Hostess Gifts for All Occasions!
Whether you’re headed to a casual dinner, spending the weekend at a friend’s vacation home or attending a cocktail party, it’s nice to bring along a gift that’s a bit more imaginative than a bottle of wine! Here are some of the fabulous selections that I’ve found recently!
For the Chef
The Chef Set Page Flags
The Chef Set Page Flags – this clever set of post-it style page flags allows the cook to identify recipes to be prepared with a specialty label including: vegetables, seafood, appetizers, meats and dessert! (The Spoon Sisters, The Chef Set Page Flags, $5.95)
Designer Dish Gloves
Designer Dish Gloves – turn a boring chore into a fashion event with these pink rubber dish gloves that are embellished with black and white striped cuffs, black organza bows and a “diamond” ring! (The Spoon Sisters, Designer Dish Gloves, $36)
Eiffel Tower Cheese Graters
Eiffel Tower Cheese Graters – practical, attractive and of course, perfect for grating fromage, these graters shaped like the Eiffel Tower are unique hostess gift! (Pylones-USA, Eiffel Tower Cheese Grater, $25)
Adorable Bakeware
Adorable Bakeware - I just love every one of these baking pans! Colorful stripes, polka dots and gingham checks make traditional baking pans a treat even before the food is added! Pan styles include: brioche, loaf, round and rectangular cakes pans and a tart pan! (Broadway Panhandler, Gingham Loaf Pan, $19.95)
Cookbooks
Cookbooks – cookbooks always make a welcome gift and here are a few that I would recommend:
- Mastering the Art of French Cooking – this classic has received renewed attention following the release of the movie Julie and Julia and will always be a classic!
- Silver Palate Cookbook 25th Anniversary Edition - I received this cookbook as a bridal shower gift in 1990 and it’s still one of my favorites!*
- I Like You – Hospitality Under the Influence – in this funny book, Amy Sedaris offers a witty, tongue in cheek approach to entertaining that will keep your hostess laughing and picking up some tips and recipes!
For the Entertainer
Tote Along Utensil Caddy
Tote Along Caddy Utensil Caddy – this gift is so useful and so cute! The tin caddy features crisp white utensils against a bright green background! (Organize.com, Tote Along Caddy Utensil Caddy, $47.99)
Lacquered River Rocks
Lacquered River Rocks – these are actual river rocks that have been harvested from a valley in Vietnam. Each rock is hand lacquered eight times for a lustrous finish in 17 beautiful colors! Hosts can use these rocks as place cards, paper weights, party favors and can be written on to identify dishes on a buffet! (Boomerdog, Laquered River Rocks, $10)
Monogrammed Glass Cutting Boards
Monogrammed Glass Cutting Boards – this personalized, glass cutting board has many uses including the expected cheese display, but also works well as a trivet or kitchen decoration! The fact that you thought ahead to have this gift monogrammed will not be missed by your host! Color combinations and monogram styles will make it hard to choose! (It’s Personal Stuff, Monogrammed Glass Cutting Boards, $45)
Monogrammed Lucite Tray
Monogrammed Lucite Tray – stylish and versatile describe this beautiful square tray from Bailey Bea Designs! Sized at 12” x 12”, this tray is perfect for cocktails and snacks, but also for a foyer table or bureau as a chic catch all! And perhaps the best part about this tray is the array of fabulous choices that you have to personalize the tray’s liner! Background patterns range from floral to nautical to textile to graphic to organic and once that’s chosen, you can then select a monogram style and background color for it. I love this tray and may need it myself! (Bailey Bea Designs, $120, 20% off with code BBEE20)
Entertaining Books – there’s no end to the beautiful books that will inspire future entertaining and look terrific on any one’s coffee table!
Essential Lilly: A Guide to Entertaining
Essential Lilly: A Guide to Colorful Entertaining! This gorgeous book is a perfect resource for Palm Beach style parties of all kinds!*
Styles, Occasions and Manners by Kate Spade
Styles, Occasions and Manners by Kate Spade – this set of three books draw upon Kate Spade’s stylish, modern and chic approach to life and make it accessible to all!*
Entertaining is Fun
Entertaining is Fun – How to be a Popular Hostess: Authored by Dorothy Draper in 1941, this iconic book has been recently reprinted and is a timeless and classic on entertaining! With a vivacious and inspiring approach, this book will amuse all!
In Style Parties
In Style Parties (The Complete Guide to Easy, Elegant Entertaining) – this richly photographed book promised to create A-list parties without an over abundance of time or money! Entertaining at home will be fabulous, easy and fun!*
Any of these gifts will make you a stand out guest at your next soiree and a sought after guest in the future! Enjoy!
*Books that I own and love!
Facebook
Twitter
Excellent ideas! So happy you shared.
This site also has great affordable hostess gifts! Monogrammed cutting boards, Personalized plates with stand, cute stuff!
You often hear the words “It’s the thought that counts” associated with gift-giving. I believe that it is true especially if your intention is to make that certain someone feel special. While others prefer to give practical presents, there are those that go for more special gifts like that of jewelry. Either way, it is not about the cost. The important thing is that you have made an effort to show your family member of friend how much you care for him/her.