12 Fun Hosting Must Haves for Entertaining at Home You Need Now
Today we’re about to have way too much fun, especially if you love hosting! If you’re the friend who lights the candles, queues the playlist, and secretly enjoys setting up the snack table just right, this is for you. These are 12 fun hosting must haves for entertaining at home that you truly need right now. We’re talking cotton candy machines, popcorn makers, s’mores stations, frozen drink moments, and all the playful little upgrades that turn a regular night into an actual experience. Trust me, once you see these, you’re going to want at least one of them in your kitchen. Keep reading!
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There is a certain moment right before guests arrive. The candles are lit, the music is low, and the kitchen is clean. You step back and think, okay… this is going to be a good night.
If you have been slowly building your collection of hosting must haves for entertaining at home, you already know it is not about being over the top. It’s about adding small useful upgrades that make your space feel fun, intentional, cozy, and just a little impressive in the best way.
The right hosting must haves make entertaining easier on you and more memorable for everyone else. From nostalgic dessert stations to elevated cocktail tools, these are the pieces that quietly transform your home into the place everyone loves gathering.
Let’s get into the fun stuff!
This post is all about hosting must haves for entertaining at home.
1. A Popcorn Maker That Instantly Sets the Mood
Fresh popcorn popping in your own kitchen changes the entire vibe of a night in. A compact air popcorn maker keeps things light and mess free, using hot air instead of oil. It feels clean, easy, and surprisingly satisfying to watch. Plus, it’s a little healthier.
The scent alone makes people relax! It turns a simple movie night into an experience. Add a butter warming tray on top and drizzle just enough for that theater style finish. Suddenly your living room feels cozy, intentional, and warm.
When thinking about hosting must haves for entertaining at home, this one is about atmosphere. It’s affordable, space saving, and makes casual gatherings feel thoughtfully planned.
2. An Ice Cream Maker That Feels Luxurious
There is something so charming about saying, We’re making ice cream.
A modern ice cream maker lets you spin classic scoops or soft serve swirls with one touch. You can customize ingredients for low sugar, dairy free, high protein, or indulgent classics. That control matters. It makes guests feel considered and cared for.
Set up a small topping bar with crushed cookies, chocolate chips, and fresh fruit. It feels playful but elevated. This is one of those hosting gadgets that makes people pause and smile. And it’s fun for the whole family too!
As far as hosting must haves for entertaining at home go, this one creates a full dessert moment, not just a plate.
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3. A Frozen Drink Maker for Backyard Nights
If you love summer entertaining, a frozen drink machine is a game changer. Instead of chunky blender ice, it shaves ice smoothly for that silky, vacation style texture.
It holds multiple pitchers, which means you are not stuck blending every few minutes. That alone makes it one of those practical hosting must haves.
Place it near your bar setup with fresh limes, glassware, and a cute salt rimmer nearby. It feels like a little resort moment right in your backyard.
4. A Countertop Cotton Candy Machine for Pure Fun
This one is nostalgic in the best way. A compact cotton candy maker brings that carnival feeling into your kitchen.
It spins flossing sugar into soft pink clouds in minutes… It feels whimsical and unexpected, which is exactly why it works! Guests light up when they see it.
If you are building your collection of hosting must haves for entertaining at home, this is the piece that adds personality. It works for birthdays, baby showers, summer nights, or just because you want something playful.
5. An Indoor S’mores Maker for Warm Gatherings
Few things create connection like roasting marshmallows together. An indoor s’mores maker with a flameless heater lets everyone gather around safely at the table.
It slows the night down. People lean in. They laugh when someone over toasts their marshmallow. It becomes an activity instead of just dessert.
This easily earns its place among your hosting must haves because it creates shared moments, not just food.
6. A Taco Tuesday Kit That Makes Dinner Interactive
Love this! Interactive food always wins. A rotating taco bar with compartments for toppings and a warming center for fillings makes taco night feel organized and festive.
It looks beautiful in the center of the table and keeps everything tidy. The included taco holders keep shells upright so nothing falls apart.
This is one of those kitchen essentials for hosting that keeps things fun but structured. Guests build their own plates, which takes pressure off you and makes the whole evening feel relaxed.
7. A Martini Shaker and Bartender Kit That Doubles as Decor
A crystal cut glass shaker with a metallic lid displayed on your counter feels chic. It is not just a tool, it’s part of your decor.
When you pull it out and confidently mix a cocktail, it elevates the night instantly. You do not need a full bar cart. Just a few well chosen hosting gadgets that look as good as they perform.
This is one of those hosting must haves for entertaining at home that blends function and style perfectly.
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8. An Ice Ball Maker for Elevated Drinks
Clear ice spheres melting slowly in a glass of whiskey or iced coffee feel refined. They keep drinks colder longer and look so beautiful while doing it.
A countertop ice ball maker ensures you always have a steady supply ready. No cloudy cubes. No last minute scrambling.
Small details like this are what take your hosting must haves from basic to elevated. It feels subtle but makes a real difference in presentation.
9. A Large Glass Drink Dispenser That Anchors the Table
A thick glass drink dispenser on a warm wood base creates a focal point instantly. Fill it with lemonade, iced tea, sangria, or a signature mocktail…
The no leak stainless steel spout makes refills smooth and mess free. Guests can serve themselves, which keeps the night flowing naturally.
Among all your hosting must haves for entertaining at home, this is the one that makes everything feel effortless.
10. A Margarita Salt Rimmer Set for That Extra Touch
Presentation matters. A bamboo three tier rimmer keeps salt, sugar, and lime juice neatly separated.
Dipping a glass and rolling it in fresh salt feels intentional and fun! It is one of those small upgrades that make cocktails feel restaurant worthy.
This is one of the quieter hosting must haves, but it makes a noticeable impact on your drink station.
11. A Snow Cone Machine
Fluffy shaved ice on a hot day is pure joy. A compact snow cone machine shaves ice quickly into airy snowflakes.
Set out colorful syrups and clear cups and you instantly have a fun, refreshing treat station. It works beautifully for kids’ parties, backyard BBQs, and even adult gatherings with creative cocktail twists.
It earns its place on the list of hosting must haves for entertaining at home because it feels festive without taking up too much permanent space.
12. A Rolling Grill Basket for Easy BBQ Nights
Outdoor hosting deserves thoughtful upgrades too. A stainless steel rolling grill basket with removable wooden handles keeps vegetables, shrimp, and smaller cuts of meat contained and evenly cooked.
Instead of losing pieces through grill grates, everything stays secure. It makes grilling feel smoother and more polished.
When you’re thinking about hosting must haves for entertaining at home, this one brings convenience and confidence to your outdoor setup.
Final Thoughts on Hosting Must Haves for Entertaining at Home
The best hosting must haves for entertaining at home are not all about just impressing people. But they are about creating moments that feel warm and easy!
Fresh popcorn during a movie night. Homemade ice cream after dinner. Clear ice spheres in a perfectly poured drink. A taco bar that brings everyone to the table.
When you choose hosting must haves that match how you love to gather, entertaining becomes less stressful and more joyful. Start with one or two that fit your style and build from there.
If you are looking for more elevated ideas and practical inspiration, explore more at Host + Home Co. Your next gathering deserves to feel beautiful and relaxed.
This post is all about hosting must haves for entertaining at home.
