33 Hostess Gifts Our Editors Love to Give—and Receive
Whether it's a Friday night dinner or a holiday soirée, it's good etiquette to bring your host a gift. And while his or her go-to bottle of wine will be appreciated, we think you could do better (or at least introduce them to other varietals!). Your host is a natural entertainer, one who is not just the source of the party, but the heartbeat of it, too. To show your gratitude, bring one of these thoughtful gifts along.
Try entertaining-centric options that they can use at their next event (think hand-embroidered napkins and a stunning cake stand) or elevated presents to pull out after the party has ended (think a Parisian-inspired mug). We're particularly fond of the gifts that err on the side of the unexpected: They likely didn't know that they needed a vase made of wax, for example, but once they see it, they won't want to be without it.
Ahead, more inspired gifts for your very own hostess.
Falcon Enamelware 3 Pint Jug in Falcon Blue
Here's a classic, do-anything pitcher she can use for serving iced coffee at brunch, pouring batch cocktails at dinner, or presenting a beautiful arrangement of blooms.
Food52 Gingham Linen Double Oven Mitt
Arm your hostess with this double oven mitt, and she'll never experience a sheet-pan-dinner-induced wrist burn ever again. Plus, the yellow gingham piece looks particularly cheerful when hooked over an oven door handle.
Uncommon Goods Shortbread Heart Baking Pan
For the host that bakes with their whole heart, this romantic shortbread baking pan is a must. Each slice of dessert is printed with a heart encasing a wildflower.
Hawkins New York Brass Soap Stand
Take the soap bar in her guest bathroom to new heights with this brass holder, which works across multiple design aesthetics.
Magic Dates Snack Bites Date Flight
You've head of a beer flight and a wine flight—but are you familiar with a date flight? With four different date types and five included recipes, this thoughtful tasting box is perfect for the host with adventurous tastebuds.
Anthropologie Spindle Taper Candle
These are the most irresistible eye candy for her mantle, her table, her desk, wherever—plus it's like buying her a candle and a holder all in one.
Martha Jadeite Cake Stand and Glass Dome Set
Somehow this ultra-chic cake stand manages to look both retro and refreshingly modern at the same time.
Bee's Wrap Reusable Large Produce Bags
She'll be able to skip grocery store plastic produce bags if you gift her these waxed pouches, which carry fruits and vegetables with ease. Made in Vermont, they're washable and fully compostable once they've reached the end of their life cycle.
Le Marche Tuscan Salt and Pepper Bowl with Gold Spoon
Pair that fancy salt with a one-of-a-kind cellar—though this marble piece (which comes with a golden spoon for oven- or table-side seasoning) is suited for fresh black pepper, too.
Graf Lantz Cozy Carrier Merino Wool Felt Solo
Your host will likely be given a bottle (or several) of wine at their soirée—so, why not gift them something to tote it around in? This unique carrier is made with merino wool felt—a natural insulator that offers soft, but durable protection when they bring their new bottle to their favorite BYO.
FEBU Swedish Dishcloths
These reusable—and compostable!—dish rags look way nicer than any paper towel roll ever could.
Anthropologie Tiled Margot Monogram Mug
Whether your host is a Francophile or not, they'll love this mosaic mug inspired by sidewalk cafés and bistros in Paris.
SalterieOne Seasonally Inspired Sea Salt Blends
After holiday cooking, your host's spice cabinet is likely running on empty. Help them re-stock with this seasonally inspired sea salt sampler. For winter, the offerings include sea salt, rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley.
Dear Annabelle Superlative Place Cards
At her next dinner party, expect to sit down and find "Best Gift Giver" on your superlative place card.
Williams Sonoma Marble Wine Chiller
Give her bar cart an upgrade with this sleek marble wine chiller that looks as good empty as it does doing its job.
McGee & Co "Finlay" Cookbook Holder
Your host will think of you every time he or she props a beloved cookbook up using this chic stand, which keeps precious pages safe from countertop messes.
Estelle Colored Stemless Wine Glasses
Wow her with these hand-blown colored glasses made by artisans in Poland—they come in a plethora of colors, but we're partial to this soft rosy pink.
Crate & Barrel Hayes Black Marble Board
Made of gorgeous black marble, this tray will elevate the look of charcuterie, cheese boards, butter boards, and other small bites.
RD Winery Seasonal Foodie Box
Brought to you by the first Vietnamese woman-run winery in Napa, this box comes with six bottles of wine, recipes, pairing ideas, wine notes, and the Southeast Asian sampler from Omsom (a meal spice starter pack that is full of fiery Vietnamese, Thai, and Filipino flavors).
Mystic Knotwork Sailor Knot Coasters Set
With their simple, classic coastal style these made-in-the-U.S.A. coasters will pack a big nautical punch on any table she sets.
Grown Alchemist Hand Wash in Sweet Orange, Cedarwood, Sage
This gentle hand wash is the perfect gift for the host that appreciates an aesthetically pleasing bathroom. The sleek bottle looks great next to the sink and the formula—a blend of sweet orange, cedarwood, and sage—will have users' hands smelling fresh and feeling clean.
Nickey Kehoe Agnes Baddoo Keycase
This leather case feels way more sophisticated than a humdrum keychain.
Brooklyn Delhi Roasted Garlic Achaar
For the foodie, this roasted garlic-chili sauce is a thoughtful present on its own or in a gift basket. Made with roasted garlic, lemon, oil, a mix of Indian spices, and red chili powder, the spread has a spicy, savory, and sweet flavor suitable for any palate.
Harlem Candle Company Speakeasy Luxury Candle
She can light this candle, with notes of cardamom, plum blossom, tobacco leaves, and dark chocolate, at her next cocktail party—or just save it for her next movie night at home.
March Bouquet Amber Napkins
It'll look like you're gifting her a family heirloom, but really, these stunning hand-embroidered linen napkins were made in Egypt.
Diptyque White Medicis Vase
This elegant, hand-crafted vase made of wax was actually designed to hold water, so she can fill it with fresh flowers every time she goes to the farmers' market.
Aesop Aromatique Room Spray
Infuse your host's home with notes of geranium, incense, and patchouli by way of this room spray; the fragrance lasts for hours.
Avaline Cabernet Sauvignon
A medium to full-bodied red with notes of red berries and a touch of cocoa is the perfect wine to gift when you're not sure what her actual favorite is.
Made In Baking Slab
This unique bakeware piece will encourage her to switch up her go-to round pie for a slab iteration—but it can be used to make bread or brownies, too.
Maison Pechavy French Matchboxes
A box of these fancy matches makes a great go-with gift alongside a pretty candle or a set of tapers.
Zara Home Small Flowerpot with Saucer
These vessels might look like vintage earthenware pieces bought at a faraway bazaar, but really, you don't need to go far for this gift—add a small plant from your local flower shop and you're set.
NOEUD Soap in Soft White
This soap does double duty as bathroom art. The sculptural and ergonomic design is so beautiful, you can't even tell it's used for hand washing.
Acid League Ultimate Cocktail Kit
Upgrade your host's bar cart with this complete cocktail kit. It comes with three differently flavored syrups, two types of bitters, aromatic mist, brine, popping plum sugar rim, resin coasters, stir sticks, and a recipe book.