36 thoughtful hostess gift ideas
There's no doubt that this is a frenetic time of year, filled with office parties, nativity plays, carol services and fairs - not to mention all the Christmas present buying and food organisation - and then suddenly an invitation to dinner arrives. At first it might seem like yet another thing to prepare for, but who wouldn't forgo a drinks do or corporate bash in favour of a long evening of food and laughter around the dinner table with old friends?
Frankly, we should take our hats off to those who are willing to throw open their doors to friends during the festive season and the best way to do that is to give a seriously thoughtful gift. So what to bring for the party-thrower that doesn’t shout corner-shop-smash-and-grab when you arrive at their front door? ‘Give what you would like to receive’ is the general rule of thumb we like to play by and depending on the event at hand (and the depth of your pockets), this can change in varying degrees. Your hostess gift need not be hugely expensive. A beautiful box of matches and a pair of tapered candles will cost you the same as a fairly decent bottle of wine, but the latter seems a lot less thoughtful.
What's the best hostess gift to give?
If you don't have time to read our full guide to the best hostess gifts to give this year, take a look at our three highlights:
The best hostess gifts are nearly always exceptionally pretty, useful things that you might feel guilty purchasing yourself. The alternative is something delicious (check out our guide to the best gifts for foodies for a more in depth look at that). There are varying degrees of gift giving depending on how well you know your host. If they have a particular taste that is hard to nail or if their home is nearing full, then stick to consumables–whether they be eaten, drunk, lit or lathered.
If you think you can get it right, then your everyday household object (try our gifts for cooks too) that supersedes new heights (ie. a particularly charming teapot) are sure to be a hit. Surely, one of the nicest gifts to give is making those everyday moments a little more luxurious.
Wrapping a hostess gift
Packaging has a huge part to play. It often signals the difference between, “I saw this and thought of you" and “I just bought this.” If you’re clever, your gift will already be beautifully packaged, in which case a silky bow is all you need. If not, then going to town on the wrapping can really elevate a simple present. If you’re short on time then a luxe paper bag will do but again, don’t forget the big bow.
Delicious things with aesthetically pleasing packaging are always a treat too. These can range from ready to go bought goods (think panettone in charming vintage inspired Italian paper) to something homemade: baked goods handed over in a beautiful tin, a good wine and snacks in a colourful woven basket or a bottle of something home infused in a reusable fabric bottle bag.
If this is all starting to sound quite stressful, our top tip is to stockpile a stash of small, beautiful objets in a present drawer and then you'll never have that moment of panic in the local Co-op. Think luxury hand soaps, pretty napkins and chic glassware. Another rule of thumb is that you can't go wrong with a luxurious spin on everyday essentials. Who wouldn't be happy to open the door to guests bearing any of these beauties?
From something small and sweet for an evening tipple to something more weighty if you’re bringing an overnight bag, we've rounded up 36 gifts for hosts that they're sure to appreciate. Oh, and weighty doesn't mean expensive. A box of Lidl wines with a big taffeta bow wrapped around will always be welcome!
See more from Twig Hutchinson at twighutchinson.com | @twighutchinson
1/36Laduree Vegan Macarons, pack of eight, £28 from Selfridges.
2/36Plums Tea Towel, £12 from Maude Made.
3/36Ori Blue Ceramic Beaker, £60 from Iota Edit.
4/36Reusable African Bottle Bag, yellow florettes, £14.99 from Bespoke Binny.
5/36La Montaña Three Kings Scented Candle, £39 from Ferry Road Store.
6/36Paper Gladiolus by Alicja, £25 from Folka.
7/36Drinking Chocolate, £6 from Labour and Wait.
8/36Dahlias Tin Biscuit Barrel, £20 from Emma Bridgewater.
9/36Commune Seymour Hand Wash, £40 from Couverture and The Garbstore.
10/36Urban Nature Culture Good Morning Teapot, £67 from Fenwick.
11/36Long Matches, £11.50 from RE.
12/36Zebra Notepad, £8 from Mount Street Printers.
13/36Clara Flared Glasses, set of two, £39 from Rowen & Wren.
14/36Panettone al Limoncello, by Chiostro di Saronno, £11.90 from Eataly.
15/36Anna + Nina Twirl Papier Maché Chocolate Bowl, £16 from Selfridges.
16/36Rococo Chocolates Salted Caramel Superior Seagull Eggs Box, £10 from The Conran Shop.
17/36Palo Santo Set, blue, £25 from Toast.
18/36Bundle of Dining Candles, £32 from Wax Atelier.
19/36Butter Dish, blue and white, £95 from Wicklewood.
20/36Hardback Weekly 2023 Diary, navy, £35 from Choosing Keeping.
21/36Viarco Classics, £12.50 from Present & Correct.
22/36Lavender Bath Essence Oil, £16 from National Trust.
23/36Maddie Cushion, tulips of Belgravia, £145 from Aller Home.
Who wouldn't be thrilled to receive this gorgeous cushion?
24/36Breramilano 1930 Traditional Panettone Cake Hat Box, £40 from Fenwick.
A panettone in a hat box. What is not to like here?!
25/36Gold Rim Champagne Glasses, pair, £38 from Trouva.
The Vintage List creates beautiful glassware, inspired by 19th century and early 20th century English designs. This pair of champagne saucers feature a gold rim and are made from dishwasher-safe crystal.
26/36Casa Bosques Cardamon Dark Chocolate Bar, £13 from La Gent.
If this tastes half as good as the packaging then it’s sure to be a total triumph. There are a variety of designs available - perfect for stockpiling.
27/365 Gold Medals Cubica Balsamic Vinegar, £43.99 from Selfridges.
A memorable treat for the food loving host, a balsamic vinegar from an Italian farmhouse where the Leonardi family have been producing vinegar since the 18th century.
28/36Coco & Wolf x Tavola Napkins, set of 2, £56 from Tavola.
Surely the queen of the dinner party, food writer Skye McAlpine knows a thing or two about hosting a stylish soiree. These Liberty print napkins from her new collection, Tavola, are a good place to start.
29/36Waxed Linen Food Wraps, set of three, £30 from Trouva.
These waxed linen food wraps with their muted colours are just the thing to preserve all the leftovers from dinner.
30/36Bell Keyring, £30 from Rose Uniacke.
This keyring is chic – as is everything is from Rose Uniacke – and practical: the bell means you will never lose your keys again.
31/36Christmas Votive Set, £30 from Plum & Ashby.
Give each of the days of Christmas its own scent with this trio of votives: one each for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
32/36Rebecca Williams Butter Dish, £35 from Toast.
This understated, hand-thrown ceramic dish by Rebecca Williams will look beautiful in any style of kitchen.
33/36Grey Alpaca Bed Socks, £24.99 from Pair Scotland.
Take it from me, these are the cosiest socks around. Definitely one to bulk buy.
34/36D’Orangerie Hand and Body Wash, £35 from Verden.
Nothing helps to elevate a sink, whether in the kitchen or loo, like a bottle of scented hand wash with beautifully designed packaging. This citrus and orange blossom fragrance will appeal to everyone.
35/36Personalised Notecards, russet, £40 from Memo.
If your dinner isn’t a last minute affair then plan ahead and commission a set of personalised note-cards.
36/36Linen Dishcloth, €20
For the homeowner who has everything, Once Milano’s linen gaufré dishcloths are a way of injecting elegance and colour to everyday chores and make the chicest addition to any kitchen.
