When it comes to hosting, I live by two cardinal rules: 1) preparation is key and 2) when in doubt, more is better. That means taking stock of what you have, making a list of what you need, and buying extra before the day of! Because when a gathering is done right, both host(s) and guests can enjoy themselves. Whether you’re getting people together for the big game or a trying to impress cozy supper club attendees, we’ve rounded up some of the best Amazon party supplies to help set the mood. And if we’ve done our job well enough, these products should do more than please your party-goers — they should make you excited to host again and again!
1. Charcuterie Board Gift Set
At some point over the last few years, charcuterie went from the most ignored item on the appetizer list to every gathering’s must-have item. And let me tell you, I’m here for it! This gift set is a perfect starter kit for your favorite party planner. It’s made out of elegant bamboo and comes with four stainless steel serving utensils stored conveniently in a slide-out drawer. The deep grooves can hold carbs and cured meats of all sorts, so you wont have to spend hours fussing over the presentation.
2. Gutter Games Beat That!
Also known as “The Bonkers Battle of Wacky Challenges,” Beat That! is a family-friendly game that gets everyone involved. Don’t expect to be sitting down for long when you pull this out at your next holiday gathering — the challenges are as active as they are creative. The combo pack linked here also includes the Household Objects Expansion, which pits players against each other in time-based tasks using common items found in your drawers. Who said game night has to involve a board?
3. Prestee 24pk Stemless Plastic Champagne Flutes
I’m a big fan of glassware — or stemware if we’re drinking wine — but that’s not always an option if I’m hosting a large group, especially if there are kids running around. (Shattered glass is a real party-pooper.) Rather than going the plastic red cup route, try these stemless champagne flutes to help maintain an elevated party atmosphere. They’re durable, meaning you can even wash and reuse them for your next soirée.
4. Kedudes Movie Night Popcorn Bags
When it comes to themed parties, the devil really is in the details. For your next movie night, awards-show viewing party, or Bachelor marathon, consider serving your popcorn in these classic candy-striped boxes. They’re an easy and cheap way to upgrade your container game, and especially fun choice if you have any kids in attendance. And don’t let the label limit your imagination — you can stuff these with way more than just popcorn!
5. Estilo Glass Double Drink Dispenser with Stand
The first time I hosted a dinner party as an adult, I remembered everything except a serving vessel for my punch. I called an audible and repurposed a few pitchers I was using as vases, but it wasn’t my proudest moment. Do yourself a favor and grab this double drink dispenser set so you’re not stuck behind the 8-ball with a big batch of punch and nothing to put it in. The tops screw on securely, and the spigots make for a splash-free serving experience.
6. Estilo Chilled Condiment Server with Lid
The last thing you want to see at any summer barbecue is a tray of condiments or fruit just baking in the sun. It’s an open invitation for sweaty hands, pesky fruit flies, and maybe even cross-contamination if you’re working with raw meats near the grill. To make sure everything stays clean and refrigerated (if necessary), check out this serving tray with a lid and compartment for ice underneath. Pro-tip: use this for fresh garnishes at your next cocktail party!
7. Grillman Premium BBQ Grill Cover
Speaking of summer barbecues, let’s talk about grill maintenance. It’s all fun and games until you remember you’ve been storing your prized possession without a proper cover, making it vulnerable to rust and corrosion. We recommend this one from Grillman made of an anti-UV ray and water-repellant durable polyester. While a grill cover might not be the first party supply you think of, we’d wager any serious host will want to take care of their tools!
8. Popco Silicone Tongs for Cooking
A solid pair of tongs should be on everyone’s party supplies wish list, especially if you’re doing double duty as cook and host. This set of three from Popco make tossing salads or serving grilled veggies a cinch, and the stainless steel and silicone combination mean they’re dishwasher safe, as well. While I wouldn’t let them hang around the grill for too long, they are heat resistant up to 460 degrees so you can certainly flip your steak with them if need be. My favorite feature? The scalloped silicone heads are non-detachable, eliminating hiding places for bacteria in gaps between the tip and the handle.
9. GRILLART Grill Basket Heavy Duty
I know it’s only April, but clearly my brain is full-sending the summer cookout vibes. The one thing I’m not looking forward to? Having my eggplant, zucchini, summer squash, or fish fall apart when I try to flip them. This heavy duty grill basket from can help keep all your most delicate dinners intact. The small holes in the stainless steel let plenty of heat and smoke through without the added danger of anything slipping through the cracks. You’ll want to buy some heat-resistant gloves for handling, but the curved edges make it easy to hold with proper protection.
10. Master Maison Authentic 8″ Chef Knife
One easy way to take your party prepping to new heights is by investing in a quality chef’s knife. Whether you’re chopping veggies for dip, slicing grilled meats for a main dish, or possibly just cutting a cake, having a workhorse knife that you trust can really speed up the pre-gathering chores. We like this eight-inch Damascus blade made with AUS-10 Japanese steel and a hand-carved wooden handle. The set includes a knife sheath, embroidered drying cloth, sharpening stone, and wooden storage box, too.
11. SOUSVIDE ART Cooker Kit
The sous vide method of cooking might just be one of the easiest ways to level up your dinner party. The immersion circulator heats water to a relatively low but consistent temperature, ensuring that your submerged food cooks slowly and evenly, while the air-tight bag locks in the flavor. Just toss in a steak or filet of fish with a knob of butter and a few aromatic herbs to impress even the most discerning of guests. For an added touch, I like to toss everything in a hot pan at the end to achieve a quick sear, but even without your meal is guaranteed to be delicious.
12. Bent Silicone Straws Reusable
Gone are the days of parties put on with mountains of disposable plates, silverware, napkins, and drinkware. For a more eco-friendly alternative to Solo cups and plastic straws, try pairing these reusable silicone straws from Flathead with a set of mason jars or tumblers. You can trim them to your desired length or leave as is, and the set comes with a handy cleaning brush to keep them free of buildup. They’re designed with a wide diameter to accommodate smoothies and other blended drinks, and are dishwasher safe, too.
13. Nature’s Kitchen Bamboo Wood Serving Tray Set
When you’re planning a party, it’s easy to remember the big things like food, drinks, and entertainment. But making sure you have enough serving vessels for all your goodies might not always be top of mind. For your next gathering, check out this bamboo serving tray set from Nature’s Kitchen. It’s perfect for presenting everything from small appetizers and finger sandwiches to side dishes and individual desserts. And when you’re not hosting? It makes a pretty solid fruit platter.
14. Molimoli Flour and Sugar Containers
I host a fair number of parties in my apartment, which means everyone gets a back-stage pass to my kitchen. And I’m not saying I’m ashamed of my re-purposed deli cups filled with salt and flour, but I’d feel a lot better if I had these containers on my countertop instead. They’re made of galvanized steel with air-tight bamboo lids, and come with 18 pre-made labels (and four blank ones) to help you stay organized. It’s not just about storage, either — next time you have a DIY pizza party or a self-serve ice cream bar, you’ll be glad you have a cohesive set of canisters to house your semolina or sprinkles.
15. Mini Coconut Bowls
It’s true: you eat with your eyes first, and presentation can make a huge difference at a party. Rather than using paper bowls or plastic containers, try serving your snacks and side dishes in these mini coconut bowls made from — you guessed it — real coconuts! Instead of discarding the empty coconut husks, COCOBOWLCO is extending their life cycle as fun and festive serving vessels. They’re a great addition to any charcuterie board set and easy to clean, too.
16. MUMUXI LED Fairy String Lights Battery Operated
Good and intentional lighting can be the difference between a cold, awkward circle of strangers and a warm, inviting get-together. These fairy string lights are an all-seasons must-have for anyone trying to create a cozy night in with friends. They’re battery-operated, waterproof, and malleable, meaning you can stuff them inside mason jars for homemade lanterns, or wrap them around the plants on your patio. You should get 72 hours of light with the included batteries, which is good for either 12-13 solid gatherings, or one really long one.
17. Greenco 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer
I’ve made a margarita or two in my day, and the worst part of the whole process is getting the perfect rim, especially when I’m trying to impress guests. This three-tier glass rimmer from Greenco makes it almost too easy to achieve the perfect coating of your — or your guest’s — choice. Just pour your lime juice in the top wheel, salt in the middle, and sugar on the bottom. Pro-tip for salt-lovers: use coarse sea salt for rimming your glass. It won’t stick as well, but it has a lower sodium concentration than regular table salt, making for a much more pleasant drinking experience.
18. Prestee Disposable Plastic Cups
I’m not crazy about plastic cups, but if I’m going to use them, I want them to have a touch of elegance. These gold-rimmed cups from Prestee are shockingly pretty, and will absolutely be my first choice next time I’m pouring up punch for guests. You can change the color of the rim to rose gold or silver, and they come in packs of varying sizes. (Between you and me, I’m going to get more than one use out of these puppies. I’ll hand wash them and stash them away for next time.)
19. Molimoli Liquor Pour Spout
I’d be lying if I said I don’t get excited over a good quality pour spout. As someone who likes to play bartender at my gatherings, I can’t tell you how annoying it is to pour from bottles with different lip and opening sizes. To avoid spill-city, I’d recommend investing in these spouts from Molimoli. They’re made of stainless steel, and the rubber stopper is designed to fit in a range of bottle sizes. Like the picture shows, they’re good for more than just liquor — toss them on top of your favorite olive oil to avoid spills and control your pour. The best part? They have built-in caps to prevent oxidation of whatever is in the bottle!
20. The Cocktail Box Co Premium Mixology Boston Cocktail Shaker Set
It’s my humble opinion that no home is complete without a Boston shaker set. Even if you’re not one to imbibe, shakers are a fun way to whip up mocktails or even heavy cream to top off a hot chocolate. This set from The Cocktail Box Co. comes with a double-sided jigger for measuring, a Hawthorne strainer for pouring, and a wooden stand for storing. If you’ve only used a cobbler shaker before, the Boston tins might take some getting used to, but the increased volume makes doubling up your drink orders a cinch. Pro-tip: to separate your tins after shaking, smack the crack!
21. HOMEKOKO Industrial Storage Bench
Okay, I know this doesn’t exactly scream “party supply” at first sight, but hear me out. As someone who hosts parties in a city apartment, there are two things I always stress about when I have people over: 1) storage and 2) seating. This bench helps me solve for both of those spacial shortages! All the items that normally clog my entryway can fit inside the box or the wire rack underneath. And I’ll have an extra two seats at my table without having to count on a badly warped cooler. I call that a win-win!
22. MontoPack Mini Tealight Candles
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a little intentional lighting goes a long way. If you’re not going to go the string light route but still want to create an intimate atmosphere, pick up some of these mini tealight candles. We’ve linked the 100-pack here, which should last you for a while considering the average burn time of one candle is around four hours. And since they’re scentless, you can let the smell of your (presumably) excellent home cooking take center stage.
23. Sorbus Wall Mount Wine Rack
At some point, attending a party became synonymous with adding to the host’s personal wine collection with the second cheapest, most appealing label from the nearest bottle shop. And as someone who hosts often, I’m not mad about it, but it does present an organizational nightmare when the wine starts piling up. Pick up one of these wall-mounted racks to make sure you have somewhere stylish to store your collection, whether you bought it yourself or received it as a gift. Anchor screws are included, meaning you won’t have to bother with stud-finders and drill bits.
24. Socomi Cheesecloth Table Runner
Professional party planners know that ambiance matters, and each detail of your gathering is an opportunity to add to the overall theme. Though I’m a fan of pastel pink for the spring season, this elegant cheesecloth table runner comes in a wide range of colors to suit your hosting needs. Note that the thin cotton material is not intended to be especially durable, but should be reusable if treated gently. They’re machine washable, but be sure to use a garment bag to extend the longevity.
25. Rectangle Tablecloth Linen Textured Waterproof & Stain Resistant
And at the other end of the table scape spectrum, we have this textured linen-style cloth from Veblandy. Since it’s not real linen, it’s waterproof, stain resistant, and wrinkleproof, making it a no-brainer for frequent hosts with kids. (It’s also machine washable!) In addition to this lovely sage green, they offer a range of colors (and sizes) depending on what your party theme is. Don’t forget to measure your table and compare it to their sizing guide to ensure it drapes the way you want.
26. Gibson Soho Lounge Square Reactive Glaze Stoneware Dinnerware Set
Parties don’t always have to involve a three course meal, but when they do, you’ll want to have the proper dinnerware to serve your guests. This stoneware set from Gibson Soho Lounge includes dinner and dessert plates, bowls, and mugs, all in a stunning reactive glaze. All items are microwave and dishwasher safe and come in an array of colors. I’ve inherited all of my dinnerware from family and friends who moved, but this set might just make my Christmas list this year.
27. Taco Holders 4 Packs
It’s taco Tuesday! Or maybe it’s not, but it will be soon, and these taco holders can help you get a handle on things next time you’re in charge of hosting. They’re stainless steel, so you can keep your tacos secure and warm in the oven or grill without having to worry. It comes with four trays and each tray holds three tacos, making them perfect personal serving vessels for your next gathering. Tired of tacos? Try topping these trays with hot dogs, pork buns, or lettuce wraps instead!
28. Gas One 6 Hour Chafing Fuel
If you’re hosting four-person game nights, you probably won’t have chafing fuel on your supply list. On the other hand, Super Bowl blowouts and neighborhood block parties might require tables full of food that stay hot for hours at a time. But not all burners are made equal! Compared to other gas burners, chafing fuel canisters won’t leak if dropped. They’re safe and provide a steady stream of heat, making them a smart choice for large gatherings.
29. SPACEKEEPER Ceramic Backflow Incense Holder and Burner Waterfall
Speaking from experience, nothing poops on a party like the lingering smell of fish or oil. (I made the unfortunate mistake of filling my apartment with both aromas after frying up some fish tacos, and the odor was not a welcome guest.) And let’s be honest: getting 20 people together in a room isn’t always a recipe for aromatic excellence. So to keep your party space smelling clean and warm, we’d recommend this ceramic incense holder that doubles as an art installation. It includes both incense cones and sticks, but note that the dripping smoke effect only occurs while burning the cones.
30. COCORRÍNA Reed Diffuser Set
Incense isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re sensitive to smoke. For a flame-free alternative that can keep your home smelling bright and fresh, check out this reed diffuser set. It has a “clean linen” scent and comes with decorative flowers to help spruce up the reed display. Once the reeds soak up the essential oils, they subtly perfume the air for up to 90 days. Pro-tip: If the smell starts to fade but there’s still oil in the diffuser, take out your reeds, let them dry, and flip them. It helps extend the life of your natural air-freshener!
31. Hasbro Gaming Taboo Classic Game
I learned a lot of complicated card games growing up in the Midwest, but I’m not sure I have the patience to teach them at every party. That’s where a crowdpleaser like Taboo comes in handy! It probably requires a little too much context for younger kids, but it’s a great choice for families with teenagers and large adult gatherings. Split into two teams and try to get your teammates to guess the clue on your card without saying any of the “taboo” words phrases — the team with the most cards at the end wins!
32. CGE Codenames Boardgame
Codenames isn’t the easiest to explain at first, but by the end of the third round, I guarantee everyone will be locked in. It’s a team game that requires equal amounts of creativity and strategy from both the clue-givers and the clue-guessers. Though you only need four people to play, I think a group of six or larger is optimal since it creates a more exciting team dynamic. And rest assured, though this game comes from the “Czech Games Edition” company, the cards themselves are all in English!
33. Twine Rustic Farmhouse Decor Ice Bucket
There’s nothing like a good rustic bucket to serve as your countertop ice box for beer, wine, spirits, and mixers. (Because let’s be honest — who wants to keep bending down to reach into the unknown depths of the musty old cooler every time they need a new drink?) This galvanized tin tub fits up to 6.3 gallons and comes with sturdy handles for easy transportation. It isn’t double-walled or insulated, so don’t expect the ice to stick around for days, but it’ll certainly stay cold enough to keep your favorite six pack frosty.
34. BLUE PANDA 15 Pack Small Glass Bottles with Cork Stoppers
Tiny jars? Yes, please! Don’t ask me why, but there is something so adorable about the idea of giving away mini glass bottles as favors. Whether you fill them with a homemade infused syrup, a dollop of honey from your local farmers’ market, or a handful of candy, party-goers will love these cute containers with cork stoppers. Don’t want to give them away? Try placing them around the table scape and putting some battery-powered fairy lights inside as an alternative to candles!
35. Electric Fondue Pot Set
What ever happened to fondue and why don’t I hear about it anymore? Dipping bread in melted cheese and fruit in chocolate seems like a surefire way to get the party started, and I think it’s high time we brought fondue back into fashion. This little electric set from Kusini probably won’t feed your whole neighborhood, but could make a stellar DIY addition to your next dinner party. It has two heat settings for melting and warming, and comes with four fork skewers for all your dipping needs.
36. 12 Pack 4″x3″Mini Chalkboard Signs for Chalk Sign
If you’re serving food and drinks at your party, there are some things you don’t want to leave to guesswork — especially if you’re feeding people with various dietary restrictions or allergies, or if you’ve made an a non-alcoholic punch and a spiked one for adults. To make sure your guests know what they’re getting into, pick up this 12-pack of mini chalkboard signs. They’re made of plastic, and much easier to write on and erase than traditional chalkboards. Whether you’re labeling food or trying to keep two dramatic guests on opposite ends of the table, these little signs have your back.
37. ASAKUKI 500ml Premium, Essential Oil Diffuser
One of the more subtle and soothing items on our list, this essential oil diffuser from ASAKUKI is another smoke-free alternative to keep your space smelling fresh. The remote allows you to control the stream of mist, as well as rotate between the seven LED colors to set the mood. I’m particularly fond of the curved bowl on the inside that prevents leftover water from pooling and creating mildew. Pro-tip: don’t be afraid to mix and match your oils — I like to do a few drops of rosemary and orange blossom together for a clean, earthy scent.
38. JBL Charge 4 – Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
I’ve made more than a few party playlists in my day, and they always hit harder when paired with a quality speaker. This rugged and waterproof JBL Charge 4 makes sure you can take your tunes anywhere without worrying about finding an outlet. It boasts an impressive 20-hour playback time on a full charge and features a battery bar to help you keep an eye on the remaining power. I’ve been rocking with my JBL for four years and it’s as reliable and resonant as it was on day one.
39. Amazon Basics 20-Piece Stainless Steel Crown Flatware Set
Plastic flatware might be sufficient for a casual neighborhood barbecue, but it doesn’t quite cut it (pun intended) for a proper adult dinner party. Speaking from experience, it’s always good to have extra spoons and forks tucked away somewhere for when a few of your guests bring unexpected (but welcome!) plus ones. This 20-piece Amazon Basics set is as straightforward as they come, made of stainless steel with a crowned edge. Of course, they’re dishwasher safe, which makes them an ideal addition to your place settings for a big party.
40. Lasko Oscillating All Season Tower Fan and Space Heater
Temperature control is probably the most underrated component of hosting a quality gathering. I like this simple tower fan and space heater since it can cool or heat depending on the season. It boasts several different fan settings, an automatic timer, and an optional widespread oscillation feature to evenly distribute cool or warm air. I wouldn’t count on it for outside gatherings, but it can certainly take a turn on the patio if your party is going late into a clear summer night.
