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.
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.
Start Slideshow

1 of 35

Capri Blue Room Spray

Anthropologie

BUY IT: $24; anthropologie.com

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

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 35

Custom Monogram Return Address Stamp

Amazon

BUY IT: $22.95; amazon.com

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

3 of 35

Southern Living Simmer Down Trivet

Dillard's

BUY IT: $12; dillards.com

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




 

Advertisement

4 of 35

Marian Cake Knife

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. 

5 of 35

Tocca Crema Veloce Travel Lotion Trio

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.

6 of 35

Le Creuset Pie Bird

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. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 35

Flared Wine Decanter

World Market

BUY IT: $19.99; worldmarket.com

Serving wine just got prettier. 

8 of 35

Acacia Wood 3-Piece Cheese Tool Set

Dillard's

BUY IT: $12; dillards.com

Every hostess needs a beautiful cheese serving set. 

9 of 35

Thymes Frasier Fir Candle

Amazon

BUY IT: $30; amazon.com

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 35

Claus Porto Guest Soap Gift Box

Anthropologie

BUY IT: $26; anthropologie.com

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

 

11 of 35

Mud Pie Dip Bowl Set

Amaz

BUY IT: $19; amazon.com

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

12 of 35

Wickman Candle Accessories Gift Set

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. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 35

Clover Honey Tea Spoons

Neiman Marcus

BUY IT: $16; neimanmarcus.com

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

14 of 35

Vino Marker Metallic Wine Glass Pens

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.

15 of 35

Lenox Holiday Cocktail Shaker in Gold

Lenox

BUY IT: $49.99; lenox.com

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 35

Clear Beaded Glass Cake Stand

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.

17 of 35

Totally Bamboo Pineapple Serving Board

Amazon

BUY IT: $16.99; amazon.com

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

18 of 35

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

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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 35

Le Creuset Sorbet Collection Set of 6 Mini Ramekins

Bed Bath and Beyond

BUY IT: $29.99; bedbathandbeyond.com

Every Southern hostess needs a set of pastel ramekins. 

20 of 35

Lilly Pulitzer Small Pad

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.

21 of 35

Southern Living Chambray Trio 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 for the next time.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 35

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.

23 of 35

Urban Outfitters Mixed Pattern Scarf

Urban Outfitters

BUY IT: $34; urbanoutfitters.com

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

24 of 35

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

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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 35

"Equal" Tea Towel

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.

26 of 35

Gold Fancy Chocolate Box

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.

27 of 35

Beeropoly

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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 35

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.

29 of 35

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.

30 of 35

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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 35

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

Amazon

BUY IT: $20.64; 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.