SOMETHING FOR THE BAR CART
BOTTLE OF WINE — Wine is the traditional hostess gift for good reason. Most people serve wine at holiday parties, so your gift can be put to use immediately. LIQUOR — If you know your host’s favorite liquor, buy them a bottle. If not, stick with something most people drink, like a nice vodka or rum. COCKTAIL NAPKINS — Actual cloth cocktail napkins are a luxury your host may not have even known he wanted. This thoughtful gift will make your host remember you every time they pull the napkins out for a party. BOTTLE OPENER — Whether your hostess is a beer or a wine drinker, bringing a high-quality bottle opener as a hostess gift will be greatly appreciated. DECORATIVE COASTERS — If you like to entertain, you can never have enough coasters. GLASSWARE — Glasses, pitchers, drink stirrers, cocktail shakers. These are all appropriate and practical hostess gifts for the holidays. DECANTER — Good wine should be decanted before serving. This is an elegant gift for any wine-loving hostess.
SOMETHING FOR THE KITCHEN
CUTTING BOARD — Pretty cutting boards can also be used as servingware for a wine and cheese party, so this gift does double duty. LINENS — Cloth napkins automatically make any dinner party feel more sophisticated! SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS — We all use them, so make sure your host has an attractive set of salt and pepper shakers to display. PRETTY SERVINGWARE — It is easy to run out of trays, bowls, and other servingware during the holidays. Gift your host with a new piece to add to his collection.
SOMETHING FOR THE LIVING ROOM
SCENTED CANDLE — Candles add ambiance to a party, but they can also be distracting if the scent is overpowering. Stick to neutral scents, like vanilla, and avoid excessively strong scents. FLOWERS — A nice, fresh bouquet is always welcome. HOUSEPLANT — A houseplant will last longer than a bouquet, so long as your hostess has a green thumb.
SOMETHING FOR THE PANTRY
HOMEMADE CANNED GOODS — If you make your own pickles or jam, a jar of homemade goods makes for a very considerate gift. COFFEE OR TEA — Treat your host to a slightly pricier variety than he would buy for himself. LOCAL SPECIALTY — Is your hometown known for a specific food? Bring that along for a gift that has a story behind it. MIXED NUTS — Just make sure your host doesn’t have a nut allergy first! HOME BAKED COOKIES — Who doesn’t love a batch of cookies baked with love? CHOCOLATES — If you are unsure what kind of chocolate your hostess likes best, grab an assortment of high-quality chocolates to cover your bases.
