My Exact Hosting Decor Sources & Links
- sweetcarolinecollection
- Jan 16
- 4 min read
One of the most common questions I get whenever I host a party or craft night is: “Where is everything from?” Over the last year or so, I’ve slowly built a collection of hosting staples that I reuse again and again, no matter the theme. Having these core pieces on hand makes hosting feel fun instead of stressful—and lets me focus on the details that truly bring each party to life.
Today I’m sharing my exact hosting decor sources - from tables and linens to candles, serving pieces, and even party favors. These are the items I rely on every single time I host.
At the base of every party setup are my two 6-foot banquet folding tables from Target. These are truly one of my best hosting investments. They’re sturdy, easy to store, and incredibly versatile. I use them for:
Food tables
Craft stations
Dessert bars
Brunch spreads
They give me a clean, blank canvas that I can dress up differently for each event.
For seating, I use folding chairs from Amazon, paired with chair covers to instantly elevate the look. The chair covers completely transform basic folding chairs into something that feels cohesive and intentional. Whether I’m hosting a cozy fall craft night or a festive New Year’s gathering, they make everything feel polished without needing to rent anything.
I swear by my white, floor-length tablecloths from Amazon. White is my go-to because it works with every theme—summer, fall, holiday, or Valentine’s-inspired. Floor-length linens instantly make a space feel more elevated and hide anything underneath the table (which is always a win).
To add dimension and height to my food tables, I use white acrylic food risers from Amazon. These are a must-have. They help:
Create visual interest
Separate different food items
Make the table feel styled instead of flat
I use them at almost every party, especially for desserts, pastries, or appetizer spreads.
For drinks, I use plastic flute glasses from Amazon that are reusable. They look chic but are practical, especially when hosting a group. I love not having to worry about broken glass, and they’re easy to wash and store for the next event.
When it comes to candles, I like to mix heights and textures:
Cylinder vases from Amazon
Glass candlestick holders from Amazon
For the actual candles, I usually shop at Hobby Lobby, where I pick up:
Taper candles
Pillar candles
Floating candles
Candles are one of my favorite ways to instantly set the mood. I truly believe candlelight makes any gathering feel warmer, cozier, and more special.
For themed parties, I love sourcing placemats, paper plates, and napkins from my local HomeGoods. This is where I have the most fun leaning into the theme—whether it’s whimsical, seasonal, or nostalgic. HomeGoods always has unique finds that feel curated without being overly expensive.
My food dishes and serving platters are also typically from:
HomeGoods
TJ Maxx
Marshalls
I’ve slowly collected neutral and statement serving pieces that can be mixed and matched across different parties.
For craft nights specifically, I get most of my craft supplies and utensils from Hobby Lobby and Michaels. From paint brushes and beads to specialty paper and tools, these stores always have what I need to bring my craft ideas to life.
Any extra balloons or party decor I can’t find in-store usually comes from Amazon. It’s my go-to for last-minute additions or very specific colors and shapes.
One of my favorite personal touches for each party is creating custom themed stickers. I design them myself in Canva, then print them on sticker paper from Amazon. I use these stickers on things like:
French fry holders
Popcorn bags
Treat bags
Favor packaging
It’s such a simple detail, but it makes everything feel intentional and on-theme.
For party favors, I usually shop at:
5 Below
TJ Maxx
Target
I love finding items that guests will actually use or enjoy—something fun but practical.
Flowers & Food
No party feels complete to me without real flowers. I always pick these up from my local grocery store, arranging them myself to match the vibe of the party. Fresh florals add so much life and warmth to the space.
For desserts, I typically order cakes from my local grocery store bakery. They’re convenient, affordable, and always customizable to fit the theme.
Parties I’ve Hosted So Far
So far, I’ve hosted:
A “Summer I Turned Pretty” party
A fall “Gilmore Girls” themed party
A New Year’s craft night
You can find more details, photos, and full breakdowns of each event on my blog and over on my Instagram.
✨ Stay tuned for my next craft night in February! I can’t wait to share the theme, decor, and all the details with you.
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