Gifts for the Holiday Hostess

By Southern Living

From a young age, our mothers teach us the value of Southern hospitality. Whether it's sending a thank you note to a grandparent for a Christmas gift or making sure our elbows stay off the table, our Southern manners are encouraged from the beginning. So, it's only natural that when we go into another's home for a dinner or party, we choose to bring a host or hostess gift. An inexpensive gift shows our friends that we appreciate them opening their homes. Whether you are looking for food hostess gift ideas or host gifts that both members of a couple would enjoy, we've pulled together some gracious gift ideas that will take you through the whole holiday season. Host and hostess gifts don't need to be expensive or elaborate; some of the most thoughtful gift ideas are under $25–which you'll find as some of our top picks. These gifts–everything from charming measuring spoons to tasty boxes of chocolate to fun board games–will take your party-going all the way from Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Years.

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Mark and Graham Self-Inking Round Stamp

Mark and Graham

BUY IT: $39; markandgraham.com

The best thing about this personalized gift is that it comes with free monogramming and free gift wrap. Double win!

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What Can I Bring?: Southern Food for Any Occasion Life Serves Up

Amazon

BUY IT: $20.48; amazon.com

This book will lend your favorite hostess a helping hand when the roles reverse and she is the guest to a party.

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Anthropologie Delaney Measuring Spoons

Anthropologie

BUY IT: $28; anthropologie.com

This sweet set of measuring spoons is held together with a clothespin for a little vintage whimsy.

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"Equal" Tea Towel

food52.com

BUY IT: $24; food52.com

A sweet tea towel fits in well with any kitchen's decor, and we love that this one has a handy guide to kitchen measurement equivalencies. Stylish and functional? It's a win-win.

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Le Creuset Sorbet Collection Set of 6 Mini Ramekins

Le Creuset

BUY IT: $30; lecreuset.com

These pastel mini ramekins are ideal for your hostess to use for easy portioning at luncheons.

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Nordstrom At Home Marble Topped Cheese Board & Cheese Knives

Nordstrom

BUY IT: $49; nordstrom.com

Every hostess needs a beautiful cheese board and knife set, and this handy gift has both in one package.

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Southern-Inspired Cocktail Syrups

food52.com

BUY IT: $30-45; food52.com

No dinner party is complete without a well-stocked bar, so help out your hostess with these flavorful craft cocktail syrups. Build your own set.

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Week of Wellness Tea Set

Uncommon Goods

BUY IT: $22; uncommongoods.com

Give your hostess a reason to sit back and relax after a long day with five tea blends to choose from.

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Gold Fancy Chocolate Box

sees.com

BUY IT: $25.90; sees.com

We'd like to argue that the next best thing to giving your hostess a homemade dessert is a box of chocolates. Inside, you'll find a mix of dark chocolates, milk chocolates, brittles, and caramels. 

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Simpatico Hobnail Glass Candle

Nordstrom

BUY IT: $32; nordstrom.com

This candle has an antique feel, and it comes in 10 colors to fit every friend’s taste.

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Pasta Cutter

Photo: Caitlin Bensel

BUY IT: $8; surlatable.com

Just like Mom's—except smaller. A mini (13" x 1 1/2") beechwood rolling pin that'll cut fresh sheets of pasta dough into tender strands of her favorite noodle. Choose between spaghetti, fettuccine, or tagliatelle.

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Beeropoly

Uncommon Goods

BUY IT: $35; uncommongoods.com

Sometimes the occasion warrants a host or hostess gifts a little more on the casual side, and this Beeropoly from UncommonGoods is perfect. Move bottle cap pieces around a beautiful pine wooden board for a night of fun with friends.

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Mark and Graham Ceramic Catchall

Mark and Graham

BUY IT: $25; markandgraham.com

A monogrammed catchall is a gender-neutral gift that anyone can use for keys, jewelry, and other odds and ends.

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Southern Living Vintage Eyelet Cake Plate

Dillard's

BUY IT: $34; dillards.com

Every Southern hostess needs a pretty cake plate to showcase her finest confectionaries.

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Cast Iron Oyster Pan

surlatable.com

BUY IT: $39.95; surlatable.com

Your hosts will love making fresh seafood in this cast iron oyster pan, which doubles as a serving vessel for the table. The pan contains 12 depressions for oysters on the half shell or fully shucked, and can be used on the grill or in the oven.

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Monogrammed Swizzle Sticks

Etsy

BUY IT: $29.50; etsy.com

These spirited stirrers from Audrey Durden come in a set of six. Choose between a variety of colors and monogram styles.

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Lilly Pulitzer Small List Pad with Acrylic Holder

Lilly Pulitzer

BUY IT: $28; lillypulitzer.com

We all need somewhere to jot down to-dos, and this cute notepad is just the right spot.

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Urban Outfitters Cozy Nubby Striped Oblong Scarf

Urban Outfitters

BUY IT: $34; urbanoutfitters.com

This stylish, super comfy scarf will complement any winter outfit. It also comes in a multi-color option for your daring friends.

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Estate Olive Oil Trio

Uncommon Goods

BUY IT: $25; uncommongoods.com

If your hostess is a cook, she’ll have fun trying out three premium extra virgin olive oils that range in robustness.

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Host: A Modern Guide To Eating, Drinking and Feeding Your Friends

Amazon

BUY IT: $35; amazon.com

For the entertaining foodie, this mix of large-scale and intimate gathering tips (and recipes) from W&P Design co-founders Eric Prum and Josh Williams has something for everyone.

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Nautica Marrave Radial Throw Blanket

Nordstrom

BUY IT: $34.99; nordstrom.com

Every home could use an extra throw to cozy up with, and you can always get it monogrammed for a personal touch.

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Tocca Crema Veloce Gift Set

Sephora

BUY IT: $18; sephora.com

These luxurious hand creams smell incredible, and with three, she can keep one in her purse, on her vanity, and in the kitchen.

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Sphere Vase

Uncommon Goods

BUY IT: $22; uncommongoods.com

A bud vase with fresh flowers is a personal gift that can also serve as a centerpiece for your hostess.

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Totally Bamboo Pineapple Serving Board

Amazon

BUY IT: $14.99; amazon.com

A charming pineapple-shaped cutting board serves double-duty as an adorable serving plate for party appetizers.

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Mark and Graham Flared Top Glass Carafe

Mark and Graham

BUY IT: $19; markandgraham.com

This carafe (monogram optional) can be used as a vase, water pitcher, or wine decanter, offering your hostess endless opportunities to use it.

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Southern Living Black Multi Stripe Apron

Dillard's

BUY IT: $25; dillards.com

Every hardworking hostess could use a fresh apron. If you’re making repeat visits, grab her the matching pot holder and kitchen towels for an extremely thoughtful gift next time.

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Southern Living 50 Years: A Celebration of People, Places, and Culture

Amazon

BUY IT: $27.19; amazon.com

If she's a lifetime subscriber to SL this can't miss collection of photos, covers, stories, and recipes will be a treasured keepsake that she'll pore over time and again. But, if she's brand new to the region, she can consider this tome her official welcome to the neighborhood. 

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Mark and Graham Italian Washed Linen Coasters, Set of Four

Mark and Graham

BUY IT: $35;  markandgraham.com

These linen coasters are both practical and personal. You can get them monogrammed and in a color you know will match your hostess’s décor, and she’ll use them all the time.

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Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat

Amazon

BUY IT: $35; amazon.com

Gift your hostess the most talked-about kitchen book of the year.

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Frango Assorted Chocolates

Macy's

BUY IT: $21; macys.com

A box of luxurious chocolates is always a great gift option when you're not sure what your hosts like.

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Leather Sunglasses Case

Mark and Graham

BUY IT: $59; markandgraham.com

Your hostess can keep her sunglasses safe in this elegant case.

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Marshmallow Twig Roaster

Photo: Caitlin Bensel

BUY IT: $18; shopterrain.com

No more fighting over the first s'mores. This 48-inch twig-shaped tool can toast up to 10 marshmallows at once.

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Styled by Emily Henderson

Amazon

BUY IT: $32.50; amazon.com

Borrow top designer Emily Henderson's best tips for putting together a gorgeous room thanks to her beloved design book, Styled.

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Anthropologie Glam Cocktail Shaker

Anthropologie

BUY IT: $38; anthropologie.com

Shake it up with a fun, fabulous cocktail shaker that will get every holiday party started.

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