With the Mostess

Perusing Shecky's this fine Wednesday morning, I found this article to be particularly suiting to the role of hostess I will be donning on Saturday night.

Vase: We’ve all tried to be resourceful…er, creative when we’re surprised with a beautiful bouquet and have nowhere to put it. We’ve done the whole glass thing, the mug thing…but for a classy touch and a necessary purchase, buy a vase so you’re always prepared. Even without flowers, the Mehendi Vase ($16) from Anthropologie still looks like a stylish centerpiece. (Check! Two, in fact.)

Corkscrew: Yeah, many wine bottles are now coming in the twist-off variety (score!), but any and every haute hostess must always be equipped with a corkscrew, just in case. Nothing says buzzkill like not being able to open and enjoy your wine. Just like the vino itself, corkscrews come in tons of varieties, but for a no-fuss, does the trick ‘screw, a winged one, like Crate & Barrel’s Winged Corkscrew ($11.95), makes the job a breeze. Did we mention the top can be used as a bottle opener? Double score! (Check!)

Martini Glasses: Whether you and your gal pals are incessantly trying to fit the part of the SATC(guilty), or just need to unwind with a dirty martini every once in a while, don’t settle for the same glass you drank your milk in that morning. Martini glasses add a classy touch to your next party or girl’s night in. To make this purchase both sensible and savvy, go for a stem-less version. It’s all the elegance, without any of the mess (white summer pants—saved!). We advise to always have at least six, and luckily that’s how the Bormoli Rocco Glassware, Set of 6 Martini Glasses ($25) from Macy’s, are sold. (No check...yet.)

Paper napkins: Cloth napkins are a classy touch to a potluck or holiday dinner, but unnecessary for an impromptu part-ay. Stock up on paper napkins in various sizes and styles so you’re set, whether you’re just having drinks, or serving food. If you went out and invested in some solid serving and stemware, spice it up with napkins in fun designs. Buy a few different styles at a time from Plates and Napkins (about $4.95/style) so whenever your biddies or beau show up, you’re prepared! (I'm afraid I'm that uptight cloth napkin lady. These fun patterns just might convert me, though!)

Coasters: Nothing says downer like a water ring on your nice wood table. Coasters are a must-have whether you’re entertaining or hanging solo. You could pick a neutral hue that matches everything, or you could have a little fun. As a nod to summer (and a pick-me-up in the middle of winter), try WineStyles Cheers Attached Drinkware Coasters ($9.99 for a set of 4) at Bed, Bath and Beyond. (Check!)

Pitcher: Whether you plan on serving ordinary ice water or a snazzy sangria, a pitcher is something every haute-y should have on hand. While we know that every girl has her own beverage preference, serving a drink in a pitcher adds a sense of organization and class to any shindig. The size variety of Crate & Barrel’s Ona Pitchers ($16.95-26.95), plus the funky and functional design, will fit any modern hostess’ needs. (No check, sadly. I've been looking for that picture perfect pitcher for months and months.)

Trays: Whether you take the Martha Stewart route and serve a cheese plate (“something old, something new, something stinky, something blue”) or concoct your own amazing appys, trays in various sizes are sure to always come in handy. They make for easy set up and clean up. Depending on the rest of your abode, you may want to opt for a solid color or a funky design, but these En Tray Serving Trays ($14-40) by Bambu are stylish and eco-friendly. Go green and feel great! (Check! Just bought a large, rectangular silver tray at Target. We're in love.)

Candles: Nothing sets the mood like a couple of candles. Choose tea candles in holders of different heights to set a tone that doesn’t involve firefighters crashing your party (we know they’re hot, but this is not a recommended flirting tactic). Tea candles are super affordable, so buy a variety of scents and colors depending on your mood. Yankee Candle ($10) comes out with different scents seasonally so all your candle needs are covered. (Check-ish. I have sort of a hodge podge, and I'd like to buy a more coordinated collection.)

Silverware: Utensils are one thing you can’t skimp on and there are tons of inexpensive options to keep you covered. Home stores have almost eternal options to fit any bill. While it may seem cost-efficient to buy separate sets of forks, knives, etc., splurge on a modern and sleek set, like the 22-Piece Dune Flateware Set ($69.95) from Crate & Barrel. (Check.)

Ice Bucket: With summer rapidly approaching, we’re sure you and your guests are going to need an ice cold drink no matter what kinda hang you’re hosting. To prevent being that hostess hiding in the kitchen cracking the ice trays, invest in an ice bucket. Just like all of our other picks, the options are virtually endless when it comes to what it looks like, but we recommend buying one with tongs, like the Galaxy Satin Finish Ice Bucket ($29) from Amazon, to assist in the pesky ice-into-drink mission. (No check- must pick up soon!)

Oh, Shecky's, how you feed me organizational needs so well.

article by Lynden Halpern of Shecky's