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You are here: Home » Hostess Toolkit

Hostess Toolkit

Welcome to the From Play Dates to Parties Hostess Toolkit, a curated list of the tools and party supplies I strongly recommend for planning and decorating your parties. I have tested every recommendation on this page. Many of the resources listed here are the items I use over and over again when planning or preparing for my parties.

Before digging into the awesome tools I know and trust, here’s an important disclosure:

Some of the links below are affiliate links , which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please understand that I have experience with all of these items, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Don’t feel the need to spend your money on any products, unless they will help you prepare the best event you can within your budget. 

Must-Have Party Supplies for Every Occasion!

PARTY PRINTABLES

I love to create and use party printables for my kids’ events. They’re an incredible way to get a custom look without breaking the bank. But you’ll want to use the right products to get the best results.

8.5x11 Matte Photo Paper

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

Matte Photo Paper is perfect for anything you want to photograph or look its best.

I've used this brand a few times already, and even on a cheap inkjet printer, we get gorgeous, velvety print quality.

8.5x11 Glossy Photo 

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

For water bottles, or anything else that might get damp, I've found that Glossy Photo Paper is the best choice (see why I prefer this paper to make waterproof water bottles)

8.5x11 Bright White Cardstock,  65lb

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

While colors will look their best on photo paper, sometimes your budget calls for something less expensive. in that case, White Card Stock is a great choice

Cricut Maker, Rose

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

I recently started using my Cricut Maker to cut party printables, and it’s completely transformed my workflow. Everything is so much easier now.

Using the print and cut feature, the cuts are more reliable and I can work on other projects while the cutting magic happens.

This machine is so useful that I even started formatting every possible party printables design to fit within Cricut's Print and Cut sizing. It's truly amazing.

12-Inch Paper Trimmer

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

My Fiscars paper trimmer is my most used paper trimmer (other than the Cricut). It’s perfect for all straight edge cutting, such as bottle labels, triangle buntings, and table tent cards.

(Full Disclosure: my trimmer is old, so it looks different, but this is the same make and style)

PARTY DECORATIONS

There are some decorations we find ourselves using over and over again. They're not expensive, but they can definitely help take your decorations from ho-hum to phenomenal.

Neutral Fabric Bunting

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

I actually own at least 3 different burlap buntings, and they’re awesome.

You can add decorative touches on top, or use them to add layers of texture underneath a customized printable party bunting.

Tiered Serving Stands

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

A tiered serving stand is one of the best investments you can make. I love this stand in particular because it fits dinner plates, which you can mix and match to fit your theme, and are a great size for kids parties.

You can see ours in action at this S’mores Party and this Mother’s Day Party.

Baker's Twine in a variety of Colors

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

Baker’s Twine is awesome.

Use it to string up banners and buntings, wrap utensils, tie favor bags, and so much more. I keep a variety of colors on hand because it just comes in handy so often!

Tip: You can find limited colors of bakers's twine at the Dollar store, but it usually isn't long enough to do more than one banner.

Clear Monofilament, 10lb

When you want to hang things that look like they're floating, monofilament is your best friend. Most projects will work best with a lightweight monofilament, like 10 pounds, but if you're hanging something heavy, you might want to increase the weight to 15 pounds.

Best of all, one inexpensive spool will last you for years to come.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

You never know if or when you’ll need them, but when you do, they are lifesavers.

Here are a few items that have saved me in a pinch more than once. They're the items that I always re-stock as soon as they run out.

Bonus: None of them are too expensive either!

Command Hooks

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

Confession: I have a drawer that is completely full of Command Hooks. It may be a slight obsession.

These little clear hooks are the BEST for stringing up buntings, but the larger hooks are great for hanging biggert items such as wreaths. 

Blu-Tack Reusable Adhesive

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

Blu Tack is hands down the most essential part of my emergency party kit. 

It's great because it cleans up easily, and doesn’t leave grease marks on your wall, and it’s incredibly versatile. I use it for everything from mounting unframed prints, to holding decorations in place.

Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

Glue Guns come in handy more often than you’d think. Whether it’s a label that just won’t stay down, or last-minute favor tags, always make sure you’ve got a glue gun and extra glue sticks handy.

 

Party Supplies Checklist

Now, the products above are the exact items that I use all the time. But what about the other party supplies that you’ll need?

Well, I’ve got a downloadable party supplies checklist that you can use to make sure you’re totally prepared. You can purchase a copy in my shop, or you can subscribe to the newsletter below and I’ll send a free copy straight to your inbox.

I love helping busy moms create DIY parties that aren’t overwhelming. Here you'll find crafts, recipes, and fun printables you can use to create a celebration you’re proud of that you get to enjoy too! Read More
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Looking for a little more creativity in your life? From Play Dates to Parties is the place for you!

Hi there! I’m Leslie! I love helping busy moms create DIY parties that aren’t overwhelming. At Playdates to Parties, you'll find crafts, ready-to-use cut files, recipes, and fun printables you can use to create a celebration you’re proud of that you get to enjoy too!  {Read More}

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