Entertaining successfully is all about presentation, which is why you need these amazing accessories that run the gamut from geeky to chic.
1. Dahlia coasters
These delicate-looking coasters are as pretty as a picture and will make sure the finish on your table will be too. (Food52, $18)
2. Chemist cocktail kit
There’s nothing wrong with a classic bar tools kit, but there’s something that’s so much more fun about this one, which gives me flashbacks to high school chem classes. (ThinkGeek, $24)
3. Fred wine lives charms
Wine charms tend to come in two types: horrifically expensive and inexplicably tacky. These are neither — a rare, adorable find. (Sur la Table, $10)
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4. Glass drinking straws
I had a lot of trouble deciding whether to include these or their stainless steel brothers on this list. Who says straws are just for little kids? (Food52, $34)
5. Knotted branch bar tools
Liquor is so much more fun when you can pretend you’re imbibing it in a magical forest. (Anthropologie, $78)
6. Birdsong teapot
If you love tea, then you know the value of having a legitimate teapot as opposed to just an electric kettle that you heat up water in for ramen once in a while. I don’t drink tea, but this entire service has me seriously considering changing that. (Anthropologie, $68)
7. Wine pearls
Nothing worse than warm wine that should be chilled, right? Instead of watering down your chardonnay with ice cubes or wasting time Googling how to chill wine quickly, a couple of these wine pearls will correct your party foul in a jiff. (SPARQ home, $30)
8. Foodie dice
For when your dinner party is more of a “cooking party,” this little set of dice will make things interesting. (ThinkGeek, $40)
9. Soapstone tequila shooter set
Hey, sometimes you have to shoot tequila at a gathering. Keep it classy with this set of shooters and tray that opens up to reveal a salt well and nifty spot to stash your lime wedges. (SPARQ home, $55)
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10. Spherical bottle opener
Nothing is more awkward than trying to open a guest’s beer bottle on your belt buckle (you’re not in college anymore), so keep this conversation starter handy. (Uncommon Goods, $18)
11. Pi basket
For when you want to serve pie but you’re no good at it, so pi will have to do instead. (Uncommon Goods, $118)
12. Planet plates
Alas, poor Pluto is not included among his former brethren, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the remaining eight planets. (The Unemployed Philosophers Guild, $39)
13. Copper cheese markers
I’m a big fan of serving cheese at parties. Everyone always says, “Oh, no cheese for me, thanks,” but then where will you find them when the conversation lulls? The cheese plate, that’s where. These handy markers will ensure that everyone knows what they’re eating. (Macy’s, $30)
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14. Mini cupcake stands
These things are so adorable I can barely stand it. I love the idea that every guest can get their own little cupcake on their own little footed stand. (Food52, $70)
15. Urchin toothpick holder
For when the party is over, this spiky little guy will let your guests pick their teeth discreetly. (Uncommon Goods, $28)
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