8 Unexpected Housewarming Gifts a Hostess Will Never Forget

Posted by Nicole Rorem on December 16, 2016 in DIY | 0 comments

By Jennifer Geddes | Nov 30, 2016

As a result, I’m an expert in hostess gifts. From the good and the bad to the downright ugly, I’ve gotten it all and I’m here to say: No one wants your cast-off bottle of chardonnay. Same goes for that rancid candle in a jar. Instead, do the right thing and offer up something your hostess reallywants.

Here are eight perfect picks that are all but guaranteed to result in a return invitation.

Breakfast the next day

It sounds obvious, but almost no one offers up this godsend: After a late night of wiping up spills, doing mountains of dishes, and putting away every piece of glassware I own, I’m exhausted. The next day, all I want is to sleep in and enjoy a ready-to-go meal. It doesn’t have to be homemade jam or granola (though both are excellent choices). Instead, a yummy loaf to slice and slather with butter is ideal, especially if it’s an almond stollen from Red Truck Rural Bakery ($31).

I use at least two or three every day, which means after a few months they end up looking stained and frayed and downright nasty. A guest who brings a pretty tea towel or dishcloth gets extra meatballs and the top-shelf bourbon in her Old-Fashioned. I literally leap for joy when I see this gift coming. These beauties from CypressInk ($10 each) are a good place to start. (I love the jellyfish and the octopus!)

Something personalized

My husband loathes fancy cursive monograms, but he’ll live with personalization at home if it’s a very simple version. Coasters or cocktail napkins with the host’s last initial are very welcome. Even better is this useful and unusual gift ribbon from Namemaker ($21) for the endless holiday wrapping that’s coming up. Personalized ribbon is also a two-fer, eliminating the need for a name tag.

Candles

I don’t mean boring white tapers or those 100-pack votives, though I do stock a cabinet full of each. Instead, seek out something really beautiful—maybe one that’s shaped like the pear below ($6), or a couple of big pine cones or sparkling silver Christmas trees. Anyone who entertains with any frequency goes through a ton of candles in every shape and size.

A better bottle

Guests bring wine because they think it’s appropriate, plus it’s easy to just grab a bottle and go. But if I’m throwing a party, I’ve definitely ordered a case or two already. If you must bring vino, up the ante and make it Champagne, which I don’t normally keep around. Or be more interesting and choose mezcal for a friend who likes tequila or sherry (which you can cook with if you don’t drink much), or for the Manhattan lover, pick up some Hella bitters ($15.50).

A two-in-one

One of the best housewarming presents I received was an inexpensive juicer and a bag of oranges. The couple who gave it knew this was a smart midwinter gift (and they’d just returned from Florida).

Other two-in-ones: popcorn kernels and sea salt, or apples and a wedge of cheddar. I’m crazy for figs, especially with cheese from the Old Chatham Sheepherding Company. Try the Ewe’s Blue ($35 a pound).

Dog gift

Don’t forget pets when considering a hostess gift. You’ll be my friend for life if you bring my pup a squeaky chew toy or some yummy biscuits from a nearby bakery. Or make it easy and get these from Food52 ($28 for two bags). If your host has a kitty, consider toting along a new scratching post, cat nip toys, or a container of cat grass.

Made with natural ingredients for your sweet pooch Food52.com

Something to share

A group gift the whole family can enjoy is another good option. One year a friend brought the most adorable pencils carved to look like tree branches and tied them with a piece of twine. The kids flipped for them—and I squirreled away a few for my own personal fun. Other ideas include a new game or a big batch of candy, like this jar of Swedish fish ($8.50) that we can dive into on movie night.