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Thanksgiving is just a few days away so I thought it fitting to talk about my hostess gift guide today that will help you be graciously prepared throughout the holiday season. Whether you are going to a cocktail party, or staying in someones’s home, these thoughtful hostess are such easy thing to check off your list now. Most of these would be great for friends and family, too!
First, I have to say, I am blown away by the kind feedback about DoSayGive’s Holiday Gift Guide. Ever since it launched two weeks ago I get at least two or three messages a day telling me how helpful it is – and that just makes my day because that was my goal (and why I’ve been working hard since September putting it together!).
First I want I want to tell you about these beautiful “linun” guest towels and cocktail napkins from one of our Holiday Gift Guide sponsors, The Plaid Pig, a site that has the cutest personalized gifts for everyone on your list. I ordered these gorgeous guest towels ($38 for 50) for my mom to say “thanks” for hosting Thanksgiving this year.
I ordered them in gold because I think it goes with her refined taste, but you can get this pretty design in any color!
These luxurious, soft, (and disposable) guest towels are perfect for a guest bathroom – anyone would love receiving a set this holiday season, but I think they make lovely hostess gifts, as do the their chinoiserie cocktail napkins ($34 for 50) that I posted on Instagram this past weekend.
I am giving the ones to my cousin as a housewarming/Christmas present. I thought these would be perfect to break out when friends come over for drinks or dinner!
The Plaid Pig offers several unique designs for these napkins. You might want to order some for your own home – they would also be pretty in gold.
So what are my go-to hostess gifts?
For dinner at someone’s home….
Wine (see my favorites at the bottom of this post), fresh flowers from Central Market or a similar store wrapped in craft paper and ribbon, or a seasonal candle. This NEST candle I love comes in a votive ($16 + free shipping or store pickup) or the regular size is $40 + free shipping or store pickup.
For a cocktail party or dinner party…
Wine in a cute bag or box like I have listed below, a bottle of wine with a cute personalized bottle stopper, or personalized coasters (here and here). If you are bringing the hor d’ouevres, consider making a cheese tray on this cute chalkboard tray (two day shipping if you need for Thanksgiving) and leaving it behind as a gift!
Last year, former White House social secretary Lea Berman penned a wonderful party etiquette guest post on DoSayGive and said one of her favorite gifts to bring to families with young children was a two or three classic Christmas children’s books tied up with string – darling! I wrote a post detailing my favorite classic Christmas books here.
For someone with whom your staying….
It’s always thoughtful to bring along a gift to someone hosting you in their home – even if it’s your own mother! A cute tote bag like this Draper James holiday Vanderbilt tote or a basket from World Market would darling filled with gourmet goodies from my gourmet gift guide.
I often get asked for ideas when staying in a friend or boss’ vacation home. Some of my favorite ideas this time of year: a monogrammed throw (you can never have too many!), a beautiful coffee table book (available in two days with PRIME!), a LAFCO candle (the “ski house” fragrance is a good one this time of year!), and yes, of course, wine;).
Forget to bring something? No worries! I love sending these delicious croissants after the fact to say thanks. We have them on Christmas morning every year – it’s become a tradition to wake up smelling the dough rising in the kitchen!
Here are all my hostess gift picks this holiday season. Many of these have free shipping or site to store pickup (if you need for Thanksgiving!):
Be sure to browse DoSayGive’s full Holiday Gift Guide for thoughtful gifts (and stress-free shopping!) for everyone on your list and if you’re not on my email list, sign up because my Black Friday sale post is going to save you lots of time searching the web an take you straight to the best deals!
My go -to wines for hostess gifts…
If you struggle with what kind of wine to bring to a party, I am not a wine connoisseur by any means, but here are my go-to California wines:
Red wines:
For under $20, Decoy Pinot or anything on sale at Eatzi’s;). Actually one of the guys who works in my Trader Joe’s wine department is very helpful and will suggest really good wines in the $10 range!
For a $20 range, I like Davis Bynum Pinot Noir.
For $50 range I like Twomey or Goldeneye Cabs.
You can always impress with Silver Oak ($75 or the special holiday edition bottle on Oprah’s Favorite Things).
White wine favorites:
Under $30…La Crema Pinot Gris, Hess Chardonnay
In the $30 range…Frank Family, Cakebread, and Romabuer Chardonnay. And I know it’s generic but I love Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay. And everyone likes Duckhorn.
Over $50, Cakebread Reserves Charonnay.
Share your favorite hostess gifts or go-to wines below and if you found this post helpful, please share on Facebook to help others be more thoughtful and gracious, too!
Shop the Post:
Blush gift box (free shipping!) // gold striped ribbon // gold filler // gold scissors
Red and white ribbon // 12 days of Christmas wrapping paper
What do you think?