It is true that every generation thinks it invented the dinner party. It is equally true, we presume, that every generation faces a bout of pre-dinner party apprehension, staring down a generic bottle of wine and trying to decide what kind of guest they want to be. Whether your calendar is filling up with holiday parties or you’ve befriended someone with a weekend home upstate, this time of year is rife with occasions that call for hostess gift ideas. And since there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all option (that aforementioned bottle of wine can be a thoughtful last resort), it’s worth taking a little time to pinpoint a present tailored to your recipient’s interests.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Hostess Gifts:
Whether shopping for a seasoned entertaining pro or helping your friend find their hospitality footing, the best hostess gift can be anything from a salami-shaped candle to a set of delicately embroidered napkins to a box of really (really) good Swedish candy. Herewith, a curated gift selection by type of host—and plenty of pieces you might want to earmark for yourself, while you’re at it.
For the Bargain Hunter
If you’re heading into holiday party season empty-handed, make the most of pre-Black Friday deals and stock up on elegant glassware, primary-colored pot holders, and fancy pantry staples—so many great finds are already on sale.
For the First-Timers
Whether they just got married, just moved house, or just got inspired to host their first soirée, help your host stock up for future fêtes with a few essentials. Good quality olive oil trumps a bottle of wine, and a hand-marbled guest book leaves room for all their nearest and dearest to scribble in their thank-yous for years to come.
For the Takeaway Pro
You love them not because they can whip up a multi-course meal on demand, but because they know all the best spots to order a multi-course meal on demand. Dress up takeout boxes with slate blue linen napkins, or zhuzh up the dessert course with two-tone glass ice cream spoons.
For the Windowsill-to-Table Chef
The host with the most—but the least amount of space—has mastered the art of the tiny apartment dinner party. Gift them something useful that won't eat away at valuable cupboard space: a Japanese-inspired bento bag that moonlights as a makeshift bread basket and folds up when guests leave, for example, or a tiny espresso maker for after-dinner coffees.
For the Ina Garten Groupie
They’re the kind of person who definitely has a favorite brand of butter and whose kitchen is stocked with heritage cookware. Pieces like woven seagrass glassware and a Ralph Lauren striped apron will help them embrace their inner East Coast Contessa no matter their zip code. (In a pinch: A stationery set with watercolor hydrangeas on the front is always a good idea.)
For La Dolce Vita Diva
Just because you weren’t on a tender at the Bezos wedding doesn’t mean you can’t bring some Dolce Vita to amici’s home. How about a Negroni Sbagliato batched and ready to go from Via Carota, or a pair of velvet Venetian slippers?
For the Trompe L’Oeil Trickster…
This friend is the queen of puns; her weekend invitation always includes at least one. Help her set the table with some of these pouches dressed as food, not to mention a trompe l’oeil paper bag vase. For dessert, serve this spectacular fried chicken ice cream–the breadcrumbs are cornflakes and the drumstick is a pretzel!
For the Southampton Doyenne…
Who considers tablescaping the 8th art: Flatware and wicker is her love language, so get her something she may not get herself. Cheeky superlative place cards from House & Parties, the chicest bamboo pizza cutter, or an inside joke engraved on a Christofle trinket box are all good contenders.
For the Gentleman Farmer…
They’re in marketing… farmers’ markets that is. These hosts just want you to take home more zucchini. They refer to their saltbox in Litchfield County exclusively as “The Farm” and are desperate for you to fawn over their bounty of heirloom tomatoes. Encourage this family endeavor with Japanese secateurs for the peony garden and a veggie basket for the kids.
For Your Chill College Roommate…
Whose Catskills cabin cohorts are pumped about New York’s recent marijuana legalization. They’ll need the most elegant Edie Parker lighter holder, the chicest version of The Dude with Tekla’s hooded bathrobe, some Levain cookies (available fully baked but frozen from FreshDirect), and some special CBD treats when they’re ready to call it a night.
For the Mom of Four…
The best gift you can possibly give her is a cocktail and some babysitting; the second best gift is something that’ll keep the kids busy—like a sunglasses decorating kit or a car-shaped air mattress for movie nights—and a box of Swedish candy for an afternoon pick-me-up.
For the Late-Night Board Gamer…
Who never tires of another round of Boggle. Provide the perfect set up for an evening of gaming with a deluxe cheese board, or personalized pencils and a Monopoly board.
