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Food Network star Antonia Lofaso says every host needs these party essentials

The chef, restaurant owner and cookbook author shares her tips and must-buys for throwing the ultimate summer get-together.

Chef Antonio Lofaso says to party prep as much as you can, load up some themed grazing boards — and don't forget to relax! (Portrait: Sara Kauss Photography. Products: Amazon)

You may know Antonia Lofaso as a competitor, judge and host on various Food Network shows. You may also know her as the chef and owner of restaurants like Dama, Black Market Liquor Bar and Scopa Italian Roots. In short, Lofaso has a lot of experience entertaining people — so she knows how to throw a great party that everyone, including the host, can actually enjoy.

The trick, she told us recently at the Savor food festival, is to build a menu based on prep work, not cooking during the event. "Everything is already done, your kitchen is already clean, things just need to be served or reheated so you can really enjoy your guests."

It also helps to stock up on some key cookware, serving pieces and snacks. From rustic skillets that go from oven to table to the perfect potato chips, here are Lofaso's essentials for partying it up — without breaking your back.