How To Choose The Best Party Supplies For Your Occasion 

Hosting a party can be exhilarating, but it can also be quite overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right party supplies and decorations. With so many plates, napkins, cups, and cutlery options available, it’s easy to get lost in the tornado of tableware. 

That’s why we’ve outlined this expert party planner list to help you choose the best party supplies for your cocktail party, baby shower, or any celebratory occasion. From deciding on a theme to finding the correct appetizer plate size, we cover everything you need to know to make your event a success!

Cocktail parties

A cocktail party menu traditionally consists of simple hors d’oeuvres and drinks, so the tableware can be kept to a minimum. All you really need are some small plates, beverage napkins, and plastic cutlery. Believe it or not, size does matter when it comes to the paper plates and napkins you pick. Fortunately, we made things easy by aptly naming our products. 

We suggest opting for our “small plates” or “dessert plates” as well as our “small napkins” or “cocktail napkins.” (Other manufacturers may call these products “lunch plates,” “salad plates,” or “beverage napkins.”) If you want to get technical, a traditional cocktail napkin size is about 5” x 5”, and the plates tend to be around 8” in diameter.

Since cocktail partyware is so simple, it gives you plenty of room to play around with colors and patterns. If you have a specific party theme, we recommend showcasing that in the tableware you choose. For example, our Luau Tropical Bird Small Plates and Luau Tropical Napkins are perfect for a cocktail party with an island flair. Though, if you’re going sans theme, a simple  Gold Signature Stripe Small Plate and Bow Napkin will compliment any cocktail party beautifully.

Barbecues

It doesn’t matter if it’s for the 4th of July or the Super Bowl, BBQs are all about the food! So, we suggest sticking to dinner plate sizes, large napkins, plastic utensils, and ample cups. If you aren’t celebrating a specific holiday or special occasion, barbecues are another excellent excuse to toy with tableware. 

Our Signature Cabana Stripe Plates and Signature Large Plates are great choices because they’re durable and big enough to pile on heaps of party food. Pair them with our coordinating napkins and cups to complete the look!

Eco Party

It’s important for us to have reusable party supplies for those who want to bring the party to the table more than once! When it comes to reusable party supplies, there are plenty of options to choose from. For example, melamine trays and cake stands are a great way to reduce waste while still adding a fun, festive touch to the party. Reusable straws and colorful paper straws are also great options. Lastly, opting for party supplies made from eco-conscious materials helps to keep the party going while protecting our planet. 

Our Signature Compostable Dinner Plates and Eco Napkins are both beautiful and functional. Available in Petal Pink, Sky Blue, French Creme, and Le Lilac, these eco-friendly party supplies are perfect for all kinds of gatherings. 

BRUNCHES

If you’re hosting a brunch, you’re probably looking for a more sophisticated assortment of party supplies. Place settings with lots of layers and details are perfect for brunches. We recommend layering two types of plates, like a luncheon plate and a charger-sized plate, and pairing them with a tall guest towel.

Whether you’re serving brunch at a garden birthday party or a Mother’s Day gathering, a floral party theme is always appropriate. Our Petal Pink and Belle Blue Elegant Floral Dinner Plates and coordinating Dessert Plates are a fabulous coupling for brunches. Style them with the matching Napkins and Cups for a tablescape that’s très magnifique! 

Showers

Baby showers and bridal showers follow a similar tablescape aesthetic. We recommend finding a good plate duo and a fun, on-theme napkin to tie the entire setting together. 

For baby showers, start with our Bonjour Baby Small Plates and Napkins in either Petal Pink or Sky Blue, depending on the gender. Then, choose a large plate and cup that emphasizes that color. If you want to level up the look, nestle everything on top of a bold table runner, such as our Palisades Blue or Petal Pink Cabana Stripe Table Runner.

For bridal showers and bachelorette parties, you can never go wrong with a layered table setting and a thematic napkin. Our Tying The Knot Cocktail Napkins are wonderful for elegant bridal showers, while our Haute Pink Heart-Shaped Plates and these “off the market” napkins are essential for bachelorette bashes! 

We hope you’ve found this petite party planning guide helpful and feel confident in choosing the best party supplies for your bash! For more party tips, tricks, and ideas, check out our other blog posts here. From our fête to yours, Bonne Chance! 

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