Warming Drawer
Christine Olmstead, artist
Our pick: Hokku Designs electric warming drawer
$340
“My warming drawer is a game changer. I made fresh rolls for a dinner party last weekend and kept them warm until serving. Some friends were late—I kept their meal warm.”
Wireless Speaker
Andrea Montone-Rinaldi, socialite
Her pick: Beosound A9 wireless speaker in gold
$5,100
“This speaker, and a lovely playlist streaming through the home.”
Electric Lighter
Candace Ourisman, brand/social-media consultant and content creator
Her pick: Luma “Flume” lighter
$58
“If you use as many candles as I do, an electric lighter is essential.”
Old-Fashioned Glass
Shannon Claire Smith, interior designer
Her pick: Double old-fashioned glass
$109
“Make sure you have the proper glassware for every type of drink. A good crystal old-fashioned glass with a heavy bottom can cover a lot of cocktails.”
Beverage Tub
Charese John, chef and event designer
Our pick: Double-wall antique-brass beverage bucket
$200
“A generous beverage tub allows guests to easily help themselves while it also becomes part of the presentation.”
Cocktail Maker
Fendy Mesy, senior digital manager
Her pick: Premier cocktail maker
$400
“My Bartesian—I even ordered the travel bag for when I’m not hosting but a friend is. And it can be used to make mocktails.”
Candy-Colored Platters and Bowls
Shannon Marie Sheridan, hairstylist
Our pick: Oval aqua glass dish
$24
“I could write paragraphs on the virtues and versatility of my collection of candy-colored platters and bowls for everything from craft nights to a holiday party for 100.”
Dishwasher-safe salad plates
Johanna Howe, interior designer
Our pick: “Aspen” rimmed porcelain salad plates, set of 8
$45
“I host my family every year—50 to 70 people. [One of] the best things is a catering kitchen’s worth of white, dishwasher-safe salad plates.”
Cordless Lamp
Charese John, chef and event designer
Our pick: Hearth & Hand ceramic-shade table lamp
$30
“Petite cordless lamps on a buffet, bar, or dining table create an intimate, polished atmosphere. They’re practical, beautiful, and an easy way to make a gathering feel special.”
Icemaker
Andrea Montone-Rinaldi, socialite
Her pick: GE Profile “Opal” nugget icemaker and side tank
$400
“[I put this] icemaker next to the bar setup with top-shelf liquor.”
Electric Glassware Polisher
Danielle Couick, event planner
Her pick: Electric glassware polisher by Pavimet
$70
“This stemware polisher makes life significantly easier.”
Folding Tables
Johanna Howe, interior designer
Her pick: Modern Space Store six-foot foldable table
$52
“I use these folding tables for the bar, buffets, or large dinner parties. Tip: Use a 132-by-90-inch tablecloth—it will cover the legs and go to the ground.”
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
