A hostess gift is a lovely way of acknowledging the effort the host went through to put on the event and to say thank you for including you.
The best host gifts are thoughtful, useful, and easy for the host to enjoy — either right away at the party or after everyone has gone home. Your gift should reflect the event, the familiarity you have with the host, and at a good price point.
Here are some great alternatives to the default bottle of wine. No random decorative objects. No novelty gift that ends up shoved into a drawer!
Useful Entertaining:
Piecework 3-Piece Cheese Knife Set
If your host loves putting out a cheese board, this is such an easy gift. Pretty and practical.
And if there’s already a cheese board out when you arrive?
Even better.
They can actually use it that night.
Magnetic Acacia Wood Charcuterie Board Set
This is a great versatile set that can be arranged in multiple ways depending on what you are serving.
Diatomaceous Earth Coasters — Set of 4
A good coaster set is another gift that can go straight into use.
Diatomaceous earth coasters actually absorb condensation, so there is no pool of water dripping off your glass! Great when you have a home full of guests and for everyday use.
I like the clean white stone versions because they work with almost any décor.
Fine-Tip Liquid Chalk Markers — Set of 10
They’re inexpensive, easy to store and can actually be used during the party you’re attending and many times thereafter. They’re useful for:
labeling cheeses on a board
writing drink names
labeling food for a buffet
writing on chalkboard signs
marking glasses or serving areas
Floral Arranging Helpers:
Whether picking up fresh flowers from Trader Joes/the local store or receiving a bouquet, these tools are great for prepping and arranging flowers at home.
Stainless Floral Frogs / Kenzan — Gold, Set of 3
Floral frogs?! They are helpful tools that hold stems exactly where you want them, making even a simple grocery-store bouquet look intentional.
They’re small, reusable and surprisingly useful for anyone who likes having fresh flowers around the house.
Pair them with flowers and you’ve turned a standard hostess gift into something much more thoughtful.
Reusable Silicone Flower Arranging Grid + Leize Flower Scissors
Pair these two helpful tools for a great gift that helps with arranging store bought flowers.
The Vase Buddy stretches over the opening of a vase and creates a grid that helps hold stems in place.
It’s one of those little tools you probably wouldn’t think to buy — but once you have it, flower arranging becomes much easier.
And good pair of floral shears is so useful for trimming stems and leaves.
Two thoughtful items your host will surely use whenever a bouquet of flowers needs arranging!
Not Your Usual Cocktail Napkins:
Cocktail Napkin Rolls — Table Theory
These are not your typical cocktail napkins! These single use 100% cotton napkins are in a roll of 50! They come in multiple colors and designs, are perfectly perforated to easily tear apart, and a great addition to a bar or hors d'oeuvres table. Choose a print or color that works with the season or the party.
Pair these with the napkin holder (below) or bring them on their own.
Cocktail Napkin Stands — Table Theory
Bring this as a set with the roll of napkins and the host can put it out on the bar, kitchen island or drinks table immediately.
It feels thoughtful, looks polished and is something they can keep using long after the party is over.
Even better: it doesn’t require the host to stop what they’re doing and figure out where to put it.
I like gifts that are consumable because they don’t create long-term clutter, and cocktail napkins are something a host will actually use.
Piecework Martini Cocktail Napkins — Set of 4
These whimsical and unique 100% linen cocktail napkins will spark smiles from your guests. They come beautifully packaged and in so many different themes you may end up getting more than one set!
These are perfect for someone who likes cocktails, entertaining or setting a pretty table.
They’re also easy to store and easy to use — which checks both of my boxes for a good hostess gift.
