Picking up a bottle of wine is easy, and yes, completely acceptable as a hostess gift. What host/hostess doesn’t love an extra bottle when large groups of family and friends descend on their homes for one of many holiday get-togethers?
But, let’s face it, sometimes you want to do something a bit different. Or, if you’re not a wine drinker yourself, you may not even be comfortable picking up a bottle. Here are five easy-to-find items to add to your hostess gift/party circuit arsenal.
Frames
Picture frames with unique patterns, shapes, and materials can be just as affordable as a bottle of wine.
Above, from top left: Capiz round 6" gold from from Chapters-Indigo, Chevron frame from prostores.com, mirrored frames from West Elm, Amore weathered frame from Anthropologie
Big, Beautiful Books
There’s a book out there for every type of host. Seek out a gorgeous coffee table book that suits your host’s taste.
Above: The French Cat, Martha's Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations,Design Sponge at Home
Vases
If you’re thinking of bringing flowers to the party, find a great vase to pair them with. And, the vase should last a lot longer than the flowers!
Above: Pure White ceramic vase collection from West Elm, Dress Up vases from Mjolk
Olive Wood
Personally, I really appreciate kitchen items that I normally wouldn’t buy for myself. Olive wood is a gorgeous material for an extra special kitchen gift to your host or hostess.
Above, from top left: Nibble bowl and serving set from Chapters-Indigo, salt keeper from Williams-Sonoma, and cheese board from Crate & Barrel
Cake Stand
If you’ve offered to bring dessert, serve it up on a gorgeous cake stand and tell the hostess it’s hers to keep.
Above: Gabriella cake stand from Pottery Barn, and classic cake stand from Horchow
For more gift ideas, check out our Holiday Guide!
Jessica McLaughlin is a freelance writer by night in Toronto who spends her days as a web manager. You can find her at homeware.tumblr.com where she blogs about kitchen and dinnerware.
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