One of the busiest people in Hollywood, actress and filmmaker Elizabeth Banks is looking forward to slowing down this holiday season. And by slowing down, she means entertaining — a lot. “I absolutely love this time of year,” Banks tells CNN Underscored. “What I’m most looking forward to is the warmth and joy of spending quality time with family and friends. I love to celebrate and host friends and family in my home. Over the years, I’ve honed my hosting skills, if I do say so myself — and my guests keep coming back for more, which makes me happy!”
In addition to leading the voice cast in the animated film “Migration,” which premieres on Christmas Day, Banks is also hosting the game show “Press Your Luck,” and after recently discovering (and loving) canned wine brand Archer Roose, she has joined the company as chief creative officer. “My role is to help find fun and unique ways to change the public perception of canned wine and make it more accessible,” says Banks, who is also a co-owner. “The convenience of having quality wine in a can perfectly fits my lifestyle. I can bring it on river floats, hikes or sip it while my kids play soccer.”
As she looks toward the holiday season, Banks is full of good entertaining advice. “My top tip is to keep it fun and stress-free,” she says. “Start by creating a welcoming atmosphere with some great music. I absolutely love curating a playlist to create an immersive experience that aligns with the evening’s mood. And lighting is key — I love a holiday glow — so every room in my house is on dimmers, and I light candles too.”
But the buck doesn’t stop at ambiance and beverages. “My hosting essentials include a range of items — appetizer trays and charcuterie boards are essential for serving delightful nibbles, creating perfect pairings with wine,” she says. “Unique glassware adds a playful twist to the evening. And, of course, cozy seating options, whether it’s comfortable chairs or plush cushions, encourage guests to relax and savor the wine and company.” And what about the all-important tablescape? Fear not — Banks has more than a few tips. “I’m all about cloth napkins, unique plates and elegant candlesticks,” she says. “They add that extra touch of sophistication to your [table] setting. And don’t forget to incorporate elements of nature, like seasonal flowers or greenery, to bring in that festive spirit!”
Ahead, Banks shares her holy grail holiday entertaining products, all of which are sure to boost your own parties this holiday season.
“For wine glasses, I like to keep it simple yet elegant,” Banks says. “Indoors, I prefer stemless wine glasses with a classic design. They're versatile and great for enjoying wine with friends and family. I love Riedel; they're practical, safe and they don't compromise on style.” While this two-pack tumbler set is technically designed for Viognier and chardonnay, the casual glasses are sure to be just as hospitable for whatever varietal you’re serving. More to know: The tumblers are dishwasher-safe!
Guests love nothing more than grazing over appetizers, and Banks knows exactly how it’s done. “Crafting an exquisite cheese board is an art in itself,” she says. “To make it truly outstanding, you need quality cheese knives, a variety of serving utensils and wooden cutting boards. Don't forget small sharing bowls for olives, nuts or jams. And, of course, a diverse selection of cheeses, along with fresh fruits and artisanal crackers from Raincoast Crisps — the fig and olive crackers pair with everything and also taste great on their own.” Combining salty olives with sweet California figs, these crackers make a great vessel for creamy and hard cheeses.
If entertaining guests is the high, cleaning up afterward is certainly the low, but Banks doesn’t see it that way. “Cleaning up after a dinner party doesn't have to be a hassle with the right tools,” she says. “I rely on durable sponges like Scrub Daddy and my favorite dish soaps from Grove Collaborative to tackle the dishes efficiently. A good-quality drying rack simplifies the process, and absorbent towels make cleanup smoother.” Known to cut grease in seconds, this Grove Co. set comes in six scents (Wild Grass & Neroli is Banks’ favorite) and includes one refill canister, plus a dispenser pump that can be reused again and again.
Unsurprisingly, Banks has got the booze covered when she’s having friends and family over. “When it comes to wine, I believe having a selection of canned wines, like those from Archer Roose, on hand is a true hosting essential,” she says. “They offer several wine varietals, so you don’t have to worry about wasting a whole bottle when your guests only want a glass or compromising on their choice of varietal if they have different preferences than friends and family. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!” The Italian sparkling wine is available in cases of 12 or 24 cans — for reference, 12 cans is the equivalent of four bottles of wine. “My go-to is serving the Bubbly — which is crisp and dry with pear and apple notes — with mild cheeses like Brie and Camembert, and complementing it with prosciutto, which has a delicate saltiness and a buttery texture,” Banks adds.
“When it comes to serving, I can't do without a variety of serving platters and trays; they make presenting food effortless and appealing,” Banks says. “I’m loving The Citizenry’s Mawa Bowl woven baskets, handcrafted in Malawi, for centerpieces and bread because they add texture, charm and warmth to the table.” Available in two sizes, the bowls are woven from local palm trees, and each one takes five days to complete.
Happiest when she’s hosting friends and family, Banks knows her way around styling a dinner table. “Setting the scene for a memorable meal is an art,” she says. “Textured table runners add depth and dimension to the tablescape, creating a stylish foundation. I'm a fan of classic cloth napkins in classic prints like plaid. Right now, I’m all about Heather Taylor Home for linens and vintage plates that I pick up at thrift stores to mix and match to create lots of individuality on the tabletop.” This classic set of four cotton napkins is awash in holiday hues, making them the perfect choice for your winter table.
More than 18,000 Amazon shoppers give the iconic Crock-Pot a thumbs-up, and that includes Banks. “Another small appliance that has become indispensable in my life is a Crock-Pot,” she says. “I'm a working mom who still enjoys cooking, and this kitchen companion makes my life significantly easier. I can prepare a hearty meal in the morning, and when I return home in the evening, it's ready to be enjoyed. It's perfect for creating comfort food like slow-cooked stews or a mouthwatering beef dish.” Available in three colorways, the Crock-Pot can serve up to seven people, and it's super portable and dishwasher-friendly to boot.
In addition to her signature party playlists, Banks loves focusing on the scent associated with her home. “Le Labo candles are my secret weapon for setting an inviting atmosphere and establishing the right tone for the event, whether it's a chic dinner party or a casual get-together,” she says, adding that the smoky, leathery scented Santal 26 is her favorite.
“As the seasons transition, outdoor entertaining becomes a fun adventure,” Banks says. “To ensure everyone stays comfortably warm, portable heaters are a must, providing a cozy atmosphere that keeps the good times rolling. I also love offering my guests warm cocktails or after-dinner drinks — [it] keeps everyone toasty from the inside out! Wrapping up in outdoor blankets adds an extra layer of comfort and charm; I keep this Pottery Barn Cozy Throw Blanket right by the door to have readily available for my guests.” Available in full/queen and king/California king sizes as well as cream and light gray hues, the woven plush blanket is perfect for cozy nights on the couch or layering on a bed.
Small appliances are the heroes of the home, and Banks is quick to name her favorite. “My De'Longhi Toaster Oven makes heating up appetizers or melting cheese on garlic bread easy and efficient,” she says. Able to toast, roast, broil and bake, the Livenza Oven can tackle everything from cooking pizzas to roasting a whole chicken — and its “keep warm” function is ultra helpful when entertaining.