If you’ve ever hosted family or friends, you know how much work goes into prepping for even the most casual get-together. From cleaning the house and setting the table to planning the food and cocktails, it’s no small feat. So, when you get an invite from a loved one, you do what any thoughtful guest would do – you reach for that trusty bottle of wine. Although it’s the classic hostess gift, sometimes it can be a bit too predictable. The quest for the perfect hostess gift doesn’t have to begin and end at the wine aisle. In fact, branching out and choosing something a little different can be a refreshing change of pace for both you and your gracious host. As you start to plan for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Christmas, and everything in between, here’s a roundup of unique hostess gifts that go beyond a bottle of wine.
Unique Hostess Gifts That Are Not Wine
1. Appetizer Plates
An adorable set of stacking appetizer plates to make even snacking look cute.
2. salad serving set
Available in a variety of colors, these fun serving utensils add a pop of color to any table.
3. piecework puzzles
I love Piecework Puzzles. These are the most stylish puzzles of all time, with beautiful photography. A fail-proof unique hostess gift.
4. candle warmer
This viral candle warmer eliminates the danger of an open flame and gives your candle a longer shelf life.
5. oyster plate
For your oyster-loving friend, why not gift a special oyster plate to hold the goods? Bonus points for being cute without anything in it, too!
6. custom ice stamp
The ideal gift for the host who also is practicing amateur bartending. Pick the monogram style and handle of your ice stamp for a truly unique and personalized hostess gift.
7. celebrity couples card game
Nothing breaks the ice at a dinner party quite like celebrity couple small talk, so why not turn it into an official party game?
8. wine bottle coaster
For the type-A hostess who always makes sure everyone has a coaster, now there’s a coaster for the wine bottle, too! (The perfect accompaniment for the inevitable bottle of wine that someone else will bring.)
9. caviar cocktail napkins
Napkins for your fancy friend who never turns down the opportunity to be a little bougie.
10. cheeseboard entertaining cards
I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like a charcuterie board. Pick a card, grab the ingredients, and follow the tips to create 50 different cheese boards.
11. the essential cocktail book
A great cocktail-making guide for your hostess friend who always likes to hand guests a cocktail upon arrival.
12. movie buff trivia game
Another fun ice breaker game that will put everyone’s big-screen knowledge to the test.
13. estelle colored wine glass set
These colored wine glasses add a beautiful, special touch to any glassware lineup, and are a great companion if you still want to bring some wine.
14. homecourt hand soap and lotion duo
A non-toxic hand soap and lotion duo for your clean freak hostess friend. These smell just as good as they look on the counter.
15. brightland olive oil gift set
Brightland prides itself on quality-crafted oils, vinegars, and honey made by local and family farmers. For the hostess who appreciates quality over quantity, this is a great unique gift.