Gracious Gifts for the Holiday Hostess

By Southern Living Editors
March 12, 2012
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Credit: Amazon
From a young age, our mothers taught us the value of Southern hospitality. Whether it's sending a thank you note to a grandparent for a Christmas gift or keeping our elbows 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 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 serving pieces to tasty boxes of chocolate to fun board games—will take your party-going all the way from Thanksgiving to New Year's.
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Capri Blue Room Spray

Credit: Anthropologie

BUY IT: $24; anthropologie.com

Any hostess will love being able to instantly fill her home with Capri Blue's iconic Volcano scent. 
 

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Custom Monogram Return Address Stamp

Credit: Amazon

BUY IT: $22.95; amazon.com

The best thing about this personalized gift is that it comes with free monogramming.

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Southern Living Simmer Down Trivet

Credit: Dillard's

BUY IT: $12; dillards.com

Help your hostess protect her countertops and table in style with this decorative trivet. 




 

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Marian Cake Knife

Credit: Anthropologie

BUY IT: $12; anthropologie.com

This charming knife is best served along with your favorite cake. Be sure to include a recipe card as the perfect finishing touch. 

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Tocca Crema Veloce Travel Lotion Trio

Credit: Nordstrom

BUY IT: $22; nordstrom.com

These luxurious hand creams come in sets of three so she can keep one in her purse, one on her vanity, and one in the kitchen.

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Le Creuset Pie Bird

Credit: Le Creuset

BUY IT: $13; lecreuset.com

We think it's time to bring this old-fashioned tool back to the kitchen to help bake the perfect pie. 

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Flared Wine Decanter

Credit: World Market

BUY IT: $19.99; worldmarket.com

Serving wine just got prettier. 

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Acacia Wood 3-Piece Cheese Tool Set

Credit: Dillard's

BUY IT: $12; dillards.com

Every hostess needs a beautiful cheese serving set. 

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Thymes Frasier Fir Candle

Credit: Amazon

BUY IT: $30; amazon.com

Thymes perfected the scent of a fresh Christmas tree with their Frasier Fir candle.

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Claus Porto Guest Soap Gift Box

Credit: Anthropologie

BUY IT: $26; anthropologie.com

These colorful soaps will be a welcome addition to any guest bathroom. 

 

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Mud Pie Dip Bowl Set

Credit: Amaz

BUY IT: $19; amazon.com

Because it's not a party unless there's at least one dip involved.

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Wickman Candle Accessories Gift Set

Credit: Anthropologie

BUY IT: $24; anthropologie.com

A candle-loving hostess will appreciate this gift set so she can care for and prolong the life of her favorite scents. 

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Clover Honey Tea Spoons

Credit: Neiman Marcus

BUY IT: $16; neimanmarcus.com

Pair with a holiday tea so the hostess can relax after the party is over. 

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Vino Marker Metallic Wine Glass Pens

Credit: Amazon

BUY IT: $8.99; amazon.com

These glass markers can be used on wine bottles, wine glasses, mason jars, and the list goes on.

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Lenox Holiday Cocktail Shaker in Gold

Credit: Lenox

BUY IT: $49.99; lenox.com

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

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Clear Beaded Glass Cake Stand

Credit: World Market

BUY IT: $12.99-$14.99; <strong><em>worldmarket.com</em></strong>

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

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Totally Bamboo Pineapple Serving Board

Credit: Amazon

BUY IT: $16.99; amazon.com

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

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

Credit: Barnes and Noble

BUY IT: $27.81; barnesandnoble.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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Le Creuset Sorbet Collection Set of 6 Mini Ramekins

Credit: Bed Bath and Beyond

BUY IT: $29.99; bedbathandbeyond.com

Every Southern hostess needs a set of pastel ramekins. 

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Lilly Pulitzer Small Pad

Credit: 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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Southern Living Chambray Trio Apron

Credit: 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 for the next time.

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Pasta Cutter

Credit: 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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Urban Outfitters Mixed Pattern Scarf

Credit: Urban Outfitters

BUY IT: $34; urbanoutfitters.com

This stylish, super comfy scarf will complement any winter outfit. 

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

Credit: Amazon

BUY IT: $17.99; 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.

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"Equal" Tea Towel

Credit: food52.com

BUY IT: $28; 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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Gold Fancy Chocolate Box

Credit: sees.com

BUY IT: $27.55; 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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Beeropoly

Credit: Uncommon Goods

BUY IT: $35; uncommongoods.com

Sometimes the occasion warrants a host or hostess gift that's a little more on the casual side. Tthis Beeropoly from UncommonGoods is perfect for such occasions. 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

Credit: 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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Cast Iron Oyster Pan

Credit: 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

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

Credit: Amazon