It’s that time of the year again – the endless swirl of chic soirées, holiday parties, cocktail parties, dinner parties and events that make up the holiday season.
Your hostess has taken the time to plan, put together and now be the ringmaster of the evening (or whatever time the event is happening). Your job is to be the perfect guest, and to show up with an appropriate hostess gift.
What should you not take?
Don’t show up with flowers – she already has her decor for the event planned, and when you are at the door with a bouquet she now has to stop what she was doing and go find a vase, deal with the flowers and find a place for them.
Flowers make a lovely thank you gift after the event.
Don’t show up with wine. (unless asked to) Your hostess has probably planned wine pairings to go with the foods she is serving. A bottle of wine can be awkward too – are you expecting her to serve it at the event or save it for later? It can be easily lost or confused, so opt for something that at least looks like it has been well thought out.
Make sure your gift is wrapped and has a hand written card attached as she may not open it until the next day and will probably forget who gave it.
Here are 15 great hostess gift ideas for this holiday season:
Diptyque Candles
Whether you are gifting a single candle or a set of minis, a Diptyque Candle is always a win. The fragrances are glorious, and the quality is exceptional. Diptyque is synonymous with chic, classic and luxe. For the holiday season try the Diptyque candle in Feu De Bois for a woodsy, wintery scent.
Macarons
A little touch of Paris goes a long way. Decadent, glamorous and delicious, macarons are lovely to receive. Order online from Laduree
Bath Soaps
Sets of bath soaps or bath gels are always welcomed.
Where possible try to match the fragrance to the girl. If she is a floral girl a woodsy scent might not thrill her. If she is sleek and modern, get her something sleek and modern. If you aren’t sure try Aqua di Parma, their products are always chic and luxe.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything lavender – it smells like grandma.
A Coffee Table Book
Find a statement piece that matches her interests. A fashionista may love the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
A girl who loves home decor may enjoy Ellen De Generes’ Home
A Leather Notebook
In a world that has gone impossibly digital it is still lovely to write notes by hand in a beautiful leather notebook.
A Bottle Stopper.
Lovely wine bottle stoppers make a great gift. I found this Michael Aram Botanical Leaf Stopper
at Nordstrom
A Picture Frame.
If you don’t know her taste get something simple.
A Reed Diffuser From Jo Malone
A Jo Malone Diffuser is a super chic looking gift, and her fragrances are so beautiful – you will win every time.
Coasters
I found these Ben’s Garden coasters at Nordstrom
An Interesting Or Exotic Tray.
She can use it to serve food, as a decor accent, to store her perfumes on – the list is endless but the gift is both lovely and original. I love this Rosanna Golden Alphabet Tray
A Throw
Especially during the winter months a throw blanket is fabulous to curl up with, and they make wonderful gifts. Check out these Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Throws
A Tin Of Holiday Flavored Tea
Holiday flavored teas in interesting packaging make great gifts. Teavana has tea gift sets, and their White Chocolate Peppermint tea tastes like the holidays.
Drawer Fragrances
Everyone loves fragrances for their closets and drawers. These Diptyque Scented Ovals can freshen up any space, and make your clothes smell fresh and lovely.
A Himilayan Salt BBQ Plank.
Completely random, but what a great gift! I found this one on uncommon goods.com
