15 Things Every Home Entertainer Should Keep on Hand

Last updated on April 28, 2025

Your go-to checklist for laid-back hosting that still feels put together

Hosting at home doesn’t have to mean breaking out the fine china or orchestrating a five-course dinner. Most of the time, it’s just about being ready—for the casual hang, the spontaneous drop-in, or the Friday night that turns into an impromptu cocktail party.

If you love to have people over, or even just want to be the kind of person who can, here are 15 essentials to keep around. They’ll make you feel prepared, even when your guests are showing up in 20 minutes.

1. A Sturdy, Good-Looking Serving Tray

Whether it’s corralling glasses, carrying snacks, or just giving your bar cart some structure, a solid tray works overtime. Look for something with handles and a finish that’s easy to wipe down—wood, rattan, or mirrored metal are all great picks.

2. Matching (or Close Enough) Glassware

You don’t need 12 identical coupe glasses, but a semi-cohesive set of tumblers, wine glasses, and a few highballs goes a long way. Having at least 4–6 of each keeps things flexible for different drinks and group sizes.

3. A Go-To Bourbon

Every home bar needs a solid, versatile bourbon. Jim Beam is affordable, reliable, and plays nicely in anything from an Old Fashioned to a whiskey sour. If you’re keeping just one bottle of brown on hand, this is it.

4. A Crowd-Pleasing Tequila

Tequila’s no longer just for shots—people are sipping it, mixing it, and building full-on margarita stations around it. Hornitos Plata is a great all-purpose bottle: bright, clean, and perfect for palomas, ranch waters, or tequila-forward cocktails.

5. A Gin That Looks as Good as It Tastes

Even if you’re not a big gin drinker, having a bottle on hand covers a lot of cocktail bases. Roku Gin not only makes a killer G&T, but its sleek bottle design elevates any shelf. It’s one of those rare spirits that even non-gin people appreciate.

6. A Vodka for Mixing

Vodka might not be the most expressive spirit—but that’s kind of the point. Keep a clean, smooth option like Haku Vodka around for crowd-pleasing drinks like Moscow Mules, spritzers, and espresso martinis. It’s subtle, but in the best way.

7. A Few Quality Mixers

Think beyond tonic and soda. Stock small bottles or cans of ginger beer, grapefruit soda, and sparkling water (bonus points for flavored ones like cucumber or blood orange). They last a while and make even basic spirits more exciting.

8. Citrus—Real, Not Shelf-Stable

Lemons, limes, and oranges can completely upgrade your hosting game. Whether you’re garnishing drinks or squeezing fresh juice into a cocktail, having citrus on hand feels elevated—but effortless.

9. Large Ice Molds

Standard fridge ice works in a pinch, but large cubes or spheres melt slower and make every drink feel a little fancier. Silicone trays are cheap and easy to stash in your freezer for “just in case” hosting moments.

10. A Go-To Snack (That Doesn’t Require Cooking)

Salted almonds, a block of aged cheddar, or even really good kettle chips—just pick something that pairs well with drinks and doesn’t require prep. Bonus: you can serve it in a nice bowl and no one will know you didn’t plan ahead.

11. A Scented Candle (or Three)

Lighting a candle before guests arrive sets a relaxed mood, and a clean scent (think citrus, cedar, or tobacco) makes your space feel intentional even if you didn’t have time to tidy.

12. A Dedicated Spot for Bottles

It could be a full bar cart or just a clear tray on your counter. But designating one place for your bottles, glasses, and tools makes hosting easier—and keeps you from digging through cabinets when someone asks for a gin and tonic.

13. Cloth Napkins or Nice Paper Ones

Tossing someone a paper towel works, but having a stack of real napkins—or at least the “nice” paper ones—gives a momentary sense of occasion. No ironing required.

14. A Few Go-To Cocktail Recipes

You don’t need to memorize them. Just keep a small notebook or card in a drawer with a couple of reliable drinks: a simple whiskey sour, a tequila highball, or a gin spritz. Makes you look effortlessly polished.

15. A Bluetooth Speaker with Good Taste

Music matters. Having a speaker you can move around means you’re always ready to shift the vibe—whether it’s a mellow evening or a house full of friends.
Hosting doesn’t need to be a production. With a few smart staples—good spirits, clean glasses, and a couple of finishing touches—you can always be ready to welcome people in and make it feel like you meant to throw a great night together.