25 Holiday Hosting Essentials That Are a Must for Your Registry

If you plan to throw the best holiday parties, use your registry to gather everything you need.
Four holiday hosting registry gift ideas
Photos: The Knot Shop
Mia Maguire
Updated Oct 26, 2023
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When it comes to hosting holiday celebrations—no matter the occasion, the number of guests or whether it's a family- or friend-based gathering—having the right supplies is absolutely essential. So if you're getting married soon, consider making a holiday registry of sorts to get everything you need.

No one wants to host a holiday gathering with paper plates, chipped or broken wares for serving, mismatched china or a makeshift hodgepodge of accumulated decorations. You've probably already researched all of the essential wedding registry ideas (the fancy blender, the gorgeous floor mirror and the pricey home security cameras), but using your registry to stock up on holiday hosting essentials is also a good idea.

The Knot Registry Store holiday hosting collection is the best way to get some ideas to start with. So whether it's finding the perfect Thanksgiving serving plates and dishes, the right Christmas ornaments or supplies for big-batch cooking, we've got you covered on that list and below.

In this article:

Holiday Registry Advice

When you're curating your wedding registry with the holidays in mind, naturally, there are many variables to consider: the holidays you and your partner celebrate (of course), how many guests you'll have, the types of dishes you'll be serving, what type of relationship you have with your guests etc. Hashing out these details as you assemble your wedding registry checklist is key for making sure every piece works well together visually and functionally as a cohesive set, and also prevents gaps or holes in your hosting collection.

Once you have a solid assortment of kitchen and cooking tools and accessories on lock (these will help holiday hosting and everyday cooking needs), it's time to move on to some more festive gift requests. From thematic serveware to holiday-themed mugs, plates and tablescapes decor, your holiday wedding registry items should reflect the holidays you celebrate, but also you and your partner's personal tastes as well.

Holiday Registry Ideas

Make sure your first married holiday is one to remember by adding thoughtful holiday hosting items to your wedding registry. From decorating your home to serving the best holiday meal, these essentials will get you started.

1. Decorative Menorah

Tree of life silver menorah holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

For an extra-special and aesthetically pleasing take on the traditional menorah, look no further than this gorgeous one by Michael Aram. Available in both gold and silver tones, this stunning menorah will add life to the couple's Hanukkah decor. It's also available in two sizes to suit a variety of home sizes.

2. Holiday Dinnerware Set

Holiday 3-Piece Dinnerware Set registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

If you celebrate Christmas, Lenox's simple, yet lovely three-piece dinnerware set is a must-include on any wedding registry. Holly lines the edges of each piece—perfect for those holiday-inspired food photos! After all, your meal is the main attraction, but these speciality plates add a bit of extra flair to any dish.

3. Chinoiserie Linen Napkins

Chinoiserie Linen Napkins holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

Every holiday host needs linen napkins in their arsenal and this four-piece set is a great option. Depending on the size of your usual holiday gathering, you may want to request two to three sets of these to make sure all of your guests are covered. Either way, you can't go wrong with these holiday-ready linen napkins.

4. Christmas Tree Pitcher

Christmas tree pitcher holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

Whether you're serving punch, sangria or just fresh iced tea with lemon, adding a holiday-themed pitcher to your serving lineup will give your dinner party or gathering an extra-special feel. This Christmas tree pitcher by Spode features an extra-wide opening for easy, spill-free serving and can be paired with its matching counterparts for holiday display.

5. Petal Round Place Mats

Gold petal round placemat holiday registry gift idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

Whether for Easter, Hanukkah or any other special occasion worth hosting, these decorative place mats will make a splash. Featuring metallic-thread lace and a round silhouette, these versatile floral-inspired pieces will complement a wide range of holiday gatherings and interior design preferences. They're also available in a variety of colorways to suit any tablescape.

6. Christmas Serving Tray

Balsam and Berry Round Wood Serving Tray holiday registry gift idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

For any Christmas hosting needs, make sure to add this serving tray to your registry. Not only does this festive tray help you serve your mains, appetizers and cocktails in holiday style, but it also doubles as a photo prop when held up. Who doesn't love a multifunctional piece of decor?

7. Sculptural Heart Dreidel

Gold heart dreidel holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

This gorgeous sculpture-like dreidel makes for a great piece of home decor for Hanukkah. Display this novelty dreidel on your dining table, your entryway table or above your fireplace mantle for a dash of unexpected decor that your guests will surely swoon over. Plus, the heart makes it feel worthy of a wedding registry.

8. Christmas Tree Mug Set

Christmas tree coffee mug set holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

Whether for an Xmas morning java fix or a Christmas Eve hot cocoa moment, these festive mugs will surely hit the spot—and make for a great photo opp with your friends and family. The set comes with four mugs, so you may want to include two to three sets on the registry to accommodate more guests. Either way, these special holiday mugs will help you and your guests get into the holiday spirit at your gathering.

9. Tree of Life Seder Plate

Tree of Life Seder Plate holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

Impress your guests with this seder plate at your Passover gathering. The plate features six cups and a unique design that adds character to any tablescape. The silver chrome-like finish adds some sparkle and matches with a number of decor styles.

10. Olive Branch Kiddush Cup

Olive branch Kiddush Cup holiday registry gift idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

Celebrate Shabbat with this beautiful decorative Kiddush cup. The Olive Branch Kiddush cup by Michael Aram is crafted from durable stainless steel and natural brass, adding to its luxe, celebratory feel. You can display this premium Kiddush cup during the holiday of your choice or all year.

11. Anmut Vegetable Bowl With Lid

White Vegetable Bowl with Lid holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

Sometimes simple is the way to go when it comes to choosing holiday tablewares and serving accessories. This lidded veggie dish is living proof that basic does not equal boring—even for holiday hosting. The premium-quality bowl will hold up to a lifetime of holiday gatherings, thanks to its sturdy (and machine-washable) build.

12. Essential Tablecloth

Brown cotton tablecloth holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

No holiday hosting collection is complete without an elevated tablecloth like this one from Hawkins New York. It's available in a slew of versatile colorways, from mustard to olive green, and is designed with a slightly frayed edge for style and longevity. This minimalist tablecloth will stick with you for holiday hosting events for years to come.

13. Christmas in the Village Salt and Pepper Set

Christmas in the Village Salt & Pepper Set holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

Could these novelty salt and pepper shakers be any cuter? We're not sure it's possible. Dazzle your dining table with these sweet Santa Claus and reindeer salt and pepper shakers that'll celebrate along with you.

14. Cellini 24-Piece Dinnerware Set

Cellini 24-Piece Dinnerware Set holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

This essential dinnerware set may not be as kitsch or as festive as some of the other holiday items you add to your wedding registry, but it's an absolute staple for hosting any dinner, cocktail party or holiday event. The complete dinner set includes everything you'll need to be a successful host. And it'll work for a holiday or just during nightly dinners with your spouse-to-be.

15. Ombré Rectangular Place Mat

Gold Ombre Rectangular Placemat holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

This metallic ombré place mat adds a sparkling touch of festivity to any dinner landscape, while still being versatile enough for regular meals. This set would make a great backdrop for a New Year's Eve feast, but also will add a touch of shine worthy of leveling up any dinner (or lunch or brunch). Best of all? The placemat is made of vinyl, which means it'll be easy to spot clean.

16. Artesano Three-Tier Platter

Artesano 3-Tier Platter holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

This artisanal tiered platter takes hosting for the holidays to new heights. Not only does this stacked platter turn your appetizers or desserts into a table centerpiece, but the design also helps save space, making it a great choice for smaller dining rooms or hosting in an apartment. And this is a great kitchen staple to add to any wedding registry for a variety of purposes and occasions—not just the holidays.

17. Star of David Bundt Pan

Star of David Bundt Pan holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

The ultimate baking sidekick for celebrating Hanukkah, this bundt pan allows you to give your desserts a festive upgrade. When this pan isn't molding your baking treats into edible ornaments, it looks lovely on display on your dining table, bar cart or kitchen mantle. This multifunctional pan could also be hung up as wall decor, if you really want to get creative!

18. Vintage Santa Ceramic Platter

Vintage Santa Ceramic Platter holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

For the couple who loves the holidays, but has a knack for antique flair, look no further than this vintage-inspired Santa Platter. It's perfect for setting out appetizers and desserts—and, of course, for leaving cookies out for Santa Claus himself on Christmas Eve (just add milk!). This Xmas-themed platter will delight any holiday enthusiast, and if children are the future, you can bet they'll love it too.

19. Holiday Five-Piece Pasta Bowl Set

Holiday 5-Piece Pasta Bowl Set registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

Regardless of the holidays you celebrate, there's no denying that pasta is almost always a good dish to add to your dinner party menu. But serving—and eating—pasta requires the right bowls to get the full experience and that's where this five-piece pasta bowl set comes in. These deep-set bowls allow you to eat a variety of pasta dishes with ease, whether it be spaghetti pomodoro or ramen noodles.

20. BBQ Fun Outdoor Tablecloth

BBQ Outdoor Tablecloth holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

Spring and summer cookouts are always worth hosting friends and family for, and this kitsch outdoor tablecloth will tie it all together. Whether at the beach, pool or in the apartment, this printed tablecloth is pure Americana. Is it summer yet?

21. Holiday Accent Plate Set

Holiday Accent Plate registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

Regardless of the holidays you and your S.O. celebrate, if you plan to host now or in the future, a proper plate set to honor the holiday in question is a must. This plate set features a subtle holly motif and is made from easy-to-clean porcelain, so you won't have to slave away after dinner on the dishes.

22. Palm Matzah Plate

Palm Matzah Plate holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

Regardless of the holiday in question, this golden-bronze serving plate is a stylish addition to any tablespace. Adding a dash of style and texture to any home or kitchen, this striking statement piece is one you'll reach for again and again for years. This antique-inspired piece is a timeless staple that offers a multitude of uses, from serving to displaying on your mantle.

23. Flying Santa Cotton-Linen Blend Square Napkin

Flying Santa Cotton-Linen Blend Square Napkin holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

For a merry upgrade to your traditional linen napkin assortment, these Santa-themed napkins have it all. The four-pack linen napkin set is peak nostalgia, but you don't have to go to the antique shop or thrift store to find them. The printed napkins feature a Santa-and-reindeer motif, which feels classic and traditional, but unique.

24. Dachshund Menorah

Dachshund Menorah holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

For the dog loving newlyweds, this menorah is not to be missed. Jonathan Adler's pop culture-influenced iterations of traditional holiday items are the perfect addition to your holiday hosting registry. This playful take on the traditional menorah is a conversation starter, perfect for hosting Hanukkah.

25. Christmas Tree Three-Piece Hosting Set

Christmas Tree 3-Piece Hostess Set holiday registry idea
Photo: The Knot Shop

Serving Christmas or Christmas Eve dinner with this on-theme, three-piece set will set the mood for the entire holiday season. The set includes a serving spoon, meat fork and a slotted spoon, ideal for serving a number of different dishes. Plus, this set is dishwasher safe, making it a foolproof choice for hassle-free clean up.

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