The Weekly Covet: 15+ Editor-Approved Hosting Essentials

“Put these out on one side of the table and William Poll watercress dip and chips on the other side and there, you have a party!” —Stellene Volandes, Editor in Chief

“I adore having this elegant Georg Jensen stainless steel carafes at my dinner table. I use two different sizes—but the larger one is definitely the show pony!” —Nelida Mortensen, Senior Visual Editor

“For a fall party, what’s better than game night? A game night with exquisite, artisanal, hand-made games, like this chess board in Canaletto walnut featuring pieces in Calacatta Oro and black marbles by the century-old Italian workshop Giorgetti. Whether you can beat your guests is another matter altogether.” —Erik Maza, Executive Style Director

“When it comes to a party dresscode, the host should never outshine their guests. A host should, however, have a signature look. I love a smoking jacket, or any velvet jacket for that matter, for hosting purposes. It’s ultra-soft fabric nods to the comfort of being at home without sacrificing any ounce elegance.” —Isiah Magsino, Style News Editor

“Lighting is essential when it comes to dinner parties but be sure you do it right: low lights from candles and lamps are preferred over high lights since they are more flattering. Have your candlesticks ready.” —Isiah Magsino, Style News Editor

“There is nothing I love more in this world than a dinner party. Whether I’m hosting or attending as a guest (gifts are a must!) Big Night in Brooklyn always has just what I need. Starting with these embroidered linen napkins.” —Ana Osorno, Social Media Editor

“I love to welcome guests with a cocktail—preferably a classic martini—but I think I’ve made my feelings about martini glasses themselves quite clear: they suck. What’s better? A Nick and Nora glass—they’re classy, cool, and way less likely to wind up spilled all over your rug.” —Lauren Hubbard, Contributor

“If you’re throwing a dinner party, gorgeous serving bowls are an absolute must. I have this entire set from British-Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi, and the colors bring me so much joy.” —Emily Burack, News Writer

“The most important aspect of entertaining is good lighting. The second is scent. Set the mood with this elegant incense holder by ceramicist Jeannette Morrow for The Huntress New York, which incidentally is opening a new store in the West Village this coming December. No doubt it’ll smell divine inside.” —Erik Maza, Executive Style Director

“People aren’t so complicated: they gravitate toward the bar and the food. So, when you have them over it’s nice to spread a few bowls of the world’s greatest snack mix, Reid’s Five O’clock Crunch, around the room to keep everyone from parking in one spot. Pro tip: save a second tin for yourself to crack open once everyone’s left and it’s time to do the party postmortem.” —Adam Rathe, Deputy Features Director

“I agree with Isiah, flattering lighting is so essential. And beautifully painted candlesticks are such an ingenious—and stealthily elegant—way to elevate any affair.” —Leena Kim, Editor

“Having a fully stocked bar cart is essential to hosting. I love this one-of-a-kind bamboo cart from Weston Table.” —Dania Ortiz, Fashion and Accessories Director

“No party is complete without an ice bucket filled with champagne. Make an impression with this octopus bowl as the main event.” —Hannah Morrolf, Fashion Assistant

“There is nothing I love more than serving hors d’oeuvres—especially if served in a three piece serving bowl! Look at how sleek this Ralph Lauren one is. Obsessed is an understatement.” —Sophie Dweck, Associate Shopping Editor

“Everyone knows the best part of dinner party is the pre-dinner mini bites. These pitted and dry-packed flavored olives are so darn addictive in a salad or on their own. I plan to serve them at my next at-home soiree, but I don’t think I’ll be able to resist eating them until then.” —Sophie Dweck, Associate Shopping Editor

“Setting a beautiful table is fun to do and always impresses guests. I’ll be adding color and pattern to my holiday table with these napkins from Matouk.” —MaryKate Boylan, Senior Fashion Editor

“When I entertain, I like to use a variety of glassware to add some visual variety to the party vista. My latest addition to my stemware is this martini glass in a tulip shape with etching. It’s stunning. I can’t wait to put it into action.”—Roxanne Adamiyatt, Deputy Digital Lifestyle Director