Tis the time if year. Not quite Christmas (or any of the other holidays that get celebrated at this time of year!), but if you’re in the USA it’s almost Thanksgiving. We mostly skip over the holiday now, our all loss, but the coming week is the first of family holidays, friend holidays, and the chance to impress any and all of these hosts.
And Thanksgiving is a great holiday just to celebrate. Alone. With family. With friends. Or a combo. And:
It may be the time where you’re visiting friends. Or meeting new family (from in-laws to extended to staying extended with said family for the first time!). Or simply staying with people instead of celebrating at home. And if so to any of the above, you need a hostess gift. Wine. Flowers. The dish you’re asked to bring (?). All of these are a must! However, I’m raised to always bring a small gift for the host, therefore making hostess gifts some of the most important gifts of the holiday season.
So, what makes a great hostess gift? Something thoughtful! Something useful! Something that can be used throughout the year! So following are some of my favorite hostess gifts (and ideas for them!)
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First and foremost, I love this wine holder. A Bit much, but it doubles as a center piece, can be used throughout the year, and if anyone is hosting a bigger party this wine holder is a great way to tie a table together (and ensure that every gets a pour!)
You can get the wine holder here:
Another idea I love to gift to the hostess? Cocktail napkins. Specifically embroidered cocktail napkins. Absolutely you can be on the holiday theme, but there are also novelty, sassy, and classic napkins, fit for any of your host (from new in laws to siblings to best friends!)
Here are some of my favorites:
Another great (although perhaps somewhat cliche) idea? Candles! There are so many scents, and holder designs- from trees and pines to peppermint to snow globe candle holders (a real thing!). Here are some of my faves that I think your hosts will love for years to come!
Another combo that I think might be a great hostess gift? Gift soaps (like the ones our moms and grandmas used to set out!) and dishtowels (akin to the cocktail napkins!) These can be little, big, personalized, or on a theme that means something to the host. They are easy to gift no matter how well you know the host. Here are some of my faves:
Some other ideas that might make a great impression for a hostess gift? Something for their pet (cat or dog or etc- remember pets are household members too!), wine glasses, coffee mugs, aprons, place settings, and anything that might have meaning to your host. Of course- if you’re simply going for a meal wine and flowers (and your contribution to the meal!) are easy. But, if you need more ideas, I hope that this list helps you find a hostess gift that fits that sweet spot between meaningful and useful gift that lets your host see you in the best light!
Need help shopping? Please reach out!
Happy gifting! XO RA