardless of the occasion (be it Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s Eve or Festivus) and regardless of the form (cocktail party, potluck, traditional dinner), these affordable essentials will help simplify the chores and maximize the joy of connecting with your favourite people. Here are some small touches that can take your hosting game from great to memorable.
Zerophilo Salad Servers Spoon and Fork Set in Gold
These festive salad servers are so elegant that they’ll immediately dress up any old salad. The set is also available in different finishes, including silver and matte black. It’s made of stainless steel and is corrosion-resistant. As for salad inspiration that may just be worthy of these elegant servers, take a look at this Tuna and White Bean Salad with Pickled Onions and Jammy Eggs.
Acacia Wood Cutting Board with Handle, Large
With grazing and charcuterie boards still popular, you’ll want a durable and beautiful multipurpose chopping board, if you don’t already own one (just be sure to only chop on one dedicated side, if you aim to serve on the other). Made of premium grade acacia, the large board features an easy-to-grip handle for easy serving, with a rustic farmhouse finish.
Related: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Latke Charcuterie Board
Bovulo 8-Piece Set of Premium Cheese Knives
Paired perfectly with the charcuterie board above, this 8-piece cheese knife set will ensure you’re covered for a variety of cheeses — from semi-soft to hard cheeses, and that your guests don’t have to wait too long for their favourite bites. The knives have wooden handles and are made of rust-proof stainless steel.
Related: How to Build a Better Cheese Board: Ask a Cheese Master
Plasticpro Christmas Green Wine Cups with Gold Rim, Pack of 10
Also offered in other colours, including a beautiful blue and gold and rose and gold, the 10 12-ounce wine goblets are a great reusable, washable and versatile option for when you want to avoid breakable stemware or need larger numbers than your current stemware collection offers. They are made of food grade, non-toxic and BPA-free plastic. You can also add matching festive chargers as well (pictured above).
JoyJolt 3-Litre Metal Double Wall Ice Bucket
Less expensive than other smaller models, you can now ensure you have ice cold drinks all night long with this 3-litre double wall ice bucket. It comes with an air-tight lid, ice tongs and strainer.
Related: Cheers to the Holiday Season With This Apple Spruce Gimlet Cocktail
Twelve-piece Cocktail Shaker Set and Bamboo Stand
Raise the bar on your home bar! This all-in-one rust-proof cocktail shaker set has all the essential tools a home mixologist can want. The professional quality 12-piece stainless steel kit comes with a cobbler shaker, a muddler, jigger, spoon and more so you can mix your favourite cocktails and imbibe in style. The tools are neatly organized and stored in a bamboo stand so you know where everything is at all times, for quick access.
Related: This Peppermint Espresso Martini Will Put a Pep in Your Holiday Step
BTaT Hand-Blown Wine Decanter with Stopper
Made of lead-free crystal, this 1.5-litre wine decanter is an elegant way to oxygenate and serve your house wine. This essential in any well-stocked home bar, is easy to pour and comes with a spill-free slanted top that dresses up any table.
Helpcook 2.5-Inch Silicone Sphere Ice Moulds with Funnel
As any home mixologist knows, enjoying a cocktail is as much about drinking it up with your eyes as it is with your taste buds. These four sphere moulds have a spherical shape that also slowly, and evenly chills drinks without overly diluting them. The moulds make large spheres, perfect for that Old Fashioned, Negroni, Bourbon, Whiskey or Scotch cocktail. The built in funnel allows for easy filling and the moulds are made of durable premium silicone that’s BPA-free and safe for hot or cold temperatures.
Chihutown 10 Metallic Wine Glass Wet-Erase Markers
Add a personal touch to your guests’ wine glasses and avoid drink mixups, or simply to add some decorative finishes your guests will love. Choose from 10 rich metallic colours and simply wash off with water and detergent when you’re ready to remove your work. The markers also work on ceramic, paper and plastic surfaces.
Carote 12-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Cookware Sets
In need of a levelled up cookware set? The Carote 12-piece non-stick set will equip any home chef with what they need to whip up the tastiest and most memorable holiday dishes. Beautiful enough to serve your meals in, it also makes cooking easy with a nonstick finish (not to mention, making for easy clean-up, after the fact). The set is induction-ready and features a heavy-gauge base. It comes with a 4.5-quart sauté pan, 11-inch frying pan, 9.5-inch frying pan, 4.5-quart pot with lid, 2.2-quart saucepan with lid and matching silicone tools.
Related: Celebrate Hanukkah at Home With These Vibrant Rainbow Latkes
Crockpot Design to Shine 7-Quart Slow Cooker Turquoise
Prep those large crowd-pleasing holiday meals with little prep and no fuss in this 7-quart Crockpot, designed for serving eight or more people. The pot includes high and low cook settings, removable oval stoneware (dishwasher safe, along with the glass lid), and an eye-catching turquoise finish.
Related: Whole Roasted Tandoori Chicken with Tender Potatoes and Spicy Onions
Amazon Basics 18-Piece White Dinnerware Set, Dishes, Bowls, Service for 6
This 18-piece Amazon Basics Dinnerware set will equip you with what you need for a service for six. It includes an AB-grade porcelain-made 10.5-inch dinner plate, 7.5-inch dessert plate, and a 5.5-inch bowl. The dinnerware comes in white with a gray trim detail and is microwave-, oven-, freezer, and dishwasher-safe. The plates can withstand up to 572°Fahrenheit.
Related: Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the Perfect Holiday App
Lintext Disposable Linen-Feel Guest Hand Towels, Pack of 200
Every great host knows it’s the details that separate the good from the great. These premium hand towels are not only an excellent choice at the dining table or in the bathroom, but they also help you manage the cleanup after the fact, while maintaining good hygiene. The towels are durable and can be folded in ways that add to your table décor.
Matana 6-Ounce Gold Glitter Reusable Plastic Goblets, Pack of 50
Perfect for that New Year’s Eve get-together, these 6-ounce glittering gold glasses will add sparkle and spark to any NYE. They are sturdy, reusable and stackable for easy storage. They are BPA-free, made of food-grade and recyclable materials, and best of all, offer a cost-effective option when you’re expecting more than a couple of guests.
Related: Toast the New Year with this Starlight Sparkler Cocktail
Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set, Pack of 50
If you are looking for a disposable cutlery set for a large group, this disposable wooden cutlery set spares the dumb from unwanted plastics. These wooden forks, knives and spoons are sustainably- and ethically-sourced, and are biodegradable alternatives to cutlery that may otherwise contain BPAs and harmful chemicals.
Related: Sweet and Sinister: The History of Gingerbread Houses
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