What kitchen essentials are necessary for entertaining?

Question

I am just starting to entertain and am making sure I will have everything I need. What are the "essentials", ie. serving platter, corningware, etc. What must I have in order to entertain properly?

Answer 1

I entertain a lot, too, and really enjoy hosting. Some tips from my experience

1.A good set of china - - plates, soup bowl, cup and saucer
2. A good set of silverware - spoons, forks, knives, teaspoons, etc
3. A good set of serving essentials - - - bowls, serving soons and tongs, etc
4. Nice drinking glasses, better if you serve water on goblets though. And don't forget the pitcher
5. Before dinner, your cocktails essentials - - - red and white wine glassses, and glasses for each type of drinks - - for margaritas, for punch, for scotch, for brandy, tequila, vodka etc. Learn which ones for each of these spirits
6. Cheese platter with a proper cheese cutter (and lots of cheese options)
7. Bread basket, and cloth napkins to keep the bread warm
8. Bread knives
9. Dishes for the different dips for the bread. Have several sets
10. Huge salad bowls, and salad dishes (plates)
11. Salad tongs
12. Salad essentials : dishes where you will serve the garnishings (if they prepare the salad themselves), and don't forget the olives and capers, the chili , and the pepper mill
13. depending on how formal the dinner will be, you can prepare napkins and bibs - - made of cloth.
14. The table must be properly set - - - table cloth, floral arrangement, candles?
15. Don't forget music

As you can see, I went full blast beyond the kitchen ideas.

Enjoy the party!

Answer 2

It seems like you got your basis covered with the majority of the kitchen essentials but we did in fact just write a great article all about bar cart essentials and the key ways to decorate it! We think this makes entertaining so so nice! Hope this helps :)
http://darlingbedaring.com/bar-cart-essentials-a-darlings-guide-to-cocktail-hour/
xoxo

Answer 3

It depends on what kind of entertaining you plan to do. If you are a laid back, picnic and bbq kind of entertainer, then you certainly want fun outdoor place settings and serving trays are very important too, for running things in and out of the house. Plastic ware is appropriate for this kind of entertaining. If you are looking at entertaining in a more formal manner, then plasticware is definitely NOT the answer. Make sure you have plenty of silverware and glasses. If you are serving wine or mixed drinks be sure and have the right "equipment" such as shakers, wine bottle openers, appropriate glassware, etc. If you are serving fingerfoods, then smaller plates are always nice because your guests can then walk around with them and mingle and not try and manage a large plate as well as a drink. Serving platters are a MUST. Corningware is OK if you choose something that doesn't look like you use it every single day. Daily use of some corningware tends to look shabby over time. Cloth napkins are nice, but not entirely necessary.

Answer 4

There are many good answers here, but , keep in mind.....you are "just starting" to entertain, so you don't need all the fancy gadgets and place settings to start.
You should have a serving platter for your entree (unless it's an oven to table kind, like a casserole, then a nice baking dish serves well ie:corning, but there are others just as servicable and much prettier)
FIRST: Figure out what you want to serve and how many guests you want to invite. If you want a casual party, then mismatched dishes work great, but if it's a formal party, you might want to get some nice china. If you are on a budget, you can even go to Wal*Mart and pick up 2 sets of inexpensive dishes that are pretty and match. You can should probably think of getting 2 sets of flatware (does not need to be silver) so you have enough for 8 to start.
I have a bunch of serving platters that I picked up at yard sales and thrift stores, all different sizes, and though they don't match each other or my china, they look great when loaded with yummy food. Serving spoons don't have to match either, even for a formal party, as long as they are all the same material (wood, stainless, silver, etc.)
I would also say a pretty table cloth. A friend of mine uses a plain bed sheet, covered with a lacy table cloth......it looks lovely.
If you are serving wine/champaigne, it is good to have the proper glasses, that can also be bought in sets of 4 from Wal*Mart, or if you can afford better, go for it.
For the cooking part........of course you will need the pots 'n pans, baking pans or casserole dishes based on what you are cooking. I find with my favorite chef's knife, pairing knife and bread knife can do just about anything. A whisk is essential to me as well.
Also essential, is the freshest possible ingredients, and I suggest that you try out your dishes PRIOR to inviting people if you haven't cooked that dish before.
For a casual party, I like to make different heights for my serving platters. I'll use anything from a shoe box to a raised cake plate. I've even been known to turn 4-6 tall glasses upside down, place a cutting board over them, and drape and tuck a table cloth over the whole lot, then set my serving platters on. (just make sure it's pretty sturdy). Place your dipping sort of things on the table, then the entrees or more solid stuff elevated.
Don't forget flowers and/or candles.
I have a whole bunch of small goldfish bowls that I got from the dollar store, with some marbles/decorative stones, that I set tea candles in.
If you want a sit down dinner, many of the same ideas apply, just don't have elevated platters, or flowers so high that guest's can't see over them to talk.

Other than this, I think the most important thing you need to have is a good mix of people that you love and think will like each other, and hopefully a wonderful pal that will help you clean up.

Good luck, and I'd like to hear how everything goes.

Answer 5

Hello,
I will tell you that very large pots are the most important that I have found due to the reason that you never know how much is too much and you can never have enough! Trust me my husband and I have dinner party's a lot. One thing I learned very quickly was if I fixed just enough for everyone to have seconds either a last minute guest would show or someone would want thirds and there is nothing more uncomfortable than to say there is no more! I hope you do not mind but a tip I would like to give is, always have your things ready for cleanup. Fix a cabinet with everything like a already ready sponge (in something covered of course) Tupperware to put the very rarely left overs in (because trust me if there is any left overs they are great the next day because you will be thankful for the break from cooking) A pan with soapy water to drop your utensils in so they do not set while waiting to be cleaned and a pan for the dishes to be done the same way. That way if you are not using a cleaning service and are planing on doing it all your self you are finished quick and there is no loading a dish washer! Its simple fast and no one is the wiser. Just do not forget them after the party is over and everyone is gone!

Answer 6

For entertaining, I believe the appropriate stemware is essential. Most people don't realize that there are two types of wine glass; red wine glasses and white wine glasses. If you want to entertain properly and like a connoisseur, you'll have the right stemware.

In addition, I would make sure to have entertaining place settings. Entertaining place setting are much different then your fine china. Fine China should be used on holiday or formal entertaining. If you are just entertaining friends for a fun cocktail party, get good quality, yet trend and fun place settings. It'll help set the ambiance of the event. Also you "party" place setting are different then you're everyday dishes and glasses you use. Everyday place settings are great for just your family, but when entertaining guests, use the more fun party ware. It'll spice things up.

I was just in Pier One today. They had so great fun place settings that I would use for a informal cocktail party. They had great designs on them, but were very good quality dishes. They weren't cheap looking or easily breakable. They were pretty reasonable too. Plus, there you can buy the dishes by the piece, rather buy the set. So, If you only feel you need 7 place settings. That's how many you buy. Instead of the standard 4 or 5 that come in the boxed sets.

That's just a few ideas.

Good Luck Entertaining!!!

Answer 7

Kitchen supplies are best when useful for a variety of events. A large capacity microwave and roomy refrigerator are good starts. A good slow cooker can be working on your main dish while you attend to other things.
Other tools are chosen as determined by your event. For instance, if you plan to serve appetizers, you will need serving dishes appropriate to those foods.
Cook and prepare as much as you can ahead of the day of the event so you have less to do on the day of your event.
Use a check list and work from a timetable. The major needs are food, drinks, seating, entertainment, decorations, comfort and safety and cleanup items.
It is essential to have a good idea of the likes and dislikes of your guests relevant to the type of event you are hosting. For example, a barbecue won't be much fun for a vegan, unless you plan ahead. If you don't know your guests, it never hurts to ask mutual friends for inside info.
Think about your experiences in similar events, do a google search and make a list of ideas that sound good to you. Once you have this info, you can plan accordingly.
Southern Living has great recipes, decorating and entertaining tips.
Martha Stewart's website has ideas for just about any entertaining or cooking you could think of.
Remember you don't have to do everything you hear about or think of. Your event will always be limited by time, budget and availability so be flexible.
It is not possible to please everyone, but good planning will go a long way.
Shoot for a variety of food, drinks and entertainment, but don't spread too thin - limit it to a few key areas for each. Then think of whatever you would not want to run out of, and stock up. Comfort items like ice, napkins, a first aid kit for outdoor events, and practical things like extra tableware and bathroom tissue for a large crowd at a lengthy event are good to stock in. You can always use them later.
Knowing where you can quickly buy food and drinks during holidays and late at night can be a lifesaver.
Have a fully charged cellphone, extra cash and a sober driver available at all times.
Most importantly, remember to have fun planning and carrying out your event. After all, it's entertainment, not a final exam!

Answer 8

I know you are just starting out, but you will want to make a list of ideas (wishlist) that you will want to accumulate as you progress into the Culinary Arts Extrodinaire (smile) Better yet, take a trip on the website for FRONTGATE and let your eyes wander over all the beautiful equipment they have to offer. Don't forget, Christmas is coming up and you might want to put some of these on your list for Santa.

Cookware
Grills & Grill Accessories
Bar & Kitchen Furniture
Kitchen Rugs & Decorative Accents
Barware & Serving Accessories
Kitchen Storage & Maintenance
Trash Cans
Wine Cabinets
Utility Carts & Butcher Blocks
Hanging Pot Racks
Cleaning & Storage Accessories
Gourmet wine cabinets and portable utility carts Butcher blocks serve handsomely,
Hanging pot racks are a fashionable storage solution. FInally - this is a MUST HAVE for every cook, entertainer or chef.....Your own set of exquisite chef's knives and your own personal chef's apron and hat!"

Answer 9

A clean and organized space is the best for entertaining and room for everyone to either stand or sit comfortably, simple is the best bet, no need for a million platters and dishes and glasses. make it simple, serve wine and beer and leave it at that or just serve one or two mixed drinks, martini's and cosmo's or two simple frozen drinks, margaritas and pina colada's..have a theme it makes it simple and keep the food simple too, soft lighting such as candles go a long way. You can serve several types of hor d'orves on one platter so not many are needed, small plates sandwich size are good for all types of buffets, no one said china makes a good party, it's the fun that you will have while hosting, if you stress your guests will know, so relax enjoy a glass of wine before they arrive and have everything prepared ahead of time and just ENJOY the company..

Answer 10

Be relaxed and don't sweat the small stuff and you'll do great. Since everyone else has already covered the basics, I'll just give you a unique idea that was a hit at one of my informal parties. I took a large sheet of butcher paper like the kind that comes on the big rolls at school. You can get end rolls sometimes from newspapers. Poster board can work too. Cover part of a wall from floor to ceiling if you can and provide a variety of colored sharpie markers. Write the theme/name of your occasion on the top. Then invite your guests to sign,doodle,&draw.It's better than a guest book for some great memories.

Answer 11

The simplest thing to do is if you have a Party City in your area, go up and down every aisle there and throw whatever you think you might need in your cart. They have things I never even thought of. They have napkins, plasticware, plates (big and small), plastic champagne glasses and wine goblets, serving platters, punch bowls, pitchers, etc. It depends on how "upscale" your entertainment needs are. I do a monthly get-together for my church. It doesn't require expensive china and what not. When you have something like a plastic punch bowl that you realize you use A LOT, then I upgrade to get the "real deal" like a Mikasa or Waterford crystal bowl. Work your way up gradually. Don't go broke right away. Costco has this plasticware that looks just like silverware AND plastic plates that look like fine china. I bought these for a church dinner party; and people kept telling me to put my "nice" things away until they touched them and realized they were plastic. They were all floored and impressed! As a matter of fact, I went to a church dinner party at someone else's house; and they copied me!