If You Love Compliments *And* Want Your Friends To Think You’re The Best Host Ever, Try These 30 Products

If You Love Compliments *And* Want Your Friends To Think You’re The Best Host Ever, Try These 30 Products

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-09-12 05:04

1. An ~aesthetic~ 2-in-1 cooler side table to keep those extra brewskis and hard seltzers perfectly chilled while you show everyone what a real cannonball looks like. Not only will it help to quench any parched quests, but it's so cute that you might have to tell a few people where it's from. 

Amazon

It has a storage capacity of 40 liters or 10.5 gallons. You'll be able to keep 55(!!) 12-oz. cans cool for up to 12 hours in this thing.

Promising review: "This thing is great and perfect to start off the spring/summer. We dumped a giant bag of ice in there and kept our drinks cold all afternoon. The swivel top is convenient and fun. Love that it’s a table and aesthetically pleasing cooler." —Shana

Get it from Amazon for $119.99 (available in two styles and four colors).

2. A bamboo charcuterie board because no gathering is complete without a tasteful arrangement of creamy cheeses, salty preserved meats, crunchy nuts, and sweet fruits. It's those little details that really make a difference, and I know my face always lights up when I spot an artisanal selection. Bonus points if you can arrange all your delicacies in the most elegant way...even if it takes an extra hour.

www.amazon.com

This board is equipped with a removable magnetic holder that keeps four serving knives and utensils upright and easily accessible. Two ceramic serving bowls for sauces and dips, and six sampler forks complement your decadent charcuterie tray. Plus, it's made by a small business!

Promising review: "This was a last-minute purchase for a party we hosted, and the charcuterie was a hit! I loved the ramekins, spots for nuts and more, and the knife set is higher quality than what you would expect for the price point. Sharp and heavy. I do wish the ramekins were a little bit deeper; they’re quite shallow and probably meant for jams and honey, but I wanted to use them for pickles and olives. I made them work, but it’s worth mentioning. The board was easy to clean, and the small forks were a great accessory. I ended up using the fruit tray to hold a dip and crackers; it’s super versatile. I highly recommend this board for your own kitchen or as a gift!" —Gina DeLand

Get it from Amazon for $29.98+ (available in three colors).

3. A set of floral stem napkin holders if you're looking for a way to beautifully display the most necessary partner for your sloppy joes. You'll just fold a paper napkin into a triangle, place it in the stem, and twist the base to create  a faux floral arrangement on the table with quite a practical purpose. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought these napkin holders because I was looking for something more fresh and modern than the regular napkin rings, and I’m glad I did. The item arrived nicely packaged, with the green stems and some napkins to start off with. Napkin size is the average dinner napkin you get in the store, not the cocktail size. It comes with easy instructions for all kinds of folds that create different flower designs, which my daughter enjoyed making. The product itself is sturdy and holds the napkin well. Overall, I'm very happy with the product. It adds a cool twist to our dinner table." —Zuri Guterman

Get a set of four from Amazon for $15.90

4. A mushroom-themed butter dish that'll adorably display the good ole secret ingredient that makes anything taste better, especially if you're not the best chef and decided to throw a dinner party. Even if no one loves the casserole, they'll admire this decor — and they'll adore the fresh bread and butter starter even more!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely love this butter dish!! It's really thick ceramic and painted with the most adorable details. The finish is smooth, so it's very easy to clean. The shape is the perfect size for any stick of butter and keeps it fresh even out of the fridge. It makes a wonderful gift for any person who is into the fun-guys!" —Kit Neil

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two designs). 

5. A rotary cheese grater to transform your ordinary breakfast banquette into a cozy booth at a hole in the wall authentic Italiano spot. All your friends will be saying "cheese, please" and waiting for that unlimited salad to keep flowing. All I'm hearing are compliments to the chef...and the host!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this cheese grater. I have always wanted one and was gonna go to a restaurant to buy one, but they didn't have it, and I'm so glad they didn't because I found it on Amazon cheaper, and it works perfectly. Honestly, I'd love to use it so much that I find myself going out there just to grate the cheese because it's so fun to do." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $24.95.

6. A quiet, remote-controlled essential oil diffuser because looking good starts by smelling good, and that includes your living space. You can set the mood by choosing between seven LED color options and adjusting the mist level (masking the fact that you forgot to put on deodorant in the cleaning chaos). With a full tank of water, this diffuser can mist for up to 18 hours — enough to keep your living room smelling like an orange grove or pine forest for the entire get-together.

www.amazon.com

BTW, this diffuser doesn't come with essential oils, so be sure to snag some while you're at it. My favorite essential oils to use are Capri Blue's Volcano for a *rich* vibe or lavender for a calming aroma — both are needs when hosting people!

Just a heads up: According to Johns Hopkins, you may want to avoid diffusing oils around larger groups and young children because of the side effects of different oils. You may also want to avoid using an oil diffuser around pets with breathing problems, according to the ASPCA.

Promising review: "This little guy is SO cute! Holds a LOT of water and shoots it out for a loooong time haha I have it right by my plants and they love it haha plus all my guests always ask me about it because it has the alternating lights and really spreads the aroma super far. Soooo good! Would buy again cause I want one for my bedroom to help with the dry air and the good smells to help relax us for downtime. Would definitely buy it again! Have had it for over a year and still going strong." —Andy

Get it from Amazon for $21.24+ (available in seven colors). 

7. A marble wine chiller and chiller stick, keeping that sauvy b crispy and refreshing all night long. We all know a lukewarm glass of wine can kill a party's mood, so this'll be your secret weapon to make sure the vibes stay high and your guests stay happy (and hydrated 😉).

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "We have been enjoying this cooler this summer as we love our white wine or champagne. I keep it in the freezer and take it out when serving. It does look neat, my guests complimented the design and functionality." —Milka

"We have been using this for a month and have found it to be better than we ever expected it to be, especially considering the exceptionally affordable price. We have used it for still wine and sparkling wine to equally exceptional results. We leave it in the refrigerator and when we're ready for our wine, we take it out to use. There is no problem with different vineyards' proprietary shaped bottles — they all fit in this holder, provided you are using a 750ml bottle. It is not for cooling a bottle of wine, but for maintaining the temperature of a previously cooled bottle. Love this product!" —Betsy M.

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in four designs).

8. Some art deco martini glasses to perfectly satisfy the thirst of every visitor trying to embrace their inner James Bond and finally enjoy drinking a vodka martini — shaken, not stirred. With a fun little glass and even more enjoyable company, your guests will be praising your planning all night long.

Adamodart / Etsy

Adamodart is a small business that specializes in glass art, like glassware and figurines. 

Promising review: "The glasses we received are super gorgeous and they arrived SO fast! The pink and gold looks glamorous, and the glasses are very sturdy and quality. They also came very securely packed." —Mary

Get it from Adamodart on Etsy for $25.89+(available for purchase as a single glass and sets of two, four, and six).

9. A party plate with a built-in cupholder so guests no longer have to awkwardly crouch to put down their glass every time they want to take a bite of that mouthwatering, creamy brie. Now, they can just slide their wine glass or cocktail cup into the holder and feel free to go to town on those hors d'oeuvres. 

Amazon

Promising review: "Very convenient for people standing or sitting who are not next to tables because we didn't have to find a place to put our drinks down. The plate held it for us! Definitely using for my holiday parties." —Annie Majarian

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $10 (available in six colors).

10. Seriously real-looking fake tulips since there's no way you have time to run out to the store and pick up fresh flowers to brighten up your space before any visitors arrive. Just throw a little water into a vase, plop in these silky faux flowers, and no one will know the difference. Cater to your monochrome vibe or get wild with a multicolor bundle to add a little ~pizzazz~ to your home!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These faux tulips are absolutely stunning! I placed them in a textured ceramic vase, and they instantly brought a fresh, elegant touch to my space. The petals have a soft, realistic feel, and the colors — primarily white with hints of blush and pale peach — look so natural. From a distance, you’d never know they weren’t real! They’re also arranged beautifully and hold their shape well. Perfect for anyone who wants long-lasting floral decor without the maintenance. Highly recommend for spring or even minimalist home décor lovers!" —Normon Louise 

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in 62 colors). 

11. A 50-pack of disposable lettered hand towels that'll keep you prepared for any surprise drop-bys when you haven't had a chance to pull out the guest towels that no one is normally allowed to use. There's something about a little personalization and the convenience of a disposable option that really impresses me with a host...but maybe that's just me. Reviewers also say they feel really nice and thick — talk about luxe! 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

If you want to recreate the reviewer's napkin display above, then maybe pick up this acrylic napkin holder while you're at it! These towels will fit in that holder when folded.

Promising review: "I absolutely love them! These are not your average disposable napkins — thick, absorbent, and beautifully elegant. The silver 'H' lettering in a clean sans-serif font adds a personalized touch. I keep them stocked in my guest bathroom, and they truly elevate the space, giving it a boutique hotel vibe. They’re also available in gold, which is perfect if you want a warmer tone. These would make a fantastic housewarming gift — especially if paired with a stylish napkin holder. Highly recommend for anyone who values both style and function." —Tina

Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $12.11 (available in gold or silver).

12. A small wicker basket for storing extra TP so your guests never have to ask you for more — we all know how embarrassing that can be. You could even fill it with your boujee soaps and lotions for an adorable way to *pretend* you're always ready for guests.  

www.amazon.com

Pro hosting tip: Stash a bottle of Poo-Pourri in here too, and you won't have to know (or smell) what your date was up to in the bathroom.

Promising review: "Excellent baskets! I use them to store just about everything. They are good quality, sturdy, and I love the inner lining and handles. I've used these to put on the back of my toilet to hold toilet paper, towels, you name it. I'm definitely going to buy more." —Susan Skalas

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $22.99 (available in six colors).  

13. A faux leather storage ottoman for hiding any random clutter in your living room, because according to your aunt (who points out every detail you should have perfected), it's not supposed to look like you actually live in this room of your own freaking house. The reversible lid is also so convenient for hosting — you can use the cushioned side as an extra seat during charades or the sturdy wooden side as a side table during cocktail hour!

Amazon

Promising review: "Super nice and holds a lot of weight. I use it when there are guests over for extra seating, and it works great. It also works as a decorative piece, which I love. Highly recommended!" —Brianna

Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in four styles).

14. Some floor pillows so you'll have extra seating in a pinch, like when your cousin forgets to mention he's bringing his new girlfriend to game night. Just throw these cushioned, cozy floor pillows out and there'll be a seat at the table for everyone.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "We bought a small one-bedroom condo and have a pullout couch for guests when they stay the night. When we have more people over, these work great as extra seating in our modest living room, and stack great in the corner when we’re not using them! They are SUUUPER cozy and comfy! Just the right amount of cushion!" —Keri Brewer

Get it from Amazon for $38+ (available in eight colors and two shapes).

15. Amini bar cartyou can keep stocked with supplies for anything from a Hugo spritz to a good ol' vodka cran so your home bar is ready to host at all times. If you don't drink alcohol but are really into your morning cup of joe, you can also make the coolest coffee station with every syrup and fancy mug on the market! Maybe it'll even put the Dunkin' setup to shame. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "We host family dinners, and this mobile bar has been a lifesaver. I love everything about it, and it didn't break the bank. It's beautiful and very sturdy. I can store our bottles of wine in the built-in wine rack; it's big enough to add all our favorite drinks, two ice buckets, and a good amount of stemware. My larger red wine stems wouldn't fit because the bases of my glasses were bigger than the stem rack, but that was fine because I have plenty of other ones. I really like the fact that it's on casters, so I could move it easily, and I love the elegance the mirrored shelves give. This bar cart is a 10." —Kynia

Get it from Amazon for $75.99 (available in two sizes and three colors). 

16. The Dinner Party Projectcookbook in case you're not really someone people would consider particularly gifted in the kitchen, but you really want some compliments on your cooking. This book is specifically tailored to making your get-togethers easier and filled with delicious food, like a party pesto and a "very adult" salad.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "So many people tell me they look on the internet if they need a recipe, and they don't need cookbooks. Wrong! You need this book to redefine your approach to cooking. Think of cooking as a means of entertaining, of bringing people together, and growing your friendships. This book is about dishes...easy ones for everyone. How to use the hors d'oeuvres with simple drinks to relax your guests before dinner. Easy to make homemade pitas...dipping sauces...tasty bites and dips. Yum! I love Tasha's relaxed adventure approaches to meals. Try it...you will love it. This will change your perspective." —Smokey Simone

Get it from Amazon for $16 (also available for Kindle). 

17. An at-home fondue kit destined to make dessert time the most awaited moment of the party. Or perhaps you're hoping to spice up the dinner game and want to transport (no travel required) your guests to Switzerland with a little fondue au fromage on the menu. I mean, could gatherings at your house even get cooler?

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "It was a hit with all my friends! The pot got perfectly hot for both cheese and then chocolate. I was a little intimidated to make the cheese fondue, but I was shocked at how easy it was. The best part: It was so simple to clean! So you can quickly swap the types of fondues if you want to. It’s also very lightweight, so you can bring it to other people’s houses as a fun appetizer. I would definitely recommend this." —Lara

Get it from Amazon for $27.99.

18. A pack of "men in uniform" drink markers to indicate whose drink is whose, while bringing a hint of laughter and lightness into the room. I'm sure we've all had that awkward stare down when you put your drink next to someone else's and now you can't remember which to pick up. But besides practicality, who wouldn't want to see a firefighter every time they take a sip?

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My friends and I get compliments and laughs because of 'our little men' everywhere we go! We take these with us on all our girls' nights. We just love them!" —Megan Eckert

Get it from Amazon for $15.25.

19. A vibrant printed sheet set that'll match your level of cheer and excitement about having guests stay over. These sheets will definitely give them that "mi casa es su casa" vibe you're exuding. With such fun patterns to choose from, your friends are going to be transported to those nights as a kid where they slept as hard as rocks on their Superman sheets. 

Anthropologie

This set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two standard pillowcases.

Promising review: "Great percale sheet set! Aside from the color vibrancy and fun print mixing, I like the crisp and cool percale fabric, but what's nice is that it still has a smooth finish. If you like a sheet with a little more structure and that is cooler to the touch, I would recommend this." —Anthro Insider

Get it from Anthropologie for $58+ (available in six sizes and 11 prints).

20. A spare set of Beckham Hotel Collection pillows for when that casual night out for dinner turns into a bar crawl, and you have some unexpected overnight guests crashing at your place. These plush, breathable pillows feel like resting on a cloud, so your friends won't even be concerned that they're not tucked away in their own bed — in fact, don't be surprised if they show up again next week. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Get these for your best night's sleep ever. I purchased these for my vacation rental property, and guests love the pillows. I ended up ordering them for my home as well! They fluff up well out of packaging and fill out my pillowcases well. No strange odors either, just fresh and clean. Soft but firm enough to support your head, whether a side or back sleeper. They are just great! You really can't beat the price, especially when ordering large quantities." —C Dexter

Get a pack of two queen-size pillows from Amazon for $59.99 (also available in a king and throw pillow size).

21. And a bedside water carafe to quench their thirst when they wake up at 3 a.m. after one too many glasses of wine. Just place this glass jar near wherever they'll be sleeping beforehand, and you've won the Best Host Ever award!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This bedside decanter is amazing. I hated having a plastic bottle on my night stand so I chose this product to replace it. Love that the cup seconds as a cover, it’s well made and thick glass. Holds a good amount of water." —Krista

Get it from Amazon for $12.99

22. A mulberry silk eye mask to help your friend reach their deepest REM cycle, even though you still haven't gotten around to hanging up blinds in the guest bedroom. I'm sure you know how hard it is to sleep in an unfamiliar place, and this mask will make your guest feel like their on a sleep vacay.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "The design and product quality are top tier! The fabric is soft and silky; it completely blocks all light, and I love the Velcro closure on the back; the mask does not move during the night. Love that the mask covers your ears, it’s added noise reduction you definitely need in your life if you are a light sleeper or have a partner that snores. I pair this eye mask with some earplugs, and I’m in my own dark and quiet space — I sleep all night!! This eye mask is part of the reason my husband doesn’t have to go to sleep in another room! 😁 It’s definitely a great purchase. I’ve worn mine for three weeks and I love it!" —Bertha Villafuerte

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in five colors). 

23. And to really ensure their room is an oasis, a noise machine that'll drown out any racket in your house with soothing nature sounds, brown noise, and even lullabies. Now, your guests won't be able to hear if your roommate decides to bring all the strangers they met at the bar back to your house at 3 a.m. And if they happen to still like a bit of light in the room (not that anyone would be scared of the dark or anything, but uhhhh), this has 12 adjustable colored night lights to choose from. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This machine features a variety of non-looping sounds like rain, white noise, brown noise, and ocean waves.

Promising review: "Run. Get this. My husband uses it during the day while sleeping because he works overnight. I clank dishes and even vacuum, and he doesn’t hear a thing. At night, I use it to drown out any noises that could wake up the baby. Great product. has many different sound choices, though we only use the brown noise type. Has different light choices, and you can even dim or brighten. Definitely will get a second." —Amiyah Parrish Willis

Get it from Amazon for $16.68+ (available in three colors). 

24. An instant mold and mildew stain remover spray to keep all of your outdoor chairs clean and ✨sparkly✨ so your friends have a nice place to rest their behinds. It's hard to actually keep your outdoor furniture clean all year round, but this spray will convince all your peeps that you somehow do a pretty impeccable job. 

www.amazon.com

RMR Brands is a small business specializing in professional-grade cleaning solutions for your home.

Promising review: "It rains almost every day during the Summer in Florida. By the end of Summer, my cool deck was green with mold around theperimeter. I was about to pay to have someone power wash my deck, but found RMR-86 on Amazon. I purchased a bottle and sprayed all the areas that had mold and mildew. RMR-86 started working within minutes, right before my eyes. It was like magic! I'm definitely getting more." —Marie Moore

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three sizes and multipacks).

25. Some individually packaged Neutrogena makeup remover wipes, because a trusty makeup remover is normally the last item of importance when your guest packs for a trip. It's normally #1: 20 pairs of "emergency" underwear and #2: that "just in case" clubbing outfit. Your visitors will feel like they're staying at a 5-star hotel when it's really just your living room.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I placed these in a cute glass jar and put in the guest bathroom for when we have company. So many of our guests were so appreciative of the makeup remover towels…especially after a day of wearing more makeup than usual for events such as Gasparilla! Will definitely be keeping my little glass jar stocked with these for our next guests!!" —suzisjoyful

Get a 20-count bag from Amazon for $6.88 (also available as fragrance free)

26. A pack of conversation starter cards containing 135 questions designed for connection, not just small talk, in case you're looking to leave everyone with a special memory. If your night doesn't end with trying to "solve" all the world's problems, was it even a successful get-together?

Amazon

Promising review: "I used it for the first time during Thanksgiving dinner last year. I used it again this year as my whole family (35 people) were so fascinated because everyone wanted to participate. Family ranged form ages 5 years–84 years. It is really for everyone and it is now our new holiday tradition. I highly recommend it!" —Miriam Maldonado

"I introduced this game during our Thanksgiving dinner. When I mentioned it there was a lot of eye rolling and I knew everyone just thought they would humor me by with a couple of questions and that would be it forever more. When we ended the game everyone had really enjoyed it, from ages 25–93. In fact, they wanted to play again later in the day!" —Jeri Candage

Get it from Amazon for $25.

27. A luggage rack with built-in storage in case your guest room (which consists of the old couch in your unfinished basement) doesn't have much space for your visitor to neatly store their things.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I use these in my guest bedroom. Well-made and very handy. The shelves are a nice touch. Easily folds up, can be stored under a bed or in a closet. Very worthwhile investment." —JoAnn

Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in four colors and in sets of two). 

28. A 3-in-1 charging station in case your guest forgets to bring their charger and their Apple Watch is dead. You saved the day! This one device has an Apple Watch, Lightning, and Type-C charger, and it can be plugged into both USB-A and USB-C outlets. This cord itself is also 4 feet, so your visitor will always be able to doomscroll in bed before calling it a night.

Amazon

Promising review: "This cable does it all!! I recently travelled and forgot my Apple Watch charger. I went to the Apple Store near my hotel and paid $49 for a replacement! 🙄 Next plane flight, I used that charger, but ran out of charge on my iPad that weekend, and just brought it home dead. Then I found this charger and have since taken on three different trips, and I HAVE IT ALL! My husband (a non-Apple user) was having trouble charging his Samsung on vacation last week and was able to use this charger for his phone. Even housekeeping used it! I came back to my room and found housekeeping plugged into it while they made up our room! Seems to be capable of charging more than one item at a time. Cord length is good enough to place on a nightstand or dresser, etc. Cable rolls up and tucks into luggage beautifully. This is not a fast charge cable, but I don’t mind. Connects well with all my devices (and my husband's, apparently), only time will tell about durability. I am three trips in and counting. I would definitely recommend this cable." —CarolW

Get it from Amazon for $8.49 (available in 10 colors and two lengths). 

29. And with that, some individual mouthwash packets so your friend can feel oh so minty fresh, even when they're away from their own oral hygiene products. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "We included these mouthwash portable packets in our amenity baskets for our son’s wedding, and they were a hit! They’re super convenient — easy for guests to use on the go without any mess or fuss. The packets are individually sealed, keeping everything fresh and hygienic. A small but thoughtful touch that made our guests feel cared for. Great quality and perfect for events or travel!" —SA

Get a 30-pack from Amazon for $12.99.

30. A weather- and UV-resistant outdoor rug so everyone feels free to kick off their shoes and practice a little grounding, without having to worry about any dirty feet or splinters during the barbecue. And the rug won't lose its color or fun design, even with all that sun time, so your friends will be so inclined to compliment it time and time again. 

www.amazon.com

When it's time for a cleaning, simply spray it down with a hose!

Promising review: "A beautiful rug that polishes our cozy outdoor space. Great quality and very easy to clean. This is important, especially with two big dogs." —Meghan

Get it from Amazon for $45.60+ (available in seven sizes, nine colors, and as a two-pack).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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