Hot take: if there’s any rule when it comes to a hostess gift it’s this: unless they ask, don’t bring it. Think about it this way, there is a lot that goes into planning any gathering, no matter how big or small, and the last thing the hosts wants to do is to look for a place to display the flower arrangement you brought (especially if you forgo a vase), or feel like they need to open that bottle of wine or put out a dessert that clashes with the palette curated. We’ve all been at that party where there’s a corner in the kitchen with 8 bottles of wine that each guest felt the need to bring. While the sentiment is nice, let’s try something different. So, what do you bring? We still recommend not to show up empty handed, but instead to bring something they can use…at another time.
Coffee
When considering a gift for another time, think the morning after. In the aftermath of a festive evening, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a cup of morning coffee. Share your gratitude to the host by helping them out the next day, whether they’re a coffee, matcha or tea drinker, gift them with something they can sip and enjoy the next morning.
Candles
Have you ever noticed the luminous glow of tapers adorning their abode during gatherings? Maybe your hostess has a signature scent? Replenishing their stock is an intimate gesture that won’t go unnoticed. But if you’re still acquainting yourself with the hostess’s preferences, opt for something simple you know they’ll use like a box of tea lights or basic tapers elegantly tied with a ribbon.
Matches
Another practical gift they’ll always use at another time is matches. Not only do they serve a functional purpose for everyone but they can also be quite stylish. Gift tied with a ribbon and with a handwritten note about the igniting of joy and warmth within their home, and you have a great gesture, that can also complement the candle gift perfectly.
Pain Releivers
As we all know, whether booze is involved or not, a celebratory late evening can make the next day difficult. Maybe your host is known for having the best cocktails? Or perhaps you’ve shared a morning hangover with them before? Bringing a thoughtful package of pain relievers can be a humorous yet genuinely appreciated gesture. Gift some milk thistle tea, ginger chews or bring a few green juices or wellness shots made with coconut water.
Magazines
For a leisurely day following the night’s festivities, a handpicked magazine that mirrors their interests or aesthetic can be a thoughtful gesture. Wrap it with a ribbon and attach a note for a personal touch. Titles like Family Style, or Milieu Magazine are among our favorites at the moment. But try to think about what you think they might enjoy. And if you arrive and see the latest issue of what you brought sitting on their coffee table, you can encourage a creative repurposing through collage or perhaps they would like to regift it, since they enjoy it themselves? We love this as a gift since it’s a nod to their personal taste.
