No matter the time of year or cause for the occasion, there’s something to be said about a good old-fashioned gathering. From weekend dinner parties to al fresco soirées and impromptu cocktail hours (maybe you’re having a coastal grandmother moment with wine on the beach!), any opportunity to get together with loved ones is reason enough to clear our calendars. And after spending a long time than necessary holing up in our own independent spaces, the time has come to bring back the art of getting together IRL.
If you’re less so the type to throw a party and find yourself in the camp of attendees, you know you can’t make your stylish appearance without something in hand. Gracious hosts should be recognized for reigniting the blaze of socializing, and there’s no better way to express your gratitude than with a thoughtful gift. They are supplying the drinks, after all. It’s just a matter of courtesy.
Sidestep gifting something basic with our suggestions for the best hostess gifts for every occasion. Below, shop our edit of thoughtful kitchenware, chic home goods, and more.
Composite Agate Cheese Board
Sure, cheese is great. But cheese on a patchwork agate platter is even better.
Pretty much everyone can use a few extra Zzzs.
Traditionally, wishing baskets are given to someone you love. In turn, they can fill it with little notes that they hope will come true.
Dried arrangements make for a longer-lasting gift than the traditional bouquet.
Caroline Travel Jewelry Case
For the person who doesn’t travel with the latest jewelry trends stuffed into Ziplock bags.
For the Wino
Stainless Steel Electric Wine Opener
“For someone who drinks so much wine it’s weird that you don’t know how to open a bottle,” said someone totally not to us.
Stews are only as delicious as the dutch oven they’re served in.
Spongeware Oil and Vinegar Set
This set will make their dining table feel like a cozy Italian trattoria, in the best way.
Help friends create modern Indian cuisine—in the hopes that they’ll end up feeding you—with this fun book by chef Priya Krishna.
There’s simply something so charming about a quirky piece of décor like this classic Gluggle Jug, which actually makes a glugging sound when you use it! Your giftee can use it as a pitcher for water, a vase, or a piece of art. The possibilities are endless. (And if the host is a true fashion lover, might we suggest a glass bag vase?)
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a classic bottle of wine. And if the host has already become an expert in reds, whites, and rosés, a zesty orange is just the ticket.
Wooden serving spoons are great and all, but have you seen these matte gold beauties?!
Choose Your Own Ravioli + Sauce – 3 Pack
Fresh ravioli and sauce from New York staple Raffetto’s? Sign us up. This will be perfect for when they want to enjoy an easy weeknight dinner.
Help your hosts wind down in the most luxurious way with some of the best scented candles on the market, like this one.
Polaroid Go Instant Camera
Airdropping a photo album is never as good as sharing a hard copy. That’s a fact.
Add their initials to this gift for a personalized touch.
Nothing makes a party worth hosting like making it a party to celebrate. If the person you’re shopping for is the type who knows how to do the most, she only deserves the best.
Brownies, peanut brittle, sour cream coffee cake, potato chips, and more from Zingerman’s, the famous Jewish deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan. What more could they possibly want?
Chateau Baccarat 4-Piece Dégustation Glass Set
Breaking a wine glass could be considered a major party foul, but not when you roll up with this stylish set.
Shake it off and look stylish while doing it.
La Fête du Rosé – Set of 3
A stellar (and sustainable) rosé, produced at the oldest vineyard in Saint-Tropez, because rosé season should be year-round.
3 Spice Holiday Gift Pack
Spice up their life with this set of spices from celeb chef Kai Chase, who’s cooked for the likes of former president Barack Obama—NBD.
Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa
If they don’t know about Ina Garten’s coconut cake, now they do.
Sweet Bee Farm Wildflower Honey
Keep it sweet with this family-owned honey brand.
Bring some warmth and color with this original artwork—and it comes framed!
Spirited: Cocktails from Around the World
From classics (boulevardier anyone?) to niche drinks like Hemingway’s Death in the Afternoon, learn to make them all here. The coolest part? A little history lesson is provided for each recipe, and you can learn where and when each drink was created.
Who amongst us couldn’t use a new set of tea towels?
Beverly’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Don’t underestimate the true luxury of nice olive oil. How about this limited-edition bottle by Beverly’s NYC in partnership with a small family-owned orchard in Santa Ynez, California? The illustration is by New York-based designer Naomi Otsu.
Give the gift of convenience—this charger is so slim it’ll fit in any wallet, so your host will never be stranded without a battery.
Maison Perrier-Jouët x mischer’traxler
The soirée might fabulous and all, but it’ll be infinitely more swanky if you break out a bottle of bubbly as opulent as Perrier-Jouët’s latest artist collaboration.
Skip out on the matches and disposable lighters with this convenient (and rechargeable) electric lighter. You really can’t go wrong with the selection of colors.
Peace Vase by Justina Blakeney
Set Of 2 Stem Wineglasses
Could wine get any better? Yeah, actually. Try wine in these tinted glasses—note the elegant thin stem.
A thoughtful journal for keeping track of personal goals. Pencil some quality time together before handing it over.
File under: things that look like other things.
Premium Osetra Caviar 2oz Jar
You know, for those bumps of caviar.
Set of 6 Mother of Pearl Caviar Spoons
Or, if you want to eat it the traditional way, you can get these spoons. After all, is there anything more classic than mother of pearl? Elevate any dining experience with these beauties.
Metal Drinking Straws, 5 Rose Gold Reusable Bent Straws
Bring them one step closer to being a zero-waste household.
For Sleeping Beauty
Mulberry Silk Eyemask
Sweet slumber is made one thousand times better with a sleep mask.
Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board
Cutting boards double as cheese boards if you’re smart about presentation.
For the one who thinks matcha lattes > iced coffees.
You, too, would be impressed if you saw this on someone’s coffee table.
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