Hosting is always a big feat, no matter how large or small the get-together. From cleaning your house to planning a menu and preparing food and drinks, there is a lot that goes into hosting guests for special holidays and everyday dinner parties. So when you get invited to a dinner party, the last thing you want to do is show up empty-handed. Showing your host a small token of appreciation is a nice gesture that always goes a long way!
While gifting a nice bottle of wine is a quick, easy, and classic gift, it can be predictable. Instead, opt for fun little presents and thoughtful trinkets such as a nice bottle of olive oil or a new cookbook. These are easy to pick up ahead of time and are a refreshing host gift to receive. As you make plans for the holiday season, here are the best hostess gifts to bring to your next dinner party or a special occasion, beyond a bottle of wine.
Hostess Gifts to Bring to a Dinner Party
Hostess gifts don’t need to be extravagant, but they are a nice way of showing your party host that you appreciate their effort in getting friends and family together. Instead of your favorite bottle of wine, try any of these gifts next time you head to a friend’s house. Many of these gifts are the same price point as a decent bottle of wine, but they have a much more personal touch.
1. Hand Soap and Hand Balm Duo
This luxurious hand soap and lotion set is always a crowd pleaser! It’s a practical hostess gift that your loved one will be able to use year-round and is likely something they wouldn’t purchase for themselves. It’s also the perfect gift for the hostess who loves little luxuries.
2. Ribbed Coupe Glasses
For the cocktail lover, these pretty coupe glasses elevate any bar cart or cabinet. I have these in our LA home, and and are personal favorites. Plus, a set of four is under $30! These are lovely gifts alone, but depending on your host’s preferences, you can also pair them with a cocktail book, your host’s favorite bottle of liquor, or mocktail fixings.
3. Sweet Tooth: A Baking Book
Does your host have a major sweet tooth? My go-to blogger for sweet treats just launched her baking book just in time for the holidays! It’s filled with with recipes for nostalgic desserts with a modern twist, that are simple and easy to follow. Bonus points for gifting cute appetizer plates, too!
4. Watercolor Set
If your hostess has an artistic side and loves attention to detail, this watercolor set is a nice gift and activity for them to enjoy! The workbook features 12 beginner-friendly sketched illustrations and step-by-step instructions, as well as watercolors and a paintbrush.
5. High-Quality Olive Oil
If someone is hosting a dinner party, there’s a good chance that they are a foodie or enjoy cooking. Gifting them a high-quality bottle of olive oil is a thoughtful gift that they can use that night or save for later. Good olive oil is also something most people don’t buy for themselves.
6. Waffle Dishcloth Set
If you are looking for an unexpected but useful gift, give this dishcloth set. Your hostess friend who loves cooking will love these for food prep, cleaning up at the end of the night, or as a tea towel. Plus, they come in a cute cotton bag to keep them organized.
When gifting any dishcloths, always opt for a neutral color to match any style of decor.
7. Be My Guest Guest Book
This is the perfect hostess gift for a housewarming party! This guest book makes it easy to record memories of everyone who comes over and leaves a sweet note, and can be flipped through for years to come.
8. Flameless Lighter
This flameless lighter is one of my favorite hostess gifts to give! It recharges by USB so you never have to worry about running out of matches or lighter fluid. It’s also so easy to use! When gifting this, I always pair it with my favorite scented candle brand I know my host will love.
9. Beautiful Puzzles
Puzzles are some of my favorite host gifts. Not only is the photography from this puzzle brand beautiful, but a puzzle is also a great way to break the ice at dinner parties and game nights.
10. Luxury Surface Cleaners
Clean up after any dinner party is inevitable, so upgrade the experience for your host with a luxury surface cleaner. I love Homecourt (Mandarin Basile is a favorite). Cleaning is never fun, but with one of these, it can be a touch more enjoyable.
Hostess Gift Hack
One of my ultimate gift hacks during the holiday season is stocking up on a few gift sets. This time of year is always so hectic and this makes it easier to put together a hostess gift in a pinch! Mini candles, lip balms, and hand creams can easily be mixed and matched for an easy, but thoughtful, hostess gift.
Keep mini gift bags and foldover note cards on hand to place these items in and you’ll be prepared for last-minute holiday invites. If you have any leftovers, they make for easy stocking stuffers at the end of the holiday season!
