I'm a serial holiday host and I genuinely love having people over, but let's be real—it can be a lot. I’ve tried all the shortcuts and gadgets over the years, and these are the things I actually use to make my apartment feel warm, welcoming, and run ...
This is my signature scent for fall and winter. It's warm and inviting without being overly sweet or perfume-y. Your whole place will smell incredible the second people walk in.
P.F. Candle Co. Teakwood & Tobacco Soy Candle
I'll never go back to matches. This is rechargeable, way safer, and makes lighting all the candles (or the gas stove) feel kinda futuristic and cool.
Perfect for setting the mood with a holiday playlist. It's small, the battery lasts forever, and the sound is surprisingly rich for the price. A must.
Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
This looks so chic on the counter and heats up water crazy fast. I use it to set up a hot cocoa or tea bar for guests to help themselves.
Original Electric Gooseneck Kettle - COSORI
My workhorse for soups, chilis, or keeping mulled wine warm on the stove. It keeps everything piping hot and looks beautiful going from the stove straight to the table for serving.
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Makes opening wine bottles foolproof and weirdly satisfying. It’s so much smoother when you're trying to pour drinks for a few people at once.
Electric Wine Opener
Okay, it's a splurge, but guests will literally fight over this blanket. It's the softest thing on earth and perfect for making your couch extra inviting.
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw Blanket
The best little luxury for your guest bathroom. It smells like a fancy spa and makes washing your hands feel like a treat. People always ask me about it.
Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash
You've seen it everywhere for a reason. It's my go-to for making a simple pasta or sauté and then serving right out of it on the counter. Looks gorgeous, and the nonstick surface makes cleanup a total breeze.
Always Pan 2.0
This is the olive oil you put out in a little dish with good bread and flaky salt. The bottle is a work of art, and the flavor is so fresh and peppery. It's an effortless appetizer that feels incredibly elevated.
Awake Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For your friends who aren't drinking, this is the ultimate treat. It's a non-alcoholic aperitif that feels so special and complex. I serve it with soda water and a rosemary sprig—looks and tastes like a fancy cocktail.
Ghia Non-Alcoholic Apéritif
My little secret for staying comfy while hosting. They're like a luxury hotel spa for your feet and save me when I'm running around all night. A necessary treat just for the host.
Classic Turkish Cotton Slippers (White)
My secret weapon for appetizers. I drizzle this on literally everything—creamed cheese on a cracker, hummus, even vanilla ice cream (trust me). It adds this incredible savory, spicy crunch that people go crazy for.
Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp
This makes my kitchen counter look like a design studio and lets me make sparkling water on demand. It's perfect for cocktails, mocktails, or just making guests feel like they're getting something special. So much better than stocking cans.
Aarke Carbonator 3 Sparkling Water Maker
This is my secret to a stress-free cleanup. The set is amazing for storing leftovers, but the containers are also chic enough to send guests home with a little care package. No more scrambling to find matching Tupperware lids while people are trying ...