10 Editor-Loved Dinner Party Essentials Under $100 | Food & Wine

2022-07-30 03:29:45 By : Mr. Max Liu

I'm obsessed with dinner parties. They're the perfect excuse to bring together friends from all walks of life, eat delicious food, and enjoy each other's company on a beautiful evening. Whether you're the one hosting or the one attending, it's bound to be a memorable experience.

I moved to my own apartment a couple of months ago, and while I'm way overdue for a proper housewarming, I've finally decided to throw my very first dinner party in my new space. Of course, I need the right hosting tools. To prep, I've rounded up 10 must-haves under $100 that I believe will make my dinner party a huge success. From chic cocktail glasses and a $10 wine chiller to a rustic salad bowl, marble cheese platters, and more, I'm convinced that throwing an amazing party doesn't have to break the bank. And because space is at a premium in my New York City kitchen, all of my picks will get a lot of use post-gathering. 

Curious to see my must-haves? Some of these items are ones that I own already, and others are sitting in my cart — all are perfect for hosting my very first dinner party. Keep reading to learn why. 

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For under $45, this acacia wood salad bowl is a great find. It's stain-resistant, large enough to fit big leafy salads to your guests, and comes complete with matching serving utensils. 

I just purchased two sets of these chic glasses in amber, and I'm so excited to put them on display on my bar cart. Featuring a goblet-style design and hand-blown glass build, these are equally as gorgeous as they are high-quality. Plus, you can use them for far more than just cocktails — serve up scoops of ice cream, pudding, or gazpacho in their 8-ounce containers. They come in six colors to mix and match with your existing decor.

Whip out this $10 wine cooler to give your guests the true restaurant experience. It features a double-wall insulation and stainless steel design that will keep your bottles chilled between pours. Snag it for a whopping 60% off right now.

What better way to welcome in your guests properly than with a delicious round of appetizers? This sturdy melamine serveware from West Elm is your best bet thanks to its five large slots for crudites, crackers, and nuts, as well as a large inner bowl for dips. The best part? It's dishwasher-safe and is great for alfresco parties, too.

At 50% off this round marble cheese board is an absolute steal. It has a large 14-inch wide surface that's great for appetizers like cheese and bruschetta, or serving up smaller side dishes. Not to mention, its classic white marble body and brass-colored handles  look great placed on your kitchen table.

I own two of these cutting boards, and I can report they are absolute game changers for meal prep. Made of recycled plastic that is sturdy enough to handle super sharp knife cuts, slicing proteins, crushing garlic, the reBoard is also dishwasher-safe. It comes in six colors, and if you opt for the light-pink To Pó-Pó with Love, 50% of proceeds go to the non-profit Heart of Dinner.

Featuring a chic lilypad design, this platter from Anthropologie is the perfect table centerpiece. The vibrant green hue will light up any tablescape, and it measures 20.75 inches long and 12 inches wide, making it great for dishes like salads, vegetables, or proteins.

Keep your guests' beverages ice cold all night long with this ice bucket from S'well. It has a triple-layer of insulation that keeps ice frozen for hours, a chic faux calcutta gold marble exterior that looks attractive on the table, and a pair of tongs to tie it all together. Plus, you can use it to chill your bottles of wine, too.

No dinner party is complete without a great soundtrack, and this speaker from JBL is a must-have for your evening tunes. It's waterproof, portable, and can play continuously for up to five hours on a single charge. Keep it nearby in the kitchen as you cook or on the table as you dine — the choice is yours. And at 37% off, you won't want to miss out.

Finish off your meal with these colorful dessert plates from Anthropologie. Each one costs $10 and features an 8.5-inch wide build that is perfect for cookies, cakes, brownies, and everything in between. I think the botanical design makes it look far more expensive than it is, too.