Essentials For Entertaining

Planning a gathering or hosting a dinner party? Look no further than our essentials for entertaining collection. Designed to elevate your hosting game, this carefully curated selection of kitchen products is here to help you create memorable moments with ease and style. From elegant dinnerware and versatile serving pieces to high-quality cookware and handy gadgets, we have everything you need to impress your guests and make entertaining a breeze. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, our essentials for entertaining will ensure that every occasion is unforgettable.

Sort by:
  • Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
    $399.95
    (1401)

    The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro with Element IQ is designed for the cook who desires a countertop oven that can roast for large gatherings, air-fry crispy snacks and dehydrate a wide range of healthy foods—plus much more. This large-capacity oven...

    Pros: versatility, convenience, ease of use

  • Staub Stoneware 3-Piece Rectangular Baker Set
    $99.96
    (687)

    Make your best brownies, casseroles, pasta dishes or roasted vegetables with these stoneware bakers. Each one gently retains heat and won’t absorb moisture, ensuring deliciously crispy exteriors and perfectly cooked interiors. Two side handles...

    Pros: easy to clean, durable, easy cleanup

  • Staub Stoneware 2-Piece Rectangular Baker Set
    $59.96
    (506)

    Perfect for everything from baked pasta dishes and layered party dips to roasted vegetables or fruit crisps, this two-piece baking set makes a handsome and versatile addition to any kitchen. Superior stoneware distributes heat evenly and efficiently,...

    Pros: versatility, durable, easy to clean

  • Staub Stoneware 2-Piece Oval Baker Set
    $59.96
    (358)

    Perfect for everything from baked pasta dishes and layered party dips to roasted vegetables or fruit crisps, these stoneware bakers make a handsome and versatile addition to any kitchen. Superior stoneware distributes heat evenly and efficiently, and...

    Pros: quality, versatility, easy to clean

  • Staub 12-Piece Dinnerware Set
    $191.96
    (147)

    Enjoy every meal in style with this dinnerware set that brings timeless beauty to any setting. Made of durable stoneware with a scratch-resistant enamel exterior to last through every occasion. Microwave and dishwasher safe for convenience and easy cleaning....

    Pros: durable, quality, sturdiness

  • Sur La Table Linen Napkins, Set of 4
    $39.96
    (66)

    We’ve relaunched our 100% linen collection with a wide range of colors and heavier weight for greater durability and resistance to wrinkles. A classic and sophisticated addition to any kitchen, linen possesses an elegant simplicity that lends itself...

    Pros: beautiful, well made, washes well

  • Sur La Table Silicone-Tipped Tongs, 7"
    $14.95
    (61)

    Ideal for serving small plates, appetizers, antipasti, cheese platters, cold cuts and more, these handy nylon mini tongs are perfect for everyday needs and are great for entertaining. Soft silicone tips are safe for use with all cookware and are heat...

    Pros: versatility, size, perfect size

  • Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
    $119.95
    (3660)

    Find your perfect cup with this extra-large-capacity coffee maker. Thanks to two brewing settings—Regular and Bold—it’s easy to adjust the strength of the final brew. An adjustable warming plate keeps brewed coffee warm until ready...

    Pros: quick brewing, large capacity, easy to use

  • Zwilling J.A. Henckels 10-Piece Gourmet Knife Block
    $299.95
    (358)

    The Zwilling Gourmet knife collection boasts lightweight blades that are precision-stamped from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel, allowing for maximum maneuverability. This 10-piece set includes the essential blades and tools for any kitchen...

    Pros: sharpness, durability, quality

  • Sur La Table Striped Kitchen Towels, Set of 3
    $22.86
    (242)

    Woven from soft, highly absorbent cotton and finished with a loop for easy hanging, our classic striped towels make quick work of kitchen tasks, from drying dishes to wiping countertops. This set includes two basketweave towels and one twill weave towel...

    Pros: durable, absorbency, quality

  • Hestan Provisions OvenBond Tri-ply 5-Piece Bakeware Set
    $400
    (204)

    Update your kitchen with this sleek, functional bakeware set from Hestan. Each piece in this set is made from highly durable triple-ply stainless steel that is oven safe to 600°F and resistant to warping, so you can feel confident as you cook. Each piece...

    Pros: durable, versatility, no warping

  • Staub Stoneware Artichoke Cocotte, 16 oz.
    $39.96
    (168)

    The choice of accomplished chefs, Staub cocottes are designed to concentrate flavorful juices, making this small figural artichoke cocotte perfect for individual servings of hearty soups, stews and, of course, artichoke dip. Durable stoneware is highly...

    Pros: versatile use, perfect size, cute design

  • Zwilling Fresh & Save 32-Piece Vacuum Sealer Machine Set
    $249.95
    (157)

    The Fresh & Save Essentials 32-Piece Set is the perfect way to set yourself up for vacuum food storage. Pack a light lunch or store your favorite home cooked meal in the medium and large vacuum containers and freeze whole dinners and package up fresh...

    Pros: reusable bags, compact size, ease of use

  • Breville Die-Cast Toaster, 4-Slice
    $249.95
    (140)

    Get perfectly toasted bread every time with one of the smartest toasters we’ve ever seen. An internal chip gently lowers bread with a single touch and precisely regulates toasting time. Breville’s patented Lift and Look™ feature lets...

    Pros: durable, reliable, features

  • Breville Fast Slow Pro Multicooker, 6 qt.
    $329.95
    (105)

    Enjoy fork-tender meats in minutes under pressure or impart rich flavors over hours of slow-and-low cooking—you decide, because this versatile countertop cooker does both. Sear, Sauté, Reduce, Simmer and Steam settings make it easy to create...

    Pros: versatility, easy to use, fast cooking

  • Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Makers
    $44.95
    (93)

    The Bialetti two-part cast aluminum espresso pot has long set the standard for stovetop espresso makers. With the invention of the Bialetti in the 1930s, espresso—long a staple of Italian cafés and bars—became available for home consumption....

    Pros: easy to use, easy to clean, durability

  • Ooni Koda 2 Max Gas Powered Pizza Oven
    $1299
    (88)

    Get restaurant quality pizza in your backyard with the Ooni Koda 2 Max pizza oven. It can reach its maximum temperature of 950 ° F in as little as 30 minutes, and can cook a pizza in 60 seconds, so you can get started making custom pizzas right...

    Pros: ease of use, size, versatility

  • Sur La Table Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, 5 qt.
    $229.96
    (84)

    Braise, bake and deep fry with this Dutch oven. The 5-quart capacity makes this piece ideal for cooking family-sized portions of chilis, soups and casseroles. This Dutch oven is enamel-coated, induction compatible and safe in up 500° F. Cover with the...

    Pros: color, versatility, functionality

  • Demeyere Industry5 Stainless Steel Essential Pan, 3.5 Qt.
    $199.96
    (78)

    The 3.5-quart Essential Pan is the go-to for simmering soups, reducing savory sauces, cooking fluffy risotto, and more. The flared walls help prevent grains from lodging in corners, while the wide mouth facilitates quicker sauce reduction, and makes...

    Pros: versatility, quality, heat retention

  • Cuisinart Core Custom 10-Cup Food Processor
    $149.96
    (78)

    Engineered with variety and simplicity in mind, this 10-cup food processor helps the home chef excel whether cooking everyday favorites, meal prepping for a busy week or entertaining dinner guests. The generously sized, durable work bowl provides ample...

    Pros: versatility, easy to clean, large capacity

  • All-Clad Essentials Nonstick 2-Piece Skillet Set, 8.5" & 10.5"
    $79.95
    (77)

    Designed to meet the needs of professional and home chefs, the aptly named Essentials collection cooks and cleans up with ease and conveniently nests together for convenient, compact storage while preventing damage to the nonstick surfaces. This set...

    Pros: easy to clean, non-stick, nonstick

  • All-Clad Essentials Nonstick 4-Piece Skillet & Sauté Pan Set
    $179.95
    (50)

    Designed to meet the needs of professional and home chefs, the aptly named Essentials collection cooks and cleans up with ease and conveniently nests together for convenient, compact storage while preventing damage to the nonstick surfaces. This 4-piece...

    Pros: durable, easy to clean, appearance

  • Staub Pasta Bowls, Set of 4
    $79.96
    (43)

    Enjoy your meal in style with this set of pasta bowls that brings timeless beauty to any setting. Made of durable stoneware with a scratch-resistant enamel exterior to last through every occasion. Microwave and dishwasher safe for convenience and easy...

    Pros: durable, dishwasher safe, sturdy

  • John Boos Board & Block Cream
    $13.95
    (41)

    A must-have for wood cutting board and chopping block owners. John Boos wood cream features a natural formula of unbleached beeswax combined with food-grade mineral oil to penetrate deeply into the grains of the wood.

    Cream leaves a wax barrier and locks...

    Pros: effectiveness, easy to use, versatility

Essentials For Entertaining

When it comes to gathering friends and family, having the right essentials for entertaining can make every occasion feel special, whether it’s a casual backyard get-together in the warmth of August or a more formal dinner indoors. The foundation of any successful gathering starts with serveware—think platters for main courses, generously sized bowls for salads or sides, and a variety of serving utensils to keep everything moving smoothly around the table. Investing in versatile pieces that transition from oven to table not only keeps dishes warm but also creates a seamless, inviting presentation. A well-chosen charcuterie or cheese board is always a crowd-pleaser, offering a relaxed way to start the evening and encouraging guests to mingle as they help themselves. For those who love to entertain outdoors during the summer months, break-resistant dishes and glassware are practical choices, ensuring that style isn’t sacrificed for safety. Adding a few citronella candles or a decorative drink dispenser for refreshing beverages can help set the mood and keep guests comfortable throughout the event.

Table settings play a key role in elevating the overall experience, and thoughtful touches like quality linens, cloth napkins, and coordinated placemats add both comfort and elegance. Mixing and matching dinnerware—choosing plates and bowls that suit both casual and formal occasions—allows hosts to adapt to any type of gathering, from impromptu brunches to milestone celebrations. A selection of glassware for water, wine, and cocktails ensures that every guest has the right vessel for their drink of choice, while a sturdy pitcher or drink dispenser keeps self-service simple and efficient. For dessert or appetizers, a cake stand or tiered server can add height and visual interest to the spread, making even everyday treats feel festive. These entertaining essentials are also thoughtful gifts for newlyweds, new homeowners, or anyone who enjoys hosting, as they help build a collection that will be used and appreciated for years to come. Whether you’re setting the table for a holiday, a birthday, or a spontaneous summer evening, having the right pieces on hand means you’re always ready to welcome guests with confidence and style.

No matter your entertaining style, curating a selection of essential items ensures you’re prepared for any occasion, big or small. From the practical—like casserole dishes that keep food warm and serving utensils that make sharing easy—to the decorative, such as linens and centerpiece-worthy boards, these pieces are the building blocks of memorable gatherings. For a more comprehensive look at how to round out your collection, explore our carefully curated Dinner Party Essentials for even more inspiration and ideas to make every gathering feel effortless and inviting.

Top Picks For Essentials For Entertaining


Best Sellers

Related Pages

Top Collections