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25 Hosting Essentials For Stress-Free Gatherings

Everything you need to look like you totally had it all under control.

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by Mana Faye BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff

I am a NYC-based fellow on the BuzzFeed Shopping team.

1. A serving tray that does the setup work before the party even starts. This three-tier beauty is perfect for displaying appetizers, desserts, or any little bites that your guests will down in seconds. Plus, it disassembles and stores completely flat so there's less clutter to deal with — because the best hosting tools make life easier before, during, and after the party.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Absolute life saver. Very cute, super sturdy, dishwasher safe (as opposed to the melamine stuff), stores flat. If you are a hostess with the mostess, this is a must-have for your repertoire. Trays are super sturdy and thick. Not bone white, they do have a tint of cream to them, but barely noticeable. Great value." —Heatherrenea

Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in two sizes and four colors).

2. A party cup holder with slots for Sharpies so everyone can immediately mark their drink, because who wants to play "whose cup is whose" while simultaneously trying to dominate in For the Girls? The compact design won't clutter your counter or table, leaving more than enough room for food and decor. Our 2026 hosting mantra is simple: Less waste, less confusion, more fun.

www.amazon.com

Cups and markers are not included. 

Promising review: "We bought these before hosting a block party, and they work great! I like that they are solid wood with just indentations because you won't have to worry about something breaking off. We've used it a couple of times for parties, and not only do people like it, but the Sharpies don't get lost. Looks good, fits in our hosting storage box, and good value. I recommend it if you ever host many people who may drink from plastic cups." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in seven designs, plus a pack of all five of the holiday-themed designs). 

3. Or a set of adorable butterfly wineglass markers that suction right onto your glassware if you've officially graduated from college red cups for your whimsical dinner parties. Each guest gets their own colorful identifier, making it easy to spot their drink all evening. They're reusable, double as charming party décor, and are almost guaranteed to spark a chorus of, "Wait...where did you get those?"

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Nothing is worse when hosting than finding a million glasses and not knowing whose glass is whose. I am notorious for setting my glass down and 10 seconds later not being able to find it. I love that I can set these out when we host, and I know my own glass. They stick on really well and are of quality. I have used them about six times and bought them for stocking stuffers for our family this year." —Tricia S.

Get a set of 20 from Amazon for $7.99.

4. A fly fan because not all of us have Obama's legendary fly-swatting skills. This little tabletop hero keeps the bugs away from your food, and the built-in hook makes it easy to hang when you're short on table space. If you add this bad boy to your next outdoor event roster, you'll be sure to enjoy your own party instead of having to play bug patrol.

amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I was at a friend's house the first time I saw these. They were on the outdoor picnic table while we ate. Not one single fly or gnat came near us while we were eating! I ordered a set for us and have used them three times already. Everyone else who visits is amazed at how these work! We cooked outside and had many dishes on a table. I put two of these in the middle of the table, and not one bug landed in the potato or pasta salad, nor any of the condiments, burgers, etc.! They also deter bugs near a person, even if there is no food. Just put near your chair, and you are good to go--without having to use smelly bug sprays!" —kasimonsen

Get a set of four from Amazon for $28.99.  

5. A large bamboo cheeseboard with organized compartments that are basically a cheat code for assembling an Instagram-worthy charcuterie board — even if your cooking skills begin and end with opening a package of prosciutto. It features organized compartments for cheeses, meats, fruit, and snacks, plus a built-in magnetic holder with cheese knives to keep everything you need within easy reach.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I purchased this during the holiday season, looking to use it frequently throughout the month. I found that I am using it throughout the year! The tray provides a nice surface area for a charcuterie display, and the separate vegetable tray allows for more variety. Great storage for the small serving utensils, which adds to the overall elegance of the entire tray. It's such a beautiful piece, take some time to get it presentation-ready prior to its first use and cleaning." —ElleVal

Get it from Amazon for $47.99 (also available in four other designs and/or materials).

6. A glass carafe set that lets you pre-batch cocktails, juice, or infused water ahead of time so you spend less time playing bartender and more time with your guests. The sleek hourglass design instantly elevates any table spread, and each jug also comes with a tight-fitting plastic lid to prevent any spills. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Each carafe holds 35 ounces (1 liter). 

Promising review: "I have slowly been building my collection of hosting supplies. This was my latest addition. I absolutely love these. I add juice or water to them and chill them in the fridge before hosting. When it's time for the party, I put them out on the serving table, and people can help themselves. I love the shape and look of them, and the caps for storage. Really easy to clean too." —Ryan Logsdon

Get a set of three from Amazon for $26.95. 

7. And if you’d rather let guests serve themselves, a drink dispenser with a stand, that comes with two large glass containers and a spout for easy self-serve. This perfect hosting wingman keeps beverages flowing without you having to play refill duty all night — because spilling the tea should only happen in conversation, not all over your table.

amazon.com

Promising review: "This was perfect for hosting a Halloween party. The ice container in the center of the unit was a HUGE plus. Dishwasher safe (mostly) and easy assembly too. Also, pro-tip, don't over-tighten the lid on top, otherwise the tap won't work ;)." —Chachtastic

Get a set of two from Amazon for $37.99.

8. A condiment tray that takes the chaos out of DIY food stations. Whether you're setting up for a taco bar, salad station, or ice cream buffet, this easy-to-clean party sidekick keeps every ingredient organized so guests can build their perfect bite. Now you can retire the mismatched flea market plates and upgrade your appetizer spread with this sleek, minimalist serving piece. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This tray comes with five removable containers along with three spoons, three tongs, and one scoop. 

Promising review: "Love the versatility of this! Taco bar, s’mores bar, whatever you are hosting this can be used! The utensils are great and I get so many compliments on this fun serving piece!" —White Family

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

9. A Wi-Fi password sign so no one has to ask, "What's your Wi-Fi again?" every time they come over. It's especially handy if you're still stuck with that random router password you keep having to spell out because you've never gotten around to changing it. And once you finally do reset it, just erase the old one and write the new password with the included whiteboard marker. The clean, minimalist design blends right in on a living room shelf, entryway table, or even your fridge.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is great to have for guests! I posted it on the refrigerator at my house, and now guests can see it and don't have to ask for the password... the magnet is strong, the spaces are large enough to write the Wi-Fi name and password in, and it's easy to wipe off and make changes. Very functional and I would imagine for someone who has a lot of guests/family in and out, it would be perfect!" —L.D. Lee

Get it from Amazon for $8.99. 

10. Glass bud vases for creating an elegant tablescape with minimal effort. They're a perfect addition to any table at your next dinner party, wedding, or baby shower for a little extra oomph — without spending a bag on flowers. You can also mix and match the vintage-inspired designs with fresh flowers or a single stem for an effortlessly chic centerpiece. The cherry on top? They're dishwasher-safe, so cleaning up is a breeze.

amazon.com, amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This beautiful set of 12 mixed shape and size bud vases was perfect for creating small centerpieces at my daughter’s graduation party. The eclectic mix was so fun! The durability of the glass material was amazing, and the vases arrived with great packaging, which proved to be especially helpful for storing after use. I loved how easy they were to unbox and use. They even went through the dishwasher afterward, making cleanup easy. I would definitely recommend!" —ASHUNK

Get a set of five from Amazon for $16.14 (also available in sets of 12 and 24). 

11. A rechargeable electric candle lighter for setting the perfect ambiance without sacrificing your fingertips for the aesthetic. The flexible neck makes lighting deep candle jars easy before the party starts (and after everyone leaves), while the windproof design saves you from the classic “shielding the flame with both hands” struggle during outdoor events.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "I love this! I don't like the smell of matches, and I hate how the smoke just kind of lingers when they go out. Plus, you have to wet them to throw them away, so you don't have to worry about starting a fire. I wanted something better at home. This is just perfect for me. I used it at a birthday party, and all the guests loved it! I don't think they'd ever heard of a plasma lighter before, so this was all new to them. I also love the cute pink color, and I love that it has a safety feature and a cap." —Paulapallooza

Get it from Amazon for $11.96+ (available in eight colors).

12. An electric fondue pot set that doubles as food and an activity, so you have one less thing to plan. This tabletop-safe set keeps melted chocolate or cheese warm for an easy, shareable treat that keeps everyone around the table. Warning: "just one more dip" may happen 59 times.

amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This set comes with a 10-ounce melting bowl, a three-section detachable tray for easy serving and cleaning, and four skewers.

Promising review: "This fondue set is a fun and thoughtful gift! It’s super easy to use and perfect for sharing at date night, parties, or cozy evenings in. The temperature control keeps the chocolate smooth, and the serving trays make dipping snacks easy and mess-free. Definitely a sweet little crowd-pleaser!" —Kelton Smith

Get it from Amazon for $26.99. 

13. A set of wooden coasters here to stop you from becoming someone's personal shadow, just to block them from leaving a drink ring on your precious counter. The grips on the bottom keep even the sweatiest drinks in place, and the sleek wood design prevents liquid runoff while adding a special touch to your tabletop. 

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "My husband continually picks up mine and our guests' drinks to put paper towels under to catch moisture. Got tired of looking like a nightclub at 2 a.m. and decided to purchase these. They seem to do well with moisture absorption and look classier than paper towels everywhere." —Kimber

Get a set of four from Amazon for $9.98 (also available in sets of six and eight). 

14. Or these vinyl record coasters that deserve their own Grammy. Let's be real, nothing says “great taste” like a coaster that gets your guests talking about their favorite albums.

www.amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "A great novelty item to get the conversation flowing. I had a get together and people who didn't know each other started a conversation over it. Best ice breaker!" —Kent

Get a set of six from Amazon for $11.99 (available in four styles). 

15. A buffet caddy that, like the Infinity Gauntlet, keeps all the essentials in one powerful place. Equipped with two center plate stands, four flatware compartments, and a top basket for napkins or condiments, this all-in-one organizer makes calmness inevitable (see what I did there?). You can stack the pieces for compact storage or separate them to create versatile serving stations without everything competing for space.

Amazon

Promising review: "Love, love this!! Keeps everything neat and tidy and not all spread out on the countertop! Has a spot for everything. After using it, I just push it into a corner, saving countertop space!!! Great product, very happy!!" —Mich

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in silver or black).

16. A disposable camera to eliminate the pressure of staging the "perfect" shot. This little guy not only encourages guests to interact but also lets you skip the hassle of nagging friends to AirDrop their iPhone photos the next day. 

www.amazon.com, amazon.com

It comes with a bonus strap for your clumsy friends and a microfiber towel, because your camera deserves better than sticky cocktail fingerprints.

Promising review: "Love love love!! I bought a pack of three for my husband and my wedding reception. I had my wedding guests pass them around and take any photos they wanted. Almost every single photo turned out great, minus I think 6 out of the 81 pictures. They were very easy to use and functional. No complaints here! I will be buying these again for a few more things I have coming up in 2026! ALSO, getting them developed was easy; we took them to Walgreens, and they did it all for us, and then we just picked them up! I definitely recommend." —Eliza Jane

Get it from Amazon starting at $36.99. 

17. A waterproof JBL FLIP 5 portable speaker reviewers swear by for its super sound quality. Simply turn on your Bluetooth, pair it with your phone, and let Spotify Jam handle the music. Guests can add their own songs, you'll stop getting "Can you play this next?" requests every five minutes, and undoubtedly transform your party into an impromptu dance floor in seconds.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought this JBL Flip 5 to have music on the patio for a party. I liked the idea of letting the guests be DJs outdoors without using the audio stuff in the house. I popped this baby out of its box for a test drive. It sounded amazing playing current music and old blues. I’m so happy I went for it. This speaker is going to make a lot of people happy Sunday afternoon!" —torchstar

Get it from Amazon for $79.95 (available in 12 colors). 

18. Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray I'm sure will give your guests the confidence to use the bathroom without wondering if they'll be remembered for all the wrong reasons — and give you the gift of walking in afterward without needing emotional support. This party guest MVP leaves behind a cozy lavender and warm vanilla scent instead of, well...evidence.

www.amazon.com

Poo-Pourri works differently than regular air fresheners. Just shake the bottle, then spray three to five times directly onto the toilet water. Proceed with your business as usual, and then flush the toilet normally.

Promising review: "My bathroom savior! This Lavender Vanilla spray has rescued me from more embarrassing situations than I care to admit. Picture this: you're at a friend's dinner party, and nature calls. You slip away to the bathroom, but it's right next to the dining room, where everyone is chatting and laughing. The pressure is on! In moments like these, Poo-Pourri is a lifesaver. A few spritzes into the bowl before you go, and voila! The bathroom smells like a delightful lavender and vanilla oasis. No one will ever suspect a thing." —Bhooker88

Get it from Amazon for $9.50 (available in five sizes ranging from 1 fl oz to 16 fl oz).

19. A period product organizer that gives massive big sister energy. Gone are the days of guests silently panicking in your bathroom because Aunt Flo decided to RSVP unannounced. Keep this little lifesaver stocked and and let your bathroom become the safe space everyone didn’t know they needed.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought this to keep products organized and it’s perfect. It looks nice on the counter, the lid keeps everything looking tidy, and the inside has enough space to store a good amount without being bulky. It’s also a nice touch for guests — everything is available without being out in the open. Love the design, and it feels sturdier than I expected." —Chase

Get a two-piece set from Amazon for $24.99 (also available as a single piece in white or black).

20. Mini chalkboard signs, because nothing sends guests running faster than a suspicious, unlabeled beige blob sitting next to the chips. You can use these to label your dips, dishes, and drinks so everyone knows exactly what they're grabbing. Plus, they’re reusable: just wipe them down with a damp cloth and bring them back for every party, potluck, and gathering that comes your way. You're welcome! 

amazon.com

Promising review: "I love these cute little 'boards.' Purchased them for a large family dinner where ham was served. I included a multitude of mustards and sauces, and this allowed them all to be identifiable. These were very appreciated, especially for people who definitely wanted to avoid the horseradish mustard. Ability to reuse is an added bonus!" —Wendy L. Parr

Get a set of 12 from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in a pack of 24).

21. Some directional signs equipped with the *literal* words to guide your guests the right way and prevent them from making eye contact with your unmade bed. They come blank so you can customize them for any event, and they’re sturdy enough to survive the night, so you won’t find one face down in a corner, wondering what happened.

Amazon, amazon.com

Promising review: "I used these for my wedding to mark the ceremony, reception, parking, etc. I wrote on these in black jumbo Sharpie. I put these out after the Sharpie had dried (I tied one to a tree, and the rest I staked into the grass). Unfortunately, it started to downpour that afternoon. They did not move with the rain or the wind. The next day, when it was sunny, there was no fading or smudging of the Sharpie from the rain. These are really high quality. The writing you put on is visible from far away if you write big, but otherwise, all my guests knew where to go. —Amber G

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in sets of six and 15).

22. A table runner to give the illusion that you are a highly sophisticated adult hosting a banquet, even if you are just serving Domino's pizza and boxed wine on a folding table. This unsung hero of party hosting elevates any event and is the perfect cover-up for the embarrassing burn mark from that one time you left a hot plate on your tabletop. 

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "It’s a cute decorative touch, but simple and could match any party theme. The material is soft, and it fits a rectangular table perfectly. It’s long and provides extra length past the table. It’s easy to wash, I just placed it in the washer with other cloth items as normal; However, I didn’t put it in the dryer, I air-dried it. Overall, a good deal for the product! I’ll be ordering more of other colors for future hosting." —Destiny Garcia

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in a range of sizes and 27 colors).

23. A fun "no shoes" doormat that does the asking for you. Instead of having to remind your guests about your house rule mid-party, this cheeky mat sets the expectation before they even step inside, saving everyone from the awkward “I forgot I’m supposed to take my shoes off” moment. If someone does show up sock-less, keep a stash of these cozy backup pairs nearby so everyone can get comfortable. A little forward? Maybe. A total hosting lifesaver? Absolutely.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "

Get a 1'6" x 2'4" from Amazon for $18.99 (also available in larger sizes). 

24. A Bissell stain-removing pads with the power to stomp away wine spills, coffee...or that mysterious stain that appeared on your carpet after your karaoke night party. Just place the pad over the stain, step to activate the cleaning formula, and bam! Fresh carpet with no scrubbing required.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "For years, I have used a Bissell Spot Clean machine, and that worked great. I also didn't like the little "UFO circles" that the machine left...but it was worth it instead of the stain. Then I saw these and decided to give them a try. They are WONDERFUL! So easy to use and very effective. I do leave the pads down for about 24 hours just to be sure. These have been a great time saver!" —DLM

Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $27.99 (also available in a pack of 40). 

25. Disposable trash cans so the aftermath of your party doesn't look like a crime scene made of paper plates and empty cups. By placing these lightweight, collapsible bins within arm's reach of your guests, you can save yourself from the next-day cleanup chaos. Future you will be extremely grateful — especially your floors, counters, and peace.

amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Used these for a large party we were having. Placed them throughout the house so guests could easily dispose of recycle and trash. Great size, easy to set up and very durable. I will definitely purchase more for further events." —Erin Jackson

Get a pack of four or 16 from Amazon starting at $18.99 (available in white, marble, and black gradient).

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Note: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.