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Countertop Essentials for Effortless Holiday Hosting
Stress-free hosting is all about having the right tools for the job. From versatile trays to compact table lamps, each piece adds warmth and functionality to our Caesarstone surfaces. After years of hosting—and some trial and error—I’m sharing my countertop essentials to help streamline the busy holiday season.
Nothing puts a kitchen to the test quite like hosting. Gathering a crowd of family and friends can be admittedly stress-inducing, but I’ve picked up a few tips to make the experience feel relaxed and, dare I say, fun. We’re celebrating our second Christmas at The Austin Tudor, which means I’m embracing every chance to elevate our entertaining game.
During the renovation process, I knew white marble wouldn’t serve our family well long-term. Instead, I opted for Caesarstone’s Black Tempal in a natural finish, which delivers the look of soapstone with the durability of quartz. Not only are they beautiful, but they also make the kitchen feel effortlessly ready for guests, standing up to everything from cocktail prep to coffee refills and the occasional cookie tray assembly line. This durability has shown me that if I’ve learned anything from hosting, it’s the importance of having the right tools for the job. Hosting-friendly countertops are number one, with kitchen tools and serveware coming in a close second. Below, I’m sharing the countertop must-haves I’ve come to rely on for a festive, stress-free season.
Small, Hardworking Appliances
Don’t let its size fool you—this compact espresso machine packs a punch. With digital temperature control and a built-in frother, it makes a solid latte without taking up precious countertop real estate. Personally, I think the olive tapenade color would look striking on our Black Tempal counters—hint, hint, Santa.
If you’re in charge of the holiday menu, a mini blender is an absolute must. It’s perfect for quick purées and salad dressings, plus it’s easy to tuck away, unlike the average bulky blender.
Stand mixer or kitchen décor? You decide. This brand-new wood bowl and color combination is pretty enough to display on your countertops day in and day out. Plus, it’s got all the functionality to streamline those holiday baking marathons.
Functional, Design-Forward Storage
Did you know the secret to keeping bread fresh is a bread box? Even better if it’s worth displaying on your countertop. I love this 100% solid walnut option that adds instant warmth to a sleek kitchen surface.
Checkerboard tile is absolutely everywhere in design right now. I even chose checkerboard tile as the kitchen backsplash to contrast our black Caesarstone countertops. Unsurprisingly, this utensil holder also caught my eye and has such a fun, playful aesthetic.
Hot tip—always keep a fruit bowl stocked when hosting. It’s an easy way for guests to help themselves and often doubles as natural decor in the kitchen.
Warm Countertop Lighting
Kitchen table lamps are perfect for warming up countertops and creating an inviting, homey vibe. And the rattan and linen texture combination on this option? Perfection.
This mini marble option proves that great things come in small packages. Its compact size means it won’t take up valuable counter space and will deliver a nice, even glow that softens the harshness of overhead lighting.
4. Serveware and Accessories
Ask any wine enthusiast, and they’ll sing the praises of a decanter. It’s an important step in allowing the wine to ‘breathe’ before serving, and it truly elevates your entertaining game. The smoke glass on this decanter is so unexpected, and I love the curved silhouette.
When in doubt, go big or go home—especially with your serving stands. You’ll always be glad to have the extra room whenever you’re in holiday hosting mode.
You can never have too many trays when hosting. This versatile piece is ideal for serving drinks and desserts or for making cleanup easier with fewer trips back to the kitchen.
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY
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