What to Buy Trending Products & Deals 10 Hosting Essentials Guaranteed to Elevate Your Next Cocktail Party, Starting at Just $6 Everything looks more expensive than it really is. By Elisabeth Sherman Elisabeth Sherman Elisabeth Sherman is a writer, editor, and fact-checker in the food, culture, and entertainment spaces. She has been working professionally at national magazines since 2015. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Published on April 10, 2023 We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Food & Wine / Tyler Roeland So you’ve invited your friends over for a cocktail party. The best way to make your guests feel welcome is to serve appetizers ready to eat when they walk in the door (everyone needs a full stomach before you start opening the champagne, right?). But throwing olives on a paper plate will not do. If you want to stand out and make an impression you need elegant charcuterie boards arranged with neat rows of delectable finger foods. After all, festive cocktail party decor sets the mood for a memorable evening. There are lots of small touches you can make to your home that will make your guests gasp with delight. From ice cubes in adorable shapes, to a self-service drink dispenser and classy set of cheese knives, we’ve rounded up eight products that will impress all your guests. They might even earn you the title of best party host in your friend group. The Best Cocktail Accessories on Amazon: Bamboo Cocktail Skewers, $8 Decorative Wooden Serving Board, $30 Glass Honey Jar and Dipper Set, $18 Stainless Steel Cheese Knives with Gold Finish, $30 Ceramic Divided Appetizer Serving Tray, $30 (originally $45) Totally Bamboo Salt Cellar, $11 Set of 2 Iridescent Cocktail Glasses,$28 (originally $30) 1-Gallon Glass Beverage Dispenser, $30 Wavy Glass Straws, $20 Stars, Moons, and Hearts Shaped Ice Cube Tray, $6 (originally $7) Bamboo Cocktail Skewers Amazon To buy: $8 at amazon.com These cat-shaped toothpicks can skewer small snacks like cut up fruit and olives, and add a touch of personality to your snack spread. Leave a cup full of them next to the appetizers for your guests to grab as they graze. You're guaranteed to hear a couple “Oh how cute!” exclamations. These rainbow-hued toothpicks adorned with peacocks are another fun way to decorate cocktails as well, too. Decorative Wooden Serving Board Amazon To buy: $30 at amazon.com Cocktail parties are immediately elevated by the presence of a cheese and charcuterie board. Presenting your guests with a choice of cheese, sliced meats, nuts, and crackers on this elegant wooden board as soon as they walk in the door to make them feel welcome and spoiled. This durable version doubles as a cutting board, and at 17-inches by 13-inches, it’s spacious enough that you can customize your own appetizer platters with extras like dried fruit, chocolate covered pretzels, and pickle spears. Glass Honey Jar and Dipper Set Amazon To buy: $18 at amazon.com Honey is a must-have accompaniment to a charcuterie board. A little honey dabbed on top of an almond or a wedge of brie is delightful. Instead of spooning a blob of honey directly on your serving platter or into a plain bowl, leave honey out for your guests in this much more stylish honey jar which comes with a dipper. You can also bring it back out if you’re serving hot tea at the end of the night. Stainless Steel Cheese Knives with Gold Finish Amazon To buy: $30 at amazon.com Your guests need to be able to slice cheese for themselves, but not any old knife from your drawers will do. This lustrous set is made from sturdy stainless steel and has a gold finish for a polished, tasteful look. And the three styles of knives will come in handy for all the types of cheese you want to serve: The spear-shaped knife is for crumbly cheese, the cleaver works on hard cheeses, and there’s a soft cheese spreader included, too. Ceramic Divided Appetizer Serving Tray Amazon To buy: $30 (originally $45) at amazon.com Sometimes you want to expand your snack spread beyond what’s offered on the cheese board. For that, you need this divided appetizer serving tray, which offers five separate compartments for candied nuts, chocolate-dipped orange slices, caramel popcorn, gummy candies, or whatever else you’re serving . This might be particularly useful after the savory snacks have been served and it's time for something sweet. Totally Bamboo Salt Cellar Amazon To buy: $11 at amazon.com If you’re serving a meal, consider placing this chic, minimalist bamboo salt cellar on the dining table. It offers an easy way for your guests to add a sprinkle of salt to their dish, and the sleek bamboo design will fit in with almost any kitchen decor. This is the kind of thoughtful touch that your guests might remember (and copy) when they spot it next to the candlesticks. Set of 2 Iridescent Cocktail Glasses Amazon To buy: $28 (originally $30) at amazon.com You’ve probably already got a cabinet full of tumblers and wine glasses. But these shimmery cocktail glasses are an upgrade on your typical cocktail glasses. They have a rainbow effect, and will immediately make your guests feel like they’re at a lively party. Make a batch of martinis or fill them up with champagne and throw on your best dancing music to help your guests loosen up and feel at ease. 1-Gallon Glass Beverage Dispenser Amazon To buy: $30 at amazon.com Speaking of those drinks, how you serve them matters. A self-service dispenser has many benefits: Your guests can control how much they want to fill their cup, they don’t have to rummage around your fridge to refill, and you, the host, are free from dutifully circulating the room with a pitcher to mingle with your friends. This set is especially fun for outdoor parties, like a barbecue, and comes with labels so your guests can easily identify what you’re serving. Wavy Glass Straws Amazon To buy: $20 at amazon.com These multi-colored reusable glass straws have a playful, summery vibe. Stick one of these in a can of hard seltzer or a glass of iced tea to add a little levity to your gathering. There’s just something about sipping from a silly straw that gets party-goers in the mood for mischief — and these are particularly appropriate for sipping drinks by the pool. Stars, Moons, and Hearts Shaped Ice Cube Tray Amazon To buy: $6 (originally $7) at amazon.com A fun straw is just one way to make your drink stand out. An ice cube in an adorable and unexpected shape is an automatic crowd pleaser. This particular tray makes heart, star, and moon-shaped ice cubes, and it's made of silicone so popping the ice cubes out is effortless. I’m particularly partial to this one in the shape of cats as well. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit More Fresh Finds from Food & Wine Amazon Shoppers Have Finally Discovered a Nonstick Frying Pan That Works—and It's Only $25 This Lodge Skillet Is 'Better at Being Nonstick Than Actual Nonstick Cookware'—and It's Nearly 30% Off Staub, Henckels, and More Top Brands Are Up to 79% Off During Walmart’s Epic Fall Sale