Are you someone who loves hosting gatherings, whether it’s a cozy get-together with friends or a lively birthday bash? If so, you know that being prepared is key to ensuring your parties are a hit!
From impromptu celebrations to planned soirees, having a stash of essential party supplies can save you time, stress, and last-minute trips to the store.
No matter the occasion, having a few essential party supplies on hand can make your role as host much easier and ensure that any event feels festive and fun.
Here are eight party supplies you should always keep in your closet to pull off any party at a moment's notice.
8 Party Supplies to Have on Hand
Whether you’re planning a casual hangout with friends or a special celebration, being prepared ensures that you can focus on enjoying the company of your guests and creating lasting memories together.
1. Disposable Tableware
No one wants to spend hours washing dishes after a party! Stock up on disposable plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery in various sizes and styles to suit different occasions.
Accidents are bound to happen during any gathering. Having plenty of napkins and paper towels within reach ensures quick cleanup of spills and messes, keeping the party vibe going without interruption.
Be ready to serve up your party fare with the right tools. Have a set of serving spoons, tongs, ladles, and cake servers that are dedicated for party use.
Opt for eco-friendly options made from biodegradable materials to reduce environmental impact. Our wooden utensils (pictured above) are the perfect addition to your party table!
Check out our tableware collection here!
2. Party Games and Props
Games and props can liven up any gathering. From board games to outdoor sports equipment you probably already have in your closet, having a few entertainment options can cater to guests of all ages.
If you live in a small space, a deck of cards and photo booth props are easy (and small) to store for an impromptu party!
This is currently a best seller (for adults) on Amazon. And here is a fun vintage game that can be indoors or outdoors, and is great for all ages!
3. Beverages, Mixers, and Ice
A well-stocked bar is essential for any successful party. Keep a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on hand, along with popular mixers like soda, tonic water, and fruit juices. Don’t forget to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Ice is a party essential that often gets overlooked until it’s too late! Make sure your freezer is always stocked with ice cubes or invest in a portable ice maker to ensure you never run out. It’s the key to keeping drinks cold and refreshing throughout the event.
Keep drinks chilled and accessible with a couple of coolers or ice buckets. They’re essential for outdoor gatherings but equally handy for indoor events where fridge space is at a premium.
4. Candles and Cake Toppers
It’s always best to have candles in your party drawer (aka junk drawer). Some great candles to have on hand would be a set of colorful rainbow candles, silver or gold stick candles, and maybe candles that spell out “Happy Birthday” for backup moments when you’re in a pinch!
No matter the theme of your party, if you have a cake, then you can add mini-balloons to that cake! A balloon cake topper is versatile and you can add as many as you want. No matter what, it will give your guests that WOW factor!
The balloon cake topper is perfect all on its own, or you can have it in addition to other decorations. If you choose to do the mini balloon garland by itself, here is some inspiration below:
We also provide a custom cake topper to match any event theme!
5. Decorations and Ambiance Enhancers
Don’t underestimate the power of ambiance enhancers like scented candles or essential oil diffusers to set the mood and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Having a stock of general decorative items such as balloons, streamers, fairy lights, and themed decor creates a festive atmosphere.
Choose multi-colored or white items that can fit with multiple themes or celebrations!
Reusable decorations like fabric buntings or felt banners can be a one-time purchase that serves many parties! Need some inspiration? Take a look at our Pinterest Party Page here!
6. Music and Entertainment
Every party needs a killer playlist to keep the energy up and the dance floor packed!
Music sets the mood, so having a good portable speaker is crucial! Whether it’s for background music or for guests to dance to, make sure your speaker can connect easily to various devices and offers clear, quality sound.
Invest in a good speaker system or portable Bluetooth speaker for seamless music streaming. One with a long battery life is ideal!
7. Snacks and Appetizers
Keep hunger at bay with a selection of crowd-pleasing snacks and appetizers. Chips and dip, cheese platters, finger foods, and bite-sized desserts are always a hit!
Your pantry will probably already be stocked with snacks, but it would be good to always have on-hand crackers, a couple of different blocks of cheese, olives, and nuts. An easy charcuterie to throw together with items that will hold.
Make sure to have options available for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies.
8. Emergency Kit
Prepare for the unexpected by assembling an emergency kit stocked with essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, antacids, and stain remover wipes.
If you have children, more than likely you already have an emergency kit in the house. However, whether you are throwing a party or not, it’s always good to have one on hand!
You’ll be ready to handle any minor mishaps that may occur during the festivities.
Conclusion
By keeping these eight party supplies on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to host memorable gatherings at a moment’s notice.
Remember that the key to a great party is not just the decorations or the food, but the joy and memories you create with your guests!
In need of decorations? Stock up your party pantry and get ready to host the ultimate soiree! Subscribe to Ellie’s Party VIP list and get a 15% discount on your next order, with no minimum purchase required!
Cheer to many more unforgettable moments shared with loved ones! Happy planning!