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Great Gifts for the Holiday Party Hostess

December 08, 2022
Close up photo of woman hands setting the table and preparing gifts

With holiday parties in full swing, you may find yourself wondering how to best thank the host or hostess for pulling it all together. The last thing you want to do is show up empty handed. Sure, there are the classics like a bottle of wine or flowers that are sure to be a hit, but what if you want something more unique?

We’ve rounded up a few ideas that are sure to make your party host smile, leave a lasting impression, and ensure you’re invited back.

White vase detail in Residence 3 at Haciendas at the Village of Escaya in Chula Vista CA

Home Decor

Vase – Your host may be receiving a lot of flowers, why not give them somewhere to put them? A beautiful white vase is the perfect balance to brightly colored bouquets and will look stunning in any home.

Wood BeadsStylish farmhouse beads are the perfect touch for any coffee table or bookshelf. They bring in a touch of nature if you prefer the wood finish or they can be painted to better match the décor.

Candle Set – Candles are on par with wine and flowers in the sense that they always make an excellent hostess gift. The Anthropologie favorite, Capri Blue Volcano, has a fresh and fruity scent the host is sure to love, or the Brooklinen votive set offers 4 different scents perfect for energizing or relaxation.

Frame – The holidays are for creating lasting memories with the people you love. Find your favorite picture with the host or leave it blank for them to fill themselves, and place it in a timeless gallery frame.

Cosmetic bottles with cosmetics for body care on a wooden table

Personal Care

Luxurious Hand Soap – Winter weather can wreak havoc on the skin so a gift to soothe and moisturize any dryness like a nourishing hand soap is extra thoughtful.

Diffuser – The standard diffuser just got an upgrade with the Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser. This is a great option if the host has pets or small kids they’d prefer not to have burning candles around, but still want a freshly scented home. This diffuser allows for personalization of fragrance, strength, schedules, and more.

Tea Towels – Festive tea towels add liveliness to any kitchen. Whether you choose seasonally themed or personalized for the host, there are plenty of stylish options to find the best fit.

Shower Steamers – What better way to thank someone for their hard work of opening their home and hosting guests than the gift of relaxation? Turn a shower into a mood-transforming spa with Awaken & Refresh Shower Steamers, essential oil-infused aromatherapy tablets.

Charcuterie board with cheese slices and assortment of traditional Italian antipasti

Kitchen Goods

Cheese or Charcuterie Board – The charcuterie trend doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon (we’re not mad about that!), and a stylish serving board is the perfect addition to any kitchen. Go with a classic rustic edge board or a personalized board for a more sentimental touch.

Coasters – For a gift that can be both fun and functional, coasters are a great solution. They’re a necessity for any dinner party and can add a pop of design or color. Alphabet Marble & Wood Coasters are a stylish and classic option or Agate Coasters bring in a touch of nature.

Cookbook & Tablet Stand – Chances are, the hostess has quite a few recipes up her sleeve (or on her tablet). Help her keep recipes right where they’re needed with a gorgeous cookbook and tablet stand.

Serving Tray – A marble and gold serving tray is a stylish and practical gift. The coolness of the stone makes it the perfect choice for serving artisanal cheese and fruit, and it’s a beautiful addition in the kitchen when it’s not in use.

Indoor Herb Garden Kit – Few things elevate a dish more than fresh herbs. Depending on the size or location of the home, an outdoor herb garden may not be a realistic option. If your host is the ultimate chef, the Smart Garden Self Watering Indoor Garden is a great solution for growing fresh herbs or vegetables indoors.

Pouring of wine from bottle into decanter on table

Alcohol with a Twist

Cocktail Recipe Book – Everyone has a collection of traditional cookbooks; few have an assortment of cocktail recipe books. Go for something playful like Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist or something seasonal like Drinks for Every Season.

Wine Bag – Gifting a nice bottle of wine or a favorite alcohol is lovely; gifting it in a fun bag is even better. A faux fur wine bag is sure to make an impression your host won’t soon forget or go with something practical that they can use again and again like an insulated wine tote.

Wine Decanter & Strainer – A wine decanter with aerating pourer is simple yet sophisticated in design. It’s designed to maximize aeration with unique visual appeal.

Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge – Not everyone is a wine drinker! If you know the host prefers whiskey over wine, Corkcicle’s Whiskey Wedge glass is the artful way to chill a favorite spirit. When you pour a drink, the wedge slowly melts to help retain the full flavor.

Wine Chiller – The Mark and Graham Wood and Marble Wine Chiller is the perfect way to keep a favorite wine cold. Handcrafted from polished marble and nestled into a natural acacia wood base gives a timeless look that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Homemade marshmallow s'mores with chocolate on graham crackers

Fun and Games

2-in-1 Chess & Checkers Set – What’s better than game night with friends? Chess gifts are trending this year, so this stylish Burke Décor Chess & Checkers Set is the perfectly unexpected, yet charming gift. Not only does it look beautiful sitting out, but entertains and brings friends and family together.

Wicker Picnic Basket Set –There’s something playful and fun about a picnic. Help your hostess say goodbye to the boring and hello to the chic with a Wicker Picnic Basket that has everything you need including plates, tableware, wine glasses, napkins, and the blanket, of course.

Personalized Coffee Stencils – If your host loves coffee, nothing says “thanks a latte” like gifting a unique coffee stencil. Whether showing off for guests with an after-dinner coffee, or a morning treat for themselves, these stencils are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

S’mores Maker – Sitting around a campfire enjoying a warm, gooey s’more evokes nostalgic memories like no other. If the host has more of a love for the great indoors, this Williams Sonoma S’mores Maker allows for the enjoyment of the delicious roasted treat – without the campfire.

Finger Labyrinth – Planning and prepping for hosting during the holidays can leave anyone’s mind a mess. Give the gift of meditation with a fun and quirky finger labyrinth. It’s designed to clear the mind as you trace the path while taking deep breaths.

Christmas gift with wooden tree tag and twinkle lights

Whatever you decide to bring as a thank you gift, the perfect accessory is a handwritten thank you note following being hosted. The personal touch and consideration is sure to warm anyone’s heart.

From all of us at Brookfield Residential, we wish you a beautiful holiday season filled with good cheer!

Be sure to follow the Brookfield Residential blog for more design advice, homebuying insights, mortgage tips, and more. Explore where we build and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!

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