13 Entertaining Tips for the Style-Obsessed Hostess

Sarah Wittenbraker Shares Design Focused Items and Hostess Tips to Turn Home Gatherings into Chic Soirées

By Sarah Wittenbraker
Portrait by Kristen Kilpatrick

When Sarah Wittenbraker isn’t running her residential and commercial design studio, Sarah Wittenbraker Design, or chasing her three kids, she loves to fill her house with family and friends. Hosting is her love language, and she’s gathered some pieces of inspiration to raise your next soiree to the next level.

Go Back

See All Slides

Credit: Vagabond House

1 of

Ice Bucket from Hearth & Soul

Friends should feel comfortable helping themselves, which is why I have chilled drinks in easy reach. This luxury, pewter tub can handle many bottles of bubbly or sparkling water for guests to top off as they please.

($2,300) hearthandsoul.com

Credit: Elizabeth Street Café

2 of

Macaroons from Elizabeth Street

I have zero talent and patience for baking, so I typically outsource dessert. The macaroons from Elizabeth Street are always a hit (and so darn cute), and add the perfect touch of color to the table.

($3 each) elizabethstreetcafe.com

Credit: June's All Day

3 of

June’s Rosé

June’s All Day is one of our favorite places to park on a sunny afternoon. Their crisp rosé always hits the spot, and is the perfect wine to offer at home.

($56) junesallday.com

Credit: Sherwin Tibayan

4 of

Buffet from Jean Marc Frey

We tend to cover all surface space when entertaining, with a makeshift bar, grazing boards, dessert tray and dinner. I’m obsessed with this antique French buffet from Jean Marc Fray, and want to give it a proper home in our dining room.

($8,900) jeanmarcfray.com

Credit: Visual Comfort

5 of

Collier Chandelier from Circa Lighting

I love some drama in decór. Statement lighting is a must for gathering around a dinner table or kitchen island. This standout chandelier acts as elegantly draped jewelry for the room.

($6,400) visualcomfort.com

Credit: Tradition

6 of

Cocktail Table at Scott + Cooner

Guests always need a cocktail table within reach. The colors and stackable brilliance put this side table in first place at the top of my most wanted list.

($712) scottcooner.com

Credit: Spread & Co.

7 of

Grazing Boards from Spread & Co.

Charcuterie boards are all the rage, and I don’t see the trend fading anytime soon. The team at Spread & Co. are true artisans and can make magic with their gorgeous and graze-worthy creations.

($17) spreadandco.com

MORE: 5 Local Favorites to Add to Your Next Charcuterie Board

Credit: The Menagerie

8 of

William Yeoward Crystal Champagne Coup from The Menagerie

Whether you’re in jeans or sequins, greeting friends with a glass of bubbles sets the tone for a festive night. A traditional crystal coup (especially in this fabulous amethyst!) brings Gatsby vibes and kickstarts any party.

($415) themenagerie.com

Credit: Shabby Slips

9 of

Chair on Casters from Shabby Slips

If you want guests to stay long into the night, comfy and functional seating is key for a dinner party. Friends can settle into this cush dining chair for a late night of laughter, and the casters make it easy to maneuver and squeeze around a table.

($2,120) shabbyslipsaustin.com

Credit: The Menagerie

10 of

Pearl Napkin Rings from The Menagerie

Adding more ‘jewelry’ and sparkle to a dinner party, these pearl napkin rings act as gorgeous cocktail rings to your place settings.

($64) themenagerie.com

Credit: Carli Rene

11 of

Flowers by Margot Blair

When my week is too busy to pull together a centerpiece, I call in the experts at House of Margot Blair. Their unusual floral compositions and color pairings not only add beauty to any table but also become conversation pieces.

(From $35) houseofmargotblair.com

Credit: Wildflower Organics

12 of

Cire Trudon Candle from Wildflower

Entertaining is about setting the mood and engaging the senses. The Cire Trudon line of French candles will intrigue your guests and add another layer of beauty to your home.

($125) wildflowerorganics.com