Whether it’s a neighborhood get-together, a kid’s birthday party, a picnic, or another event involving food, hosting it can be a great deal of fun. It can also be a headache to plan and prepare, especially when it comes to gathering supplies.
One way to make this easier – and maybe even throw a few other fun events – is to purchase items that you can reuse each time. While each type of event will require some different items, there are a few to keep in your cabinets, such as those listed below.
Serving Dishes and Utensils
If you’re serving food, you need something to serve it in and with. Investing in a durable set of serving dishes and some easy-to-clean serving utensils will serve you well. Choosing clear, white, or black are good ideas as they can match nearly all themes.
Pitchers and Cups
Whether you’re serving water, sweet tea, or mixed drinks, you need a way to dispense them and something to drink from. Clear pitchers make great dispensers, especially as your guests can easily see what’s inside. Glass cups and tumblers are great for grown-up parties indoors, but if you’re hosting kids or doing outdoor events, you can choose plastic that mimics the appearance of glass ones.
Plates and Flatware
You can always purchase paper plates and plastic spoons. And at times, such as a birthday party with 20 five-year-olds running around, that might be the best option. However, there are a few reasons to consider a good set of dinner plates and flatware.
One reason is that they work well for both casual and formal parties. They are also better if you’re serving heavy food. You should also consider the cost. Yes, paper and plastic are cheaper options upfront, but if you’re throwing several events each year, those low costs add up.
Investing time and money in these few items can make a big difference in your future events. They won’t cover every need, but you’re sure to get your money’s worth from each.