I had a friend ask me about hostess gifts the other day and it got me thinking…Whether large or small, expensive or cheap, a little thought can truly go a long way when showing appreciation to your hostess for including you in her event {and certainly inspire a return invitation in the future!}  Here are a few of my current favorite hostess gift ideas!:

For a Casual Get Together:  A modestly priced bottle of wine {Kim Crawfod Sav Blanc is my favorite} is beautifully and simply dressed up with these charming engraved tags from Dempsey and Carroll.

For the Constant Entertainer:  A beautiful teacake dome from Juliska can be thoughtfully presented when paired with a home-baked treat {and used the next time she entertains}!

For the Busy Mom:  Encourage her to easily tidy up for your get-togethers with ease by presenting your girlfriend with these adorable ‘everything bins’ by Serena and Lily.  

For a Quick Solution:  Grab a few bottles of your hostesses’ favorite beverage and pair them with whimsical striped straws from Jack and Lulu.  Enjoy what’s last of the summer sunsets while sipping on the porch!

For the Coffee Addict:  A few tins of the absolutely delicious Sant’ Eustachio Coffee from a small cafe in Rome will keep her energized {for now?}.

For the Glamour Girl:  A bundle of flowers is always a lovely gift – but to show up with a pre-arranged bowl of blooms in a gorgeous vase like this Kate Spade rose bowl is the gift that keeps on giving.  

When You’re the House-guest:  When visiting Charlotte’s family in Sydney, they had us sign a guestbook that her parents had started decades ago.  To flip through the pages showcasing a multitude of residences  made me die to know Char’s parents’ life story.  Encourage your hostess to keep the book forever, have their guests write a bit about their stay and the activities enjoyed, so they can stroll down memory lane time and time again.

For the Potluck You Don’t Have Time to Prepare For:  A vintage dishtowel enveloping a few fresh demi-baguettes and a good jam is a simple and delicious addition to any get together. 

 

For the Girly Girl:  Select a few of your favorite nail polish colors and pair with a gift certificate for a manicure.  After your hostess ends the evening with dish-pan-hands in your honour, she’ll certainly deserve it!  {Here are my current Essie loves from left to right:  Tart Deco, Blushing Bride and Vermillionaire}

For the Day of the Large Affair:  Ding-dong-ditch your hostess the morning of her gathering.  She’ll no doubt be busy all day bustling around town, tidying up her home and preparing loads of details for the evening soiree.  Allow her to enjoy a hardy breakfast by putting together a basket packed with fresh scones, jams, juice, milk and note about how excited you are to join them later.

For the Little Lady Who’s got it All:  A simple and elegant cashmere throw can be used tossed on an armchair for an added punch of color, used as a wrap on an alfresco evening outdoors or brought on any flight to avoid the scratchy, questionable blankets the flight attendants hand out.  This versatile gift {from William Sonoma Home} is sure to impress.

For the Home Chef:  Allow your hostess to collect recipes in style with this charming recipe box from Dabney Lee.

For Her Coffee Table I – The Prep:  A Privileged Life – Celebrating WASP Style.  This ode to icons of elegant living {including Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy} is perfect for your boarding school roomie.

For Her Coffee Table II – The Francophile:  Paris.  Dreamy photographs by famed photographer, Elliott Erwitt, is sure to inspire her next trip to the city of lights!    

For Her Coffee Table III – The ‘Always Updating my Interiors’ Friend:  Hue.  This Kelly Wearstler book of glamorous and eclectic interior projects is coveted by those looking for style direction.

Hmm…It’s been too long since I’ve hosted a gathering…To our friends:  I take no offense if you borrow these ideas…come on over!!