List of Simple Pieces for Easy Entertaining

Here's our list of simple pieces needed for easy entertaining. Trust us, these are essentials that will only enhance your future parties.

• A cake stand or a covered plate that can double as a cheese platter if need be;
  
  --Looking for a good Cheese and Wine Party?
• Cake knives;
  
  --Try our recipe for making the Perfect Birthday Cake
• Gel cake-decorating pens to decorate the tops of cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and such;
• Nonstick cookie sheets and liners. We recommend heavy-duty, double-insulated sheets because they distribute the heat evenly on the tray (you can also use them to cook chicken and roast vegetables);
• Cookie cutters in cute shapes;
• An ice-cream scoop (let it sit in warm water before using it in order to soften ice cream while scooping);
• Ice-cream bowls (soup bowls will do the trick);
• An ice-cream machine for special occasions;
• A blender for shakes (you can use the same one you use for drinks);
• Pie plates;
• Cupcake liners and wrappers;
• Great dessert plates, whether vintage china or classic white;
  
  --Learn how to make your own Dessert Bar.
• An hors d'oeuvre tray that holds bowls. These are great for samplers with, say, candy in one bowl, strawberries in another;
  
  --Try out some Signature Hors d'Oeuvres.
• Serving bowls and platters;
• Tiered plates for cookies, brownies, tartlets, chocolates, candy or whatever you fancy;
• A lazy Susan;
• A fondue set;
  
  --Host your own Fabulous Fondue Party.
• A culinary torch for crme brulees and carmelization, if you want to go that extra mile;
• Cocktail napkins;
• Birthday candles and sparklers;
• Doilies;
• Straws.