Hosting Thanksgiving is like being handed the keys to a restaurant on your first day and then being told the whole family arrives at 2 p.m. with strong opinions about the stuffing. Confidence is great, but gear helps more.
We found some hosting essentials that make you look like you've been doing this for decades. Some keep the food hot and the kids busy, while others make your table look like you own a linen closet. Buy them, set them out, and let everyone believe the turkey was never in doubt.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1 Bake, Braise, And Roast Your Way To Culinary Perfection With This Rugged And Reliable 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Review: "Pan is wonderful!! Used it immediately to make beef stew!! Came out amazing!! Love, love the color!! Can't wait to use it for thanksgiving" - Amazon Customer
Report
10points
#2 Oven Space Becomes Everyone's Least Favorite Thanksgiving Math Problem Until The Showtime Rotisserie Oven Takes Over Turkey Duty On The Counter, Roasting A Whole Bird While The Real Oven Finally Gets To Focus On The Sides
Review: "I cooked an 8lb Turkey breast to succulent (Basting it with herbed butter early during the cooking process) then apple juice thereafter to succulent perfection. Just to mention I usually place the unit on a small table outside on our deck to save inside counter space and it works nicely." - Long island Native
Report
9points
#3 Purists Who Insist On The Ridges Of Canned Cranberry Sauce Get To Serve It In The Can-Berry Ceramic Cranberry Serving Dish, Which Makes The Jiggle Look Intentional And Almost Fancy
Review: "This is so pretty and such a fun idea. I ordered two for holiday gift exchanges. It’s just beautiful. It also would make a great hostess gift." - Michelle Dias
Report
9points
#4 Softened Butter Looks Like A Tiny Harvest Centerpiece Inside A Pumpkin Shaped Butter Dish, And Somehow Makes Plain Dinner Rolls Seem Like They Have A Publicist
Review: "Bought this for my daughter and son-in-law who hosts Thanksgiving dinner for all of us. The really like it." - Angela
Report
8points
#5 A Gravy Boat Will Be Elevating Your Mashed Potatoes To A Whole New Level Of Holiday Indulgence
Review: "I bought this for Thanksgiving this year, after our gravy boat last year just wasn't big enough. This worked perfectly for the 10 people we had, and would have easily served double that without needing to be refilled." - M
Report
7points
#6 Guests Will Assume Your Entire Table Was Designed Around The Wood Cutout Plate Decor, When It Was Actually Ordered Online Somewhere Between The Pie Crust And The Panic
Review: "Lovely addition to our thanksgiving table. Color is subtle enough to go with Gold or Silver tableware. Not oversized, but fits within the bounds of an average dinner plate. Attractive and elegant value for the price." - BW
Report
7points
#7 Rolled Out Beside The Stove, This Extendable Food Warming Mat Keeps Mashed Potatoes Hot Through Every Round Of Seconds, Then Curls Up Into A Silicone Tube That Hides In A Drawer Until Next November
Review: "I bought this heating pad for my mom as a Christmas gift to use during buffet-style dinners, and she absolutely loves it. One of the best features is that it rolls up easily for storage, which makes it very convenient when not in use." - Megan Eckleberry
Report
7points
#8 Clear Plastic Plates With A Textured Finish And A Gold Rim Make Dinner Look Like A Wedding Reception, And With 60 Plates In A Pack, Nobody Runs Out Before Pie
Review: "These are very nice plastic plates. I used them last year for Thanksgiving and ordered more for this year. They are sturdy and look nice. Perfect for a large group" - Amazon Customer
Report
7points
#9 Spills Happen The Second Gravy Gets Within Reach Of Anyone's Elbow, And Quick Dry Microfiber Sustainable Dish Towels Mop Up The Evidence Before Anyone Notices While Making You Feel Like A Responsible Citizen Of The Planet
Review: "Have always used 100% cotton towels in the kitchen. Wanted to try a Geometry style towel without the high price tag. I'm glad I did. So far these towels are great - wash & dry well, very soft, absorbent, and dry quickly hung up. Plan to buy more! Patterns & colors accurately depicted online." - Johanna
Report
7points
#10 Every Guest Leaves With A Plate Of Leftovers Sealed In Premium Thanksgiving Leftover Containers With Lids, Which Is The Politest Way Ever Invented To Reclaim Your Fridge Space
Review: "These were fantastic for Thanksgiving leftovers! They are not great for liquids - I used small canning jars for gravy - but they were inexpensive and so festive. The small size was great because you could either use one for each food or just give a small amount if that was all someone wanted. " - M&R Z.
Report
7points
#11 A Velvet Tablecloth Is Soft, Rich And Ready To Make Your Holiday Table Look Absolutely Stunning
Review: "Absolutely love this tablecloth. The quality was beyond my expectations. I’m very particular in my decorating and this got lots of raves at a recent party. It washed well also. Just wish it came in a large oblong size!" - Wendy
Report
6points
#12 Carve Your Way To A Stress-Free Holiday With A Proper Turkey Carving Knife Set
Review: "This is a nice set! It is attractive, the knife is SHARP, and the fork is pointy. This set is about as perfect as I imagined. It cut the turkey like butter! They clean easily and have a nice box to store them until your next big meal." - Grizzly's mom aka Karry S
Report
6points
#13 Carve The Turkey On One Of These Bamboo Chopping Boards That Double As Serving Boards, Then Carry It Straight To The Table And Let Everyone Assume The Whole Thing Was Choreographed
Review: "So nice I almost hate to use them! They come with their little stand and look beautiful on my counter. I finally threw away all my plastic cutting gear and started using these. My favorite knives feel great at work on these boards, and I look forward to using them for years to come" - Amazon Customer
Report
6points
#14 Nobody Under Ten Will Complain About Waiting For Pie While A Thanksgiving Table Cloth Coloring Activity Gives Them Official Permission To Draw On The Furniture
Review: "We had a great time of all ages completing this coloring page ! It was good from ages 6 to 80 ! 10/10 recommended" - Kevin Young
Report
6points
#15 Unbreakable Plastic Wine Champagne Glasses Mean Nobody Has To Hand Wash Stemware At Midnight, And Great-Uncle Gary's Dramatic Toast Gestures Pose Zero Threat To Anything
Review: "Without a doubt, these are my favorite wine glasses and flutes for outdoor use! They are so easy to use and they feel really good in your hand (if you can imagine what I mean by that). The size is perfect and you have no worries about breakage AT ALL. They provide an elevated look from the store bought plastic ware. DOn't hesitate - this is a great product!" - Lizzy
Report
6points
#16 Elevate Your Wine Game And Add A Touch Of Sophistication To Your Holiday Table With A Large Elegant Wine Decanter With Aerator
Review: "I used this decanter for the first time at Thanksgiving. Not only did it do a great job of letting the wine breathe, it was very attractive on the table. Also, it easily cleaned up beautifully." - cincipapa24
Report
5points
Think the magic is only in the decor? Just wait. One of the simplest ways to elevate the entire event is by mastering the atmosphere. The upcoming items are all game-changer for creating that warm, festive feeling the moment guests walk in.
#17 Shake Things Up And Elevate Your Mixology Game With A Sleek And Sophisticated Cocktail Shaker Set
Review: "This kit is exactly what I was hoping for—complete with everything you need, plus a handy little booklet of cocktail recipes. Highly recommend!" - omar kurdi
Report
5points
#18 Elevate Your Holiday Entertaining With A Beautifully Crafted Charcuterie Board With Dividers And Cheese Knives
Review: "Ordered this for a Thanksgiving dinner. I was really amazed at the product. All the necessary pieces. Excellent quality. Really everything needed for a charcuterie board for 6 to 10 people. And the price is right for. Would definitely recommend." - anon
Report
5points
#19 Elevate Your Holiday Table Setting With A Touch Of Luxury And Sophistication With This Stunning 20 Piece Golden Cutlery Set
Review: "Pretty good color and not brassy toned. Heavy, not the cheap and light cutlery. Have been using them for over a month and can’t get over them. I do towel dry them so they stay shiny. Recommend, shipped perfectly on time." - Lilly
Report
4points
#20 Add A Touch Of Sunshine And Vintage Charm To Your Holiday Gatherings With These Beautiful Vintage Yellow Wine Goblets
Review: "I opened the package and was instantly impressed. These wine goblets are just beautiful for everyday use and even hosting casual dinners. They are nice and sturdy and are pretty to boot. I think I will order the other glasses in this pattern too! Thanks!" - Leisa Pastor
Report
3points
