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9 gift ideas for the party host that aren’t just a bottle of wine
Holiday parties are coming, and even if there’s no gift exchange planned, it’s always nice to bring a little something for the host. Sure, you could bring a nice bottle of wine, especially if it’s a known favorite of the host. However, according to etiquette experts, you may want to consider another host gift.
Founder of The Etiquette School of America, Maralee McKee, writes in an article on her website that you should avoid bringing flowers, wine or food. Flowers require a hostess to find a vase unless you bring one of those, too. And if you bring wine or food, don’t push the hostess to serve it — they probably already have a menu set. If you do gift something edible, let them know you brought it as a treat to enjoy later on.
That said, a good hostess gift is usually something for the home. But if the host or hostess is your BFF and isn’t super into etiquette, give them any gift you want. During the holidays, hosts likely appreciate any and all gifts.
Take a look below at nine host gifts to give this holiday season that show your gratitude.
1. Brightland Mini Olive Oil, $22
Brightland’s California-based olive oils are a delicious treat for anyone who likes to cook (or at least eats salads with a little EVOO). Gift the host the brand’s signature olive oil on its own, or pair it with its chili-infused oil, lemon-infused oil or citrus-infused champagne vinegar.
2. LAFCO Feu de Bois Classic Candle, $37.50 (Orig. $50)
This winter-inspired candle features notes of patchouli, cedar, sandalwood, leather, vanilla and frankincense. The candle’s name, Feu de Bois, is French for “wood fire,” so that should help you imagine the scent. It’s a good candle to gift because the scent is great for the entire wintertime — not just the holiday season.
3. Momofuku Chili Crunch Variety Pack, $45 (Orig. $48)
You don’t have to be a New Yorker to have heard of David Chang’s Momofuku restaurants and the accompanying food brand. Gift someone the restaurateur’s classic chili crunch sauces, including Mexican chilis, crunchy garlic and shallots. This set includes its classic Chili Crunch, as well as Extra Spicy and Black Truffle versions.
4. Vintage Bookshelf Edition Games, $48
For the game night host, give them an elevated version of their favorite game. These have packaging that resembles vintage books. Choose between Clue, Candyland and Monopoly.
5. Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark Pretzels, $29.95
If all else fails, everyone appreciates getting chocolate. Gift them a mix of Williams Sonoma’s peppermint bark pretzels. The set includes dark chocolate and white chocolate-covered pretzels, all sprinkled with peppermint candy bits.
6. Le Creuset Mini Cocotte, $21.99 (Ori. $32)
Le Creuset’s 8-ounce mini cocottes (mini Dutch ovens) are perfect for serving dips, snacks, personal-sized desserts and more. Gift someone one, two or a set. They’re currently on sale for $21.99 each.
7. We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game, $25
This card game can help you grow closer to someone or even make a new friend through meaningful questions and answers. Play between two to six friends.
8. TRUFF Black Truffle Pomodoro Pasta Sauce, $29.99
TRUFF makes popular truffle-infused hot sauces, but the brand also makes great pasta sauces. Not everyone is a fan of spice, so play it safe and give her a bougie jar of the Black Truffle Pomodoro sauce. You could also get her the TRUFF Black Truffle Arrabbiata Pasta Sauce, which is the spicier version but just as delicious.
9. Anthropologie Tiled Margot Monogram Mug, $14
This monogram mug features beautiful French bistro-inspired tiling. Choose your hostess’ first or last initial and gift it to her with some hot cocoa or coffee, or give her a set of mugs for the whole family.
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