A good host is always thinking of others, whether it’s by making guests feel welcome, accommodating everyone’s diets, or setting an Instagram-worthy tablescape to make the night feel extra special. But the holiday season is an opportunity to flip the script and show the host you’re thinking of them, too. Bringing them a gift is the cardinal way to thank the host for all their thoughtful work. The only question remains: what to give?
For those who delight in trotting out their special dinnerware for guests, there’s a world of creative and whimsical gifts out there, even if it seems like they already have the entire CB2 catalog. And if that is the case, this just means you, as the gift-giver, can allow them to indulge in the things they typically would not. Take, for instance, a disco-ball-turned serving plate, bok-choy-shaped chopstick rests, cubist candle holders, or even a candle disguised as buttered toast. Not only do these playful takes on essentials inspire joy, but they’re also sure to be conversation starters for future gatherings. And, as the bestower of the new treasured piece, you just might secure yourself the invite for the next one.
A double-duty cute candle
Ah, a platonic ideal host gifts. It’s chic, but not expensive; it’s practical, but whimsical. This tinned fish candle pays homage to the current food-world obsession with tinned fish while also imbuing your home with the warm, sweet, spicy scent of egg nog. Present it with a fun can of actual spiced sardines or mussels if you want to be cheeky.
$26
A regular candle for a White Elephant exchange is usually a snoozefest, but this is the exception. The packaging makes it look like an actual tin of fish, while the vanilla eggnog aroma makes it particularly appealing for the holidays.
Give two, three, or four little vintage glasses
When it comes to gift-giving, we believe in working smarter, not harder. Case in point: Buy a set of nice-looking vintage glasses — these are labeled shot glasses by the seller, but they’re just as nice for sipping sake and amaro — and rather than giving one lovely host a set of eight, split them up into pairs or fours and use them for multiple gifting situations. There’s always a use for little glasses like this (and they’re pretty enough to display, too).
OK, so online discourse about the “Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic” can feel a bit cringe — but in practice, it’s pretty fun to use a posh plaid napkin when you’re digging into some quiche or sipping on mulled wine.
Martini-enhancing cocktail picks
For those who are building a bar cart (or want to start), getting a couple of sets of proper cocktail picks can be a game-changer. Nothing wrong with a traditional wood toothpick, of course, but it really does add a lot of pizzazz to a martini to bite the olives off a pearl-emblazoned skewer.
Nicer-than-they-need-to-be chopsticks
Swooning will abound once people get a look at these beautiful walnut chopsticks featuring inlaid geometric designs. Another great example of “practical, but nicer to look at than what you might get for yourself.” Plus, you can grab a set of five for under $20.
When it comes to cocktail cherries, one brand truly reigns supreme: Luxardo, which has been making candied cherries soaked in marasca syrup for 120 years. A classic for a reason!
Coasters to jazz up the table
Jonathan Adler is another designer to keep tabs on when it comes to whimsical but elevated home decor. This set of snake motif coasters also has a slight lip to keep condensation from spilling, and would be prime for serving up lychee martinis the next time you gather to watch The White Lotus with friends.
Maldon salt, how do we love thee? “Now I understand why kingdoms fought wars over salt” was our first reaction to Maldon’s sea salt. The flaky crystals melt on your tongue with just the right amount of zing, and transform even my most breakfasts and chocolate chip cookies into a gourmet dining experience. We can think of no gr holiday gift than a literal bucket of the stuff.
This cake stand from Crow Canyon Home puts a playful, Jackson Pollock-esque spin on the dessert-displaying essential. Whether it’s used to elevate dessert or add levels to a tablescape, the stand makes for a cheerful addition to a host’s tableware collection. If it’s in the budget, mix and match it with a glass dome for beautifully contrasting colors.
Those who like to entertain likely appreciate a good placemat. This set of two block-printed placemats from West Elm puts a romantic spin on the dining-table staple with painterly tones and bright hues. Who wouldn’t love to receive these dreamy accents?
Is your host a lover of ice-cold martinis? Perfect gift incoming: Quincy’s fabulous olives, which have superb flavor and are ratioed with drink-perfect brine to make exactly 14 dirty martinis per jar.
A candle that looks like a tasty snack
Inedible objects that look like food never fail to impress. This trompe l’oeil candle is molded to look like a tasty pile of pretzels, cereal, and candy. A really fun addition to a coffee table.
A mug that means business
Sometimes, brevity is wit. Give it to someone who means business, or orders the business women special.
A butter dish that steals the show
We all love a little Le Creuset in our kitchens, but a Dutch oven isn’t in the price range for what we’d consider an easy host gift. Enter the butter dish, a fabulous little thing to present and say “I brought you something,” presented with a kiss on the cheek and maybe a bouquet of flowers or bottle of wine.
$35
For the Le Creuset-lover who already has everything else from the heritage cookware brand, this 4-inch wide stoneware dish is a timeless option with some nice, deep ridges and little textured handles (butter = slippery sometimes).
If your host is putting you up for more than just a meal — say, a holiday weekend — a flashier gift than just a candle or jar of cocktail garnishes may be in order. Eater and Heritage Steel have created a line of stainless clad cookware that brings professional quality to the home cook. Crafted from fully clad, ultra-durable material, the 10.5” fry pan is the perfect everyday pan that will enhance many weeknight meals and cooking projects to come.
