The Host(ess) Gift Guide
25 unexpected and practical gifts for the host(ess).
Over pizza and a martini with my pal, Alessandra Codhina, fellow Substack author of Here We Go, which covers what she’s reading and all things that pique her interest, we discussed gift guides, and more interestingly “the Host(ess) gift”. As a person who hosts regularly and has many well-mannered, thoughtful friends who never come empty-handed to my home, as well as a frequent traveler and houseguest. I like to think I know a thing or two about giving and receiving gifts. It’s a small gesture for the person who has opened their home, likely been planning for at least a few days, if not weeks, to prepare a meal, host a fun cocktail party, and offer you a comfortable place to lay your head.
So we debated: What are some great host(ess) gifts for the person in your life who arguably has a well-calibrated sensibility for food, drink, and home and is hosting you? My argument was: it’s not a random bottle of wine and a decorative scented candle – unless you have intel or specifically were asked. None of us need more stuff. I compiled a short list ranging from stocking stuffers to stellar gifts that are practical and thoughtful for that person in your life who earned the title of a great host.
Roe Caviar Gift Box: one of the most useful and yummy gifts during a time when the holiday parties seem to be happening every night, and ROE’s gift boxes come with a pearl spoon. You can select a tin size based on price point, and they also ship nationwide.
Sabre Cheese Knife: usually, I wouldn’t suggest a cheese knife set, but Sabre makes the beautiful flatware and love the simplicity of a single cheese knife as a gift (you can even take the extra step and buy an interesting cheese).
Sabre Cake/Pie Server: this is something so many people don’t have, or only one, so when it comes to big holidays having an extra, elegant cake/pie server on hand is just what the host needs.
Material Kitchen Tools: these kitchen shears, knife sets, and peeler are some of my most used kitchen tools, and the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys cooking.
Algae Cooking Club: this oil has replaced all my cooking oils because I love it so much, and I have a subscription for it. It is a non-refined, high-heat, neutral oil that is actually good for you and performs in the kitchen and on the grill. Again, amazing gift for someone who likes to be in the kitchen.
Evermill Spice Set: I was an early adopter for Evermill, they boast some of the purest and freshest spices on the market, and the functionality and aesthetics of the set make it one my top products I’d recommend for a kitchen.
Evermill Grinder: I’ll spare you the long debate amongst chefs about superior grinders for salts and peppercorns. This is an easy-to-use, never-fail grinder, that I have multiples of on my counter.
Jacobsen Infused Salt Set: as a person who travels often, I love these Jacobsen infused salt sets. I can spruce up whatever dish I am eating on the go versus some bad airplane iodized salt.
Kinto Water Carafe: I have four of these liter-sized water carafes at home, I use them daily for drinking water around the house (who wants an ugly Stanley cup on the table) and when it comes time to host I use them on the bar for pre-batched cocktails, or as a water station with a set of glasses or for the guest room.
Vermouth: this is a fantastic gift set for someone who likes to make cocktails at home. These vermouths are far my interesting than the more well known brands and offer cocktails a complex flavor profile. In Spain they sip vermouth over ice as an aperitivo to whet the palette. My favorite brands are Bordiga and Mancino, you can buy an individual bottle, there is also this set. If you wanted to go the extra mile, include a set of glassware with it.
LSA Martini Glasses: the most stunning martini glasses. LSA makes the most enviable glassware and they are affordable because they supply restaurants and cocktail bars.
Crate & Barrel Bar Set: an essentials bar set that is durable, won’t lose its finish and is beautiful enough to set-out at a party. This would also be a strong pairing with a bottle of vermouth.
Georg Jensen Wine Chiller: keeps wine chilled at the table or on the bar. I have this and store mine in the freezer so it keeps white wines extra chilled while sitting out on the bar.
Crate & Barrel Cocktail Picks: I bought these in multiples and use them for appetizers and cocktail garnishes, great pairing with the Bar Set, Vermouth or Cocktail Napkins
Atelier Saucier Cocktail Napkins: I don’t think you can ever have enough cocktail napkins, AS even will monogram sets if you plan ahead.
Pottery Barn Serving Tray: I collect vintage silver trays, but these are an affordable option and they are stunning (and practical) when hosting.
Crate & Barrel Wine Decanter: now, most of us aren’t drinking wines that need to be decanted on a regular evening. But I still love the elegance of it, think of a decanter as the accessories for the table or bar.
Caviar Dish: while martini’s seems to be the cocktail du jour, the luxury of enjoying a spoonful of caviar seems to be equally ubiquitous. This caviar dish is an excellent gift for anyone hosting a cocktail party.
Pearl Caviar Spoons: whether these come with caviar or not, these spoons are a gorgeous little gift. I use these pearl spoons whenever I put out ramekins of sauces or spreads.
J.Crew Cashmere Socks: I love a cashmere sock in the winter, worn with boots or loafers these are a cozy gift anyone would enjoy. My friends are all getting these with the Undo Hair clips below.
Undo Hair Clips: what don’t Italians do well. Add these stylish hair clips to my ever-growing list of Italian things I love. I discovered this brand this summer at a tiny coffee shop out east called S&S. I have them stock piled in various colors because they are the only elegant and functional clip I have found. Ultimate pairing: match the cashmere socks to a color of the clip for an under $100 gift.
Rummi Tile Gift Set: if your friend group hasn’t become fascinated with Rummikube yet, the holidays is your moment. I’m fanatical about this game, and have finally found the most elegant set to go under the tree. Here is the original set for an $50 gift.
Curio Goods Brush Set: while no one wants to think of a kitchen cleaning set as a gift, I really hope someone puts this under my tree. Probably the chicest kitchen clean up ever.
Aarke Coffee Maker: a house full of guests means a large pot of coffee must be on at all times. Since owning this machine my mornings are frustration free with the press of a single button, and 6 minute brew time. Plus, it’s about as beautiful as a coffee machine can come.
Aarke Electric Kettle: file this under things you can only get excited about above the age of 35. This sleek kettle is used multiple times a day at my house, and one of the few appliances I visually appreciate on my counter.
fantastic list, thank you!