The Entertainers: A Wedding Gift Guide for Couples Who Love to Host

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Photo by Adrian Wood Photography via Bridal Musings

Are you the couple who always has everyone around for a Sunday roasts? Who hosts a barbecue every time the sun threatens to shine? Who turns a simple pot luck night into a memorable gathering? And who always has the best snacks for games night?

Well then you guys are bona fide entertainers. (And I’m aspiring to be you!)

Couples who love to play host deserve lots of lovely things from your wedding registry to make hosting supper soirees, drinks parties and garden bashes even more fun.

So continuing our partnership with The Wedding Shop (a veritable treasure trove of goodies for aspiring super-hosts!) we’ve rounded up some special gifts that every entertainer should be adding to their list.

(And it’s more than just wine glasses and cutlery!)

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Photo by Marilyn Bartman Photography via Bridal Musings

1. Talking Point Plates

So most couples add a dining set to their gift registry, but if you’re regular hosts, why not take the average dinner service up a notch, and go for something a lot more special?

From statement side plates to beautifully patterned dinner plates, The Wedding Shop have some truly unique pieces from some of the world’s most stylish homeware brands.

Talk to one of their consultants in-store or online about creating your bespoke mix and match dinner service with both classic and stand-out pieces, with something to suit budgets across your guest list.

2. Informal Serving

Don’t you just love the ideas of a spread of olive wood chopping boards adorned with charcuterie, slate stones piled high with cheese, and eclectic serving bowls filled with dips and olives.

(Anyone else feeling hungry!)

The key to being a great host is to make your guests feel at home, and informal dining with shared plates is such an easy way to do it.

Stock your wedding gift registry with gorgeous serving boards and bowls that will last you for years to come and always give your dining table an effortless elegance, whether you’re hosting a birthday brunch or a seasonal dinner.

3. Picnic Hamper

Hosting doesn’t have to happen at home. Any host worth their salt is in constant ready-mode to put on the perfect spread, even on the go.

A picnic hamper makes a lovely wedding gift for any couple, but I think it’s even more special for couples who adore entertaining.

It turns even the most chilled out day at the beach or afternoon in the park into a sophisticated soiree.

All you have to do is add cucumber sandwiches, strawberries, and bubbly!

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Photo by Peter & Veronika via Bridal Musings

4. Table Linen

I’m a little bit obsessed with table linen – it really can have the most transformative effect on a table.

From cool bistro style napkins to crisp white tablecloths, classic embroidery to vintage stripes, or bright hues to rustic neutrals, you can totally change up the vibe of your occasion.

Even if you find tablecloths a little old fashioned or if you’ve got a gorgeous dining table you want to show off, some stylish napkins – and quirky napkin rings – will give a touch of class and elegance to your place settings.

Not to mention give you extra cred has a host extraordinaire.

5. Fun & Games

Newlywed life calls for lots of games nights.

Board games like Monopoly, Cranium and Trivial Pursuit are always crowd pleasers. Jenga or Scrabble are so handy to have when kids come around. Catan is the perfect gift for board game die-hards (my husband co-owns it with his equally nerdy friends!). And Pictionary and Twister are good to have to hand for those rowdier evenings!

Then of course there’s the lawn games like croquet and garden chess.

The Wedding Shop have a fantastic selection of game gifts that are perfect for hosts, from luxurious takes on classics (like a plush poker set) to great family favourites.

photo by : George Pahountis Photography ( www.pahountis.gr )

Photo by George Pahountis via Bridal Musings

6. Cookbooks

Cookbooks make thoughtful gifts for any occasion, but I think they’re particularly fitting for a couple who love to create beautiful meals for their friends and family.

The Wedding Shop lists some great titles to add to your kitchen bookshelf, whether you’re a novice recipe tinkerer or an amateur master chef.

Look for books with recipes that can be planned ahead or work well for groups – books for baking, barbecuing, or creating international cuisine are always a hit.

7. Wine Tasting

If you love to impress your guests with your hosting skills, then why not use your registry to up-skill even further, with a tasting course.

The Wedding Shop offer some great foodie experience gifts, including wine and cheese tastings both at home and abroad.

Not only will you get to sample beautiful wines and learn your Chablis from your Chardonnay, but your guests will reap the benefits too next time they come around for a wine and cheese night.

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Photo by George Pahountis via Bridal Musings

8. Bar Cart

A bar cart is up there on my dream home bucket list. They’re just so cool, don’t you think?

A ready-to-go stock for G&Ts, old-fashioneds and Moscow mules – Don Draper eat your heart out.

And of course, you need all the accoutrements to fill it; an ice bucket, decanters, chic glasses, and unique bar accessories.

I’m a big fan of this luxe bar cart by Jonathan Adler, but one of those globes that opens to unveil your bottle collection is kind of a kitsch classic!

A registry must-have for couples who are fond of a tipple.

9. A Beautiful Vase

If you’re a regular host, you’ll know you can never have enough vases.

Dinner guests tend to gift their hosts with flowers, and it’s only polite to put them in water straight away. If you’re hosting, it’s always handy to have a vase or two close to hand just in case, plus flowers or arrangements of greenery – eucalyptus is a current fave – make perfect centrepieces, or entranceway decor.

My favourites are minimal glass vases, but I do have a soft spot for something a little more ornamental.

Check out The Wedding Shop’s gorgeous selection on their site, with everything from fine crystal to colourful glassware, and classic China vases to geometric designs.

10. BBQ Essentials

In the UK and Ireland, barbecue weather can be something of an enigma. (As I type this, it’s lashing rain outside – and it’s August!).

But when the sun starts to shine, or at the very least the rain stays away, there is nowhere I’d rather be than sitting in the garden sipping ice-cold wine or potent margaritas, enjoying something tasty like burgers, grilled prawns or barbecued pineapple (it’s a game changer guys!).

Barbecuing is the ultimate in easy-going entertaining, so if you love to have your friends round, make sure you add a few garden party essentials to your wedding registry.

Barbecues, outdoor furniture, lanterns, and fire pits… Oh, can’t you just taste the s’mores already?