Guest Picks: The Chicest Party Gear

For me, planning the annual holiday party is just as fun as the event itself — and to be honest, a lot less stressful, too! This year I’m dreaming up a fun fete with a chic black and white palette. Think glamorous (like a pewter champagne bucket) but with a sense of humor (like photo props). Plus, all of these picks are incredibly versatile, so they will work well beyond the holidays. Here’s to the chicest party yet! — Laura from Lolalina

Kate Spade Photo Prop Set$27.94Stick these fun photo props in a bowl with vintage glass ornaments near a big chalkboard, and provide an instant camera (with plenty of film) for guests to snap pictures of one another. Also set out a few rolls of colorful washi tape, so partygoers can tape their portraits right on the wall for an impromptu display.


Kate Spade Place Cards, Set of 24$20.94Having a formal fete? Use these gold-bedecked place cards from Kate Spade to mark diners’ places at the table.


Kona Platter$130 · Only 4 LeftThis luxe black platter would make a striking backdrop for a cheese course.


Cocktail Picks$28A more elegant cocktail pick I have yet to meet. Use these little beauties to spear cheese, olives and other nibbles.


Kate Spade Hampton Street Double Old-Fashioned Glasses, Set of 2$50 · Only 2 LeftThese double old-fashioned glasses have a classy midcentury look; they look like they could grace Don Draper’s home bar.


Riedel Sommeliers Black Series Collector’s Edition Montrachet Wineglass$135.15 $159.00 · More ColorsThis black wineglass is so unusual, it is sure to spark conversation — and sure to look stunning, even while sitting in the cabinet.


Cotton Striped Napkins, Black Stripe, Roll of 12$24 · More ColorsThese tear-off napkins are budget friendly and reusable. Plus, they come on a roll, so they’re easy to store and fun to use. This wide-stripe design would be perfect for an elegant event.


Black Etched Bowl$38 · Only 4 LeftI like to nestle little bowls of nibbles on side tables around the party area. This one would be perfect for serving warm spiced nuts.


Double Champagne Bucket by Match Pewter$650 · Only 1 LeftCan you say “over-the-top”? I can’t think of a more fitting centerpiece for a holiday bar than this capacious pewter champagne bucket.


Faceted Matte Black Vase$40 · Only 1 LeftI would get several of these matte black vases, fill them with white anemones and place them on the bar.


Zodax Preserved Boxwood Topiary (Set of 2)$70.39If you’re wondering what to add to your decor this winter to strike a festive note, you can’t go wrong with topiaries. They are utterly classic and look great on the mantel or on a sideboard in the dining room.


Lamé Porcelain Organic Vases, Set of 3$336I would set this trio of gilded vases on the dining table, with just one perfect bloom in each. Surrounded by a dozen little tea lights, they would make the ambience amazing.


POV Table Candleholder, Black$34.95 · More ColorsThese candleholders have a cool, modern look. I would put a few on the sideboard, alongside stacks of art books.


Black Taper Candles, Set of 24$65.50 · More ColorsSlim black tapers are unexpected (and yes, dark) and so elegant. Keep the bases simple to avoid veering into gothic territory.


Maqueen Tall Ceramic Vase$68.85I adore the outline on this ceramic vase, and you can never go wrong with black and white.


Maqueen Wide Ceramic Vase$68.85For even more impact, pair this vase with the previous one — they both would look amazing filled with flowers or solo.


Lions Head Footed Cake Plate$410This splurgeworthy cake plate looks worthy of Marie Antoinette herself. Just imagine it filled with a teetering pile of French macaroons — yum!


Jonathan Adler Utopia Reversible Boy-Girl Mug$32 · Only 1 LeftWhen dinner has come to an end, offering coffee or tea is a gracious way to send off your guests. I’d love to add a few of these adorable boy-girl mugs from Jonathan Adler to my coffee cup collection.


Ascaso Dream UP 2 Versatile Espresso Machine, Dark Black$699 · More ColorsIf you’re going to splurge on an espresso machine, why not make it ultraglamorous in black? Whipping up espressos and cappuccinos never looked so chic.


Three of the Possessed Dazzle Apartment Square Tray$35 · More SizesTrays are so versatile; it pays to always have a few extras on hand. I would use this cool graphic-patterned one to arrange a big jumble of mismatched mugs, a bowl of raw sugar cubes and a tin of good tea.

Next: Holiday Party Prep: Ready Your Space

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