'Tis the season for entertaining, people, and we think it's about time you follow through on your secret desire to host a winter-themed craft cocktail party for your friends.
It only takes a few items to prep your home (or apartment, or shoebox-sized studio) for a festive, easy dinner or cocktail party. Round up these seven items (or invest in the ones you're lacking), and prepare to become the holiday hostess with the mostest.
Multipurpose drinking glasses
They'll instantly glam-ify wine, cocktails and even champagne. Get a set of standard glasses or tumblers and make sure to have extras on-hand in case of accidents.
Gold-rimmed drinking glasses by House of Presley, at One Kings Lane
A versatile serving tray
For cheese, veggies or hot appetizers, one standard serving tray will do the trick. If you're feeling extra-crafty (or extra-cheap), make your own from a cookie sheet.
Caramel faux pony tray by Lazy Susan, at Houzz
Cocktail napkins
Paper ones are more than fine -- just something colorful and/or patterned to majorly brighten your table. If you're in cocktail party mode, guests can rest their appetizers on napkins, so you won't have to provide plates. Try a cloth variety so you always have a stash for future parties.
Monogrammed linen cocktail napkins, Grandin Road
Flowers
They're colorful, they're classy, they fill up all that empty space on your countertop spread... and who said they had to be real?
Faux roses in cube vase, One Kings Lane
A serving bowl and spoons
While mismatched dining plates give your dinner party an endearing effect, this morning's cereal bowl does not do justice as a serving vessel. Invest in a big bowl to set a fun, family-style vibe for your guests.
Acacia wood serving set, Pacific Merchants
A festive drink dispenser
You didn't sweat to make that sangria pretty for nothing. Show it off -- and add an elegant centerpiece to your kitchen display -- with a glass drink dispenser. The cute little spigot is both playful and classy.
Westbury Beverage Dispenser by Godinger, at Wayfair
Candles
Big, bold ones set an instantly cozy mood that's both sophisticated and sexy... and your space will smell great no matter how much bruschetta you burn. Want to play it super safe? Opt for the flameless variety.
Flameless votive candles, Crate & Barrel
Bonus: A killer playlist
The best things in life -- and in hostessing -- are free. Cue your favorite music, and let the magic happen.
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Before You Go
Try going with mood-enhancing dim lights and don’t be afraid to get creative. Try draping these Lace Paper Lanterns from your trees or ceiling.
Try going with a mixed punch that you can prepare before the festivities begin so you don’t keep your thirsty friends waiting. Also, be sure to accommodate the non-cocktail drinkers of the bunch by providing your guests with diverse alcohol-free options as well.
Try making them feel at home with lots of seating options and extra pillows. Take your outdoor decor to another level with fancy accents like this Petals Pillow. After all, these flowers are always in season.
Try sprucing things up a bit by serving up your old favorites in new and creative waves. For finger foods, scrap the bowls and utensils and dish out your "appetizers" in these funky Stackable Goblets instead.
Try hitting up your local food markets before your shindig for your freshest, tastiest and healthiest options.
Try constructing your menu so that 20 to 30 percent is meatless. Not only will you make your veggie-loving friends happy, you’ll be making sure meat-lovers get their daily dose of fruits and veggies.
Try letting your guests take turns being DJ for an eclectic mix of tunes that satisfy everyone's tastes.
Try getting your guests in on the clean-up effort. Set up small stations where they can put used glasses and other utensils, and be sure to label the trash area with a sign or (for swankier folks) a decorative tray so no one is stuck holding an empty glass.
Try to make the most of your outdoor space (and get some awesome photo ops) by encouraging them to participate in games and activities throughout the day. Our personal backyard fave? Two words: bocce ball.
Try adding a little luxury to your backyard with posh accessories like this Fairies & Belles Windchime.