Gift Guide: The Holiday Host
The hosts and hostesses; the unsung heroes of the holiday season. I always have a slew of host gifts on hand; if someone is inviting me into their home for a meal it is my favorite way to thank them. My rule of thumb when it comes to host gifts is something edible or something useful for entertaining. Flowers are an incredible host gift if they are pre-cut and arranged in a vase (don’t give the host an additional task!). Stick to neutrals unless you really really know the host’s decor taste, stay away from fragrances (i.e. candles), and remember it really is the thought that counts. Here are some of my favorites this year:
1. Shut The Box | $30
This game tends to make its way out at most of our gatherings. It’s a great conversation piece (the game was played by sailors and fisherman off the coast of Normandy some 200 years ago), and it’s a one-player-at-a-time game designed to be passed around the table without distracting from the gathering.
2. Brass Bottle Opener | $25
If you are on beer duty, adding a beautiful bottle opener is a lovely gesture. The simplistic design fits in with any decor, and having an extra bottle opener on hand never hurts.
3. Oven Gloves | $58
As a frequent host, I can’t tell you how many times I’m searching for an oven mitt in the panic before serving.
4. The Gather Puzzle | $28
How sweet is this ‘gather’ themed puzzle? I love setting out an activity that doesn’t take away from the conversation, and a puzzle is the perfect addition to the kitchen table where people tend to gravitate and snack.
5. Cocktail Picks | $18
Pair these cocktail picks with a beautiful spirit or a jar of cocktail cherries for a thoughtful gift that will be put straight to use.
6. Linen Cocktail Napkins | $18
Linen cocktail napkins are such a classy and useful gift (and will help your host in tackling the inevitable water-rings).
7. Cinnamon Roll Quick Bread | $19
A gourmet quick bread mix is one of my most favorite host gifts. The last thing on their mind will be breakfast the next morning, and this is the sweetest way to treat them (and make their house smell like a bakery while they are tidying up the aftermath). There are gluten free versions available, too!
8. Serving Spoons | $40
I love to gift beautiful serving spoons if guests are bringing multiple dishes to share. You truly can never have too many.
9. Wine Coaster | $20
If you’re planning to gift a nice bottle of wine, include a wine coaster. It will be much appreciated and save the tables from those little dribbles.
10. Everlasting Candlestick Set | $80
This is my exception to gifting candles. The starter set is a great gift, but you can also buy the candlesticks and oil on their own and pair with a different vessel. They provide all of the ambience without the scent or smoke.
11. Dishcloth Set | $18
If there is one thing a host can never have enough of, it’s dishcloths. Enough said.
12. Specialty Chocolate | $40
You can simply never go wrong with your local chocolatier. It gives your host the option of setting them out with dessert and coffee, or stashing them away for their own little secret.
