The Perfect Gift for your Host/Hostess

Whether you’re spending the weekend somewhere or just going to a dinner party I think a gift for your host is not only very thoughtful but a must. I personally like to choose a gift for the host/hostess that is something they would not ordinarily buy for themselves but that won’t end up in the recycle or “re-gifting” bin.  These are some things that I have given in the past.

1.  Coffe Table Book – If you know that your host has a hobby or something they really enjoy than it makes it even easier to choose the right coffee table book.  For instance, if they are an amateur photographer there are some absolutely gorgeous photography books.  We have a friend that is in advertising and he is really into pop culture so we got him a book of All American Ads from the 80's...he loved it.  If you don't know what their passions are than at the very least you know they like to entertain so you can always get them a really great cookbook or a fun entertaining book.  One of my favorites is The Art of Entertaining by Kimberly Kennedy.  She has some great suggestions and fun ideas.

2.  Something Gourmet – This is a great one to give especially because you can give your host something local to the region or something local from your region.  I grew up just outside of Napa so my most favorite gourmet gift to give comes from a company in Napa called Made in Napa Valley. It always makes me feel that I am sharing a little piece of my home with my host. The Wine Sampler is a great one to give, it comes with their Gourmet Every Day Cookbook which has so many simple and elegant recipes to use with their products, the possibilities are endless! This set includes Napa Valley Meritage, Roasted Corn and Red Pepper Savory Condiment, Hot and Sweet Mustard with Champagne.  It is just too good. Oh and did I mention how great the packaging is?!

 

3.  Photo Frames – You can’t go wrong with a beautiful frame. I like to add a picture of the host or send a picture later from our weekend together that they can put in the frame.  People love to surround themselves with beautiful pictures and these silver plated engavable frames are a great addition to anyones collection.  I found these at Pottery Barn and they come in various sizes and various prices.  Oh and I think if you order them online they are currently offering Free Shipping...who doesn't love Free Shipping.

 

4.  Games - Such a fun gift to bring.  Let's get this party started!!  Talk about a great ice breaker there really is nothing better to get people out of their shells than to play a game.  My family loves to play games.

It has become a ritual  at our house that after every Thanksgiving we all play a game or two and boy do you get to know people.  It really is quite funny. The game featured here comes from our very own company, Social Couture.  So cozy up to the fire, crack open a bottle of wine and our Thanksgiving Box of Questions, and you may learn a thing or two about Aunt Harriett that you never knew. It is the perfect occasion to exchange ideas, dialogue and bond with your family and friends like never before.  Have fun and be a good sport...after all, it is only a game.

5.  Candles – I love giving candles and I especially love getting candles.  Such a great

gift idea for your host.  A friend of mine gave me this candle for my birthday. It is one of the most aromatic candles that I have ever smelled...it's like having a little piece of heaven at home. I loved the scent of it so much that I moved it to my nightstand so I could smell it every night before I went to bed and every morning when I woke up.  That's how great it smells.  This also a great hostess gift because it is not intrusive in any way and I am sure you will not be getting this one back next year.  You can find it at Kitson, it is made by Tocca. 

6.  Luxury Soaps – Question:  Looking for something a little more personal but still for the home? 

Answer:  Pretty Soap!   

Luxury soaps are one of those gifts that you would really never buy for yourself...or at least I don't although I am not sure why because I really do love them.  However, I really like to give them as a host/hostess gift.  These particular designer soaps were once enjoyed by only the very well to do.  Now you can find them at Red Envelope.  Today, they've retained every exquisite detail or which they're still coveted. The 100% vegetable-based soaps are milled seven times for rich lather, lasting scent, and to prevent cracking. Made by the oldest Portuguese producer of soaps and perfumes.  You can't go wrong and you can get them for less than $50.

7.  Fun & Festive Servingware – These are great gifts to give because as I said before you already know that your host likes to entertain. Oh and there are so many different options.  Special occasion napkin rings, placecard holders, festive appetizer plates, fun cocktail shakers, wine stoppers and the list just goes on.  My friend's Mother collects unique martini glasses so anytime we are travelling or out and about and we see a unique martini glass we buy it and the next time she hosts us (which is quite often) we have it for her.  She has quite a collection I have to say.  People bring her glasses from all over the world.  This gift is always an easy one for me because my company, Social Couture carries such great appetizer plates and fun barware that I always try to share this with my host.  These zebra inspired appetizer plates also come with a matching martini shaker, tray and coasters.   

8.  Something Sporty – Now this gift is one that you can really only give if you truly know that your host loves a certain sporting activity.

I spent the weekend in Atlanta with my best friend and she is an avid golfer.  She golfs just about everyday and she has some of the cutest golf outfits...It almost makes me want to work on my golf game.  Anyway, this was one of best finds. I gave her this golf flask with tees.  It is really just too cute.  I got it from Toss Designs.  They really do carry some of the cutest things.  I could have bought everything on the site.  Now she can enjoy sipping in fashion with this oh so adorable pebble grain golf flask.  It makes for a very stylish gift for your favorite golfer.    

9.  Stationery  - This is always a good standard gift for your host. I like to buy several different boxes of stationery so that when I am running out the door for a dinner party to a friend's I never have to go empty handed.  Plus, I just love to get a handwritten note especially in this age of technology where people find it just so cumbersome to write a note.  Would it really kill people to actually handwrite a note, address the envelope and put a stamp on it...sheeesh that does seem like a lot of effort for a friend.  So, for an irreverent wink with a basic note, "how the devil are you?" and "see you later,ater,alligator" cards go to Kate Spade for these very cute and unique correspondence cards.

10.  Bath & Body – My friend gave me the Laura Mercier Almond Coconut body scrub as a birthday gift

and I loved it so much I decided to give it to everyone.  It truly brings the ambience of the islands into your home. It is very delicious. Everytime I used it I felt like I was on a tropical island. They have various products in this line so pick out your favorite.