Written By
Logan Morford
Logan Morford is a Communications Director in Lexington, Kentucky and nurtures a healthy love of James Bond and the idea of the gentleman spy.
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Say Thank You With Style
Time to dust off that party hat because holiday gatherings are right around the corner. As you head out to celebrate with family, work colleagues, and friends over the next couple of months, you’ll want to make sure that you are equipped with thoughtful host thank you gifts. Here are ten stylish host gifts to show your appreciation and get into the spirt of the holiday party.
01
Diptyque Holiday Candle
Hosting is all about creating a vibe and space in which guests can get lost in the moment and enjoy the company of friends and family. This Sapin pine tree candle by Diptyque is an ideal gift for the host who pays special time and attention to the atmosphere of their event. The smell of pine tree is synonymous with the winter season and this candle is great way gift the scent of the holidays to your host.
02
Mark & Graham Wood and Marble Valet Tray
Is your host an appreciator of every day carry? A watch aficionado or pen collector by chance? If so, this wood and marble valet tray is the ideal gift to show thanks for putting together that epic holiday party. This gift can be placed bedside, by the front door, or on a dresser and serve as a safe home base for those important everyday items. No matter where it lives in your host’s home, it will be a stylish addition. As an added bonus, it can be personalized for that extra thoughtful touch.
03
Sommelier Waiter’s Corkscrew with Olivewood Handle
A fine bottle of wine deserves a fine tool to accompany it, but somehow corkscrews can seem to be somewhat of an afterthought. Oftentimes the corkscrews we stash at the house are purchased at the last minute at the wine shop when we realized we’d neglected to pack one for a picnic. Or maybe they were a bargain that was grabbed by the register while on vacation. However, this Laguiole En Aubrey sommelier waiter’s corkscrew is definitely not an afterthought. A well-crafted and handsome wine tool is a gift that will last a lifetime and not soon be forgotten.
04
Winter Coffee Set – Blue Bottle Coffee
Coffee is a cultural gathering point. We say thank you to someone with their favorite espresso beverage, catch up with old friends over a cup, and start our daily rituals with a freshly-brewed mug of hot coffee. This limited edition, single origin winter coffee set from Blue Bottle Coffee is a thoughtful host gift that will no doubt be enjoyed the following morning as great stories are rehashed from the previous evening’s frivolities.
05
Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash – Aesop
Nothing says “luxurious” quite like quality, well-made toiletries and spa gear. This Aesop hand wash is a product that may not be top of mind when your host goes to the store but it will be one host gift that is surely welcomed as a nice surprise. This aromatic hand wash is a stylish addition to any home and a gift that will be appreciated as a novel gesture.
06
The NoMad Cocktail Book – Leo Robitschek
The Holiday party season is the Big Show for cocktails. There is quite literally no other time of year where they are in the spotlight more. In that spirit (see what I did there?), this James Beard Award winning book of cocktail recipes by NoMad makes a great host gift. This list of over 300 drink recipes doubles as an attractive coffee table book or as inspiration for your host’s next drink theme for the the party next year.
07
Pasta Sauce Variety Pack – Carbone
There isn’t much that is more comforting in the winter than coming home and putting together a warm and filling pasta dinner. Get your host a head start on that pasta feast with Carbone’s variety pack of pasta sauce. Non-GMO, fresh, vegan, and gluten-free, but also full of flavor. Who doesn’t like pasta? Plus, your host might need some easy-to-make meal options for the day after hosting the holiday event of the year.
08
Classic Glass Smoke Cloche for Cocktails
Want to blow your holiday party host’s mind? Bring the smoke. Gift them the ability to add some smokey flair to cocktails and charcuterie items with this glass smoke cloche by Fortessa. Smokey cocktails are all the rage these days and being able to to craft them in the comfort of your own home for friends and family is a luxury and a great party trick. Bring this gift to your holiday hosts and instantly up their cocktail game!
09
Riedel’s Superleggero Champagne Wine Glass
Mark the occasion by bringing your host a what could be one of the classiest shaped champagne wine glasses out on the market. In fact, this would be an ideal holiday host gift if presented before the impending New Year — a holiday nearly synonymous with champagne. A welcome addition to any bar, a proper champagne glass is a gift that will not be soon forgotten and will be often-used.
10
Cocktail Napkins (Set of 6) – Williams Sonoma x Billy Reid
When’s the last time you went to a bar or event and your cocktail was presented to you with a proper cloth napkin? I can’t recall, myself. It’s a touch that is equal parts vintage style and class. These Williams & Sonoma x Billy Reid designed cocktail napkins nail the quiet or subtle-luxury vibe that seems to be permeating society right now. Bring these to your holiday hosts and watch them dispose of those old and ratty coasters stashed in the side drawer.
BONUS: 2020 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – Beaulieu Vineyard
Sometimes the old ways are the best. Show up on the front porch of a holiday party with a bottle of wine and you’ll never go wrong. Like a Rolex for retirement, It is the classic host gift for any party or dinner. The highly rated 2020 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon won’t disappoint. Your hosts will both cheers and thank you.
The Bottom Line
Sometimes, coming up with the right gift for a friend who is playing host can be stressful. Take the guess work out of the process with this list of host gift ideas. Your holiday hosts deserve a proper thank you and any one of these are sure to bring a smile to their faces.