MARKET WATCH

Editor at Large Karl Lohnes sleuths out this season’s musthaves for holiday entertaining.

Entertaining at home will be very different this year. Having guests to the house will probably be a more selective experience, and that’s all the more reason to make it a memorable special occasion. I’m sharing with you some practical must-haves (and, admittedly, a few luxuries) that will make entertaining easier and more stylish than ever for you and your A-list.

Shine Brightly

I always look forward to entertaining visitors with the latest holiday coffee, hot chocolate or tea flavours, so a stylish tray is needed to help me carry my beverage orders from kitchen to living room. I love this George Jensen Helix tray – yes, it’s an indulgence, but I’ve been good all year! $260, thebay.com.

A Table for Mates

Upgrade your standard TV tray table with a modern design. The Rindland C-Table in black or champagne is a perfect way to serve socially distant drinks and snacks to visitors.

$315, bedbathandbeyond.ca.

Self-Serve

Let guests help themselves to a second cup at the touch of a button. The latest purveyor of fine coffee to hit the single-serve scene is Illy with its Y3.2 iper-Espresso Espresso & Coffee Machine (shown in Cape Town Blue).

$199, illy.com.

Twinkle, Twinkle

Tea lights are the easiest, most chic way to add ambient lighting during the holidays. You know you’ll need them. Pick up this unscented Myriad 8-Hour Tealight Candle Set early and check this holiday decor staple off of your must-get list.

$9, urbanbarn.ca.

Take a Stand

Keep the wine flowing and the glasses clean with this stemware and decanter drying rack.

$20, linenchest.com.

Be Chill

No wine cellar? No problem! On display or hidden away, the Danby 17 Bottle Wine Cooler keeps your wine at perfectly chilled temperatures, making entertaining a breeze.

$178, danby.com.

Pint-Size & Pretty

Keeping a set of child-size cutlery on hand, like this Ginko Panda-Babies 3-Piece Flatware Set, always makes the little ones who visit feel special.

$16, Buy Buy Baby at bedbathandbeyond.ca.

Cleanup Crew

Spills and messes happen when entertaining. Make tidying up simple with the Dustbuster Hand Vacuum, which picks up both wet and dry messes. The bagless dirt bowl is easy to clean: just empty, rinse and get on with the party. $50, blackanddecker.ca.