The Hostess Gift Guide: 24 Gifts That Look Expensive
Updated: 6d
A hostess gift is a small thank-you before the evening even begins. It doesn't need to be expensive, but it should feel chosen. The best ones are things the host will actually use, or would never buy for herself: a beautiful book for the coffee table, a candle for the guest bath, a set of pretty napkins for the next party.
I keep a few of these on hand all season, so I'm never running to the store on the way to dinner. Everything below looks far more expensive than it is, and every piece ships from Amazon in time for the holidays.
I've organized the list by the kind of host you're visiting. Pick one thing, wrap it simply and add a handwritten note. That's all it takes.
For the Coffee Table
A beautiful book is always the right answer.
Palm Beach Living — Gorgeous interiors and gardens. I like to tuck it under a bottle of champagne.
Island Whimsy — For the friend who is always redecorating. It looks lovely stacked on a tray.
For the Bar Cart
Everything she needs for a proper cocktail hour.
Gold bartender kit — Turns a simple bar into a styled one.
Italian gold champagne stoppers — They keep the bubbles for tomorrow. The easiest gift of the season.
Embroidered linen cocktail napkins — The small detail every host appreciates.
For the Holiday Table
Pieces she will bring out every year.
Scalloped gold-rim platter — It looks like an heirloom, not an online order.
Marble and acacia charcuterie set — Ready for cheese, fruit and every party in between.
Gold-stripe glass pitchers — Water at dinner, lemonade at lunch, sangria by the pool.
For Dinners Outside
For the host who loves a long dinner on the patio.
Colored acrylic wine glasses — They look like real glass and won't break outdoors.
Hand-woven rattan tray — Carries everything outside in one trip.
Rattan and wood bottle cooler — Holds eight bottles on ice.
Clear acrylic serving tray — Light, simple and easy to clean.
For the Guest Bath
The small touches guests notice.
Lacoste Supima hand towel — Soft, thick and always appreciated.
Inis Energy of the Sea diffuser — A fresh, clean scent that fills the room.
WoodWick Coastal Sunset candle — The wooden wick crackles softly, like a little fireplace.
For the Host Who Entertains Every Weekend
Practical pieces she will use again and again.
Marble-look warming tray — Keeps the buffet warm without chafing dishes.
Divided serving platter in a woven basket — Snacks, crudités or dessert, all in one place.
Gold mini serving tongs — A small luxury for appetizers and sugar cubes.
For a Pretty Table
Easy to mix with what she already owns.
Woven water hyacinth placemats — Natural texture that works with any dishes.
Emerald green wine goblets — A rich color for holiday dinners.
Lenox Butterfly Meadow 3-tier tray — Made for desserts and afternoon tea.
For the Morning After
Because the best part of a party is the slow morning that follows.
Pink French press — A sweet gift for a quiet cup of coffee the next day.
For the Front Door
A gift she will see every day.
Monogrammed coir doormat — Personal, useful and lovely all year.
Red and white striped ribbon — Wrap anything on this list with it and you're done.
A Little Something Extra
For a personal touch, our printable watercolor gift tags from Tiger Eleven Studio print at home in minutes. And for the host who loves to read, South Nook keeps a short list of curated books that make lovely gifts.
Shop the Guide
Shop all 24 gifts in one place: Hostess Gifts on my Amazon storefront.
Save this guide on Pinterest for your holiday list, and follow @tfspalmbeach on Instagram for more.
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