Staff Picks: Holiday Party Dinnerware Essentials

The holiday season is almost upon us, and that means an increase in gatherings with family, friends, and loved ones. Whether Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, or any other year-end celebration, it’s likely you’ll be attending a few dinner parties or hosting one yourself.

As inspiration for all your holiday party hosting needs, we spoke to members of Team Musubi to get their takes on the best items to have on hand. Here, they share their favorite party dinnerware and what makes them so handy. From holiday plates to festive Japanese sake sets, this Japanese tableware includes some of our favorite serveware, cookware, and dinnerware for entertaining.

Nothing says a celebration like a festive drink. And for those special occasions, why not select drinkware to match? Whether for aperitifs or after-dinner drinks, the right glassware sets the tone for a convivial evening of good conversation and elegant hospitality.

Editor Chiaki recommends the Crimson Glow Sake Pot. “What really makes this stand out is the Edo Kiriko in the center,” she says, referring to the red cut glass inner container, which shines beautifully through the clear glass of the pot.

“I usually use a simple tokkuri carafe for casual drinks, but prefer this sake pot for entertaining. The inner Edo Kiriko container can contain ice, allowing you to enjoy chilled sake for the whole evening. Just putting it on the table is enough to create a bright and festive atmosphere, plus the unique design draws the eye and becomes a talking point. I recommend this for people looking for special sake ware.”

Because the outer glass is heat-resistant, it’s also wonderful for hot sake and even tea, whose color looks beautiful through the perfectly clear glass.

For serving, complete the look with Column Glass Sakazuki Sake Cups and a Japanese tray like the Wood‑Grain Round Serving Tray.

Next is an unexpected but fresh suggestion from writer Mina. Her pick is the Matte Black Modern Shokado Bento Box LL, an updated take on a classic bento box that features ceramic dishes inside a refined lidded box.

Mina emphasizes its practicality. “The bowls on the inside act as dividers, making it relatively easy to plate dishes. Even with a number of different appetizers or sides, the flavors won’t blend. And it fits a lot of food.” Plus, once you nestle the food inside, “just close the lid and you can put the whole thing in your car and bring it to a party as-is,” she says. I’m suddenly reminded of childhood Christmas Eve drives to see relatives, my mom’s casserole dish resting on my knees, warm and cozy in the cold night.

Great for Christmas with family, New Year’s Eve dinners, or holiday season potlucks, says Mina, this bento box has the style points to match. “The black frame created by the box makes everything feel coordinated and not too casual. Paired with red or green accents, it becomes the perfect tableware for celebratory occasions.”

She concludes, “It works with Japanese, Western, Chinese—really any kind of cuisine, and it’s so useful!”

Why not give it a try yourself?

Cooking for a crowd can be tough, but the right kitchenware makes it that much smoother.

Enter donabe clay pots. Made of highly heat-resistant clay, these traditional Japanese clay pots are engineered for gentle heating that brings out umami, while their high heat retention keeps meals hot for longer.

Writer Sakiko suggests the Kikka Donabe Japanese Clay Pot for 2 to 3 People and shares why she loves it: “Just having a donabe on the table instantly brightens the atmosphere and makes the table setting more festive, and it’s perfect for enjoying hot pot with family and friends. It’s also nice that cleaning up afterward is so easy!”

A versatile pot like this can go directly from stove to table, eliminating the need for additional serveware—which means less preparation, plating, and clean-up work for a busy cook. For easy serving and to complete the look, pair it with matching Kikka Chrysanthemum Medium Bowls and the Stainless Steel Ladle.

For larger gatherings, check out sizes that will accommodate 3 to 4 servings. For conduction cookers, we also offer an IH-compatible model.

For effortless serving, pair it with the Bamboo Tongs 9.4 in. “They’re light and easy to handle,” Marisa explains, “and their look is natural and elegant.” Gentle enough to pick up delicate foods yet strong enough to grip firmly, these tongs are a breeze to use.

Any party deserves handy appetizer plates—or any other little dishes for serving from a larger platter. Look no further than Japanese sauce plates, the versatile small plates that can do it all.

“For New Year's and end-of-the-year parties,” editor Minyi shares, “I recommend the Golden Hanazume Sauce Plates. Their traditional Kutani ware design of florals lined with gold is really colorful, making them feel so vibrant and lively. Plus, they come in multiple colors, so you and your guests can have fun choosing your favorites, adding to the party atmosphere.”

Available as a set of five or individually, these eye-catching plates will wow your guests and leave a lasting impression.