Essential Serving Dishes Every Good Host Needs to Own

Having these five essential serving dishes on hand will set you up for successful hosting, no matter what type of get-together you’re having.

Hosting is one of my absolute favorite things! I love the process of planning, prepping and spoiling my guests.

No matter what the event – whether it’s a small, intimate dinner or a huge celebration – there’s just something about the feeling of taking care of people that I can’t get enough of! 🙂

As I was thinking through and planning a large dinner recently, I realized that there are a few essential serving dishes I use just about every time we host something in our home.

As a good host, having the right serving dishes on hand is super important!

Have you ever found yourself setting out beautiful appetizers or serving up a tasty meal, only to realize you don’t have the right size dish to serve it in? I’ve been there, and it’s no fun!

In an effort to help your hosting go smoothly, I decided I would use today’s 5 Friday Favorites as an opportunity for me to share with you what I believe are the five essential serving dishes every good host needs to own.

I typically buy all white serving dishes (so that they can go with any place settings) but many of these are available in fun colors or patterns if that’s what you prefer.

If you have people over, even occasionally, I would encourage you to get these serving dishes. I am certain you’ll find yourself using them all the time!

5 Must-Have Serving Dishes for Hosting

1. RECTANGULAR PLATTER

These platters are wonderful for serving appetizers – think cheese platter or fruit and veggies.

2. LARGE BOWLS

I have two of these bowls and use them ALL THE TIME. They’re great for serving salads and sides.

YOU WILL ALSO LOVE: MUST-HAVES FOR THE THROWING ULTIMATE SUPER BOWL PARTY

3. APPETIZER PLATES

Save on the cost of paper plates and invest in some porcelain appetizer plates! You’ll be amazed at how “spoiled” people feel being served appetizers on real plates. 😉

4. OVAL PLATTER

These medium-sized oval platters are perfect for serving meats or main course items! I also use them for additional appetizers if I’m serving primarily finger-foods.

5. CAKE STAND

Cake stands are an amazing way to display desserts or add height to a spread of appetizers. I recommend having both a large and small one on hand, but if you only get one, get an 11″. 🙂

I hope today’s 5 Friday Favorites inspires you to stock up on a few new serving dishes that will make your hosting-life super easy!

Let me know if you have any questions – otherwise, have a great weekend!