We all love the avid entertainer—that friend who cooks the most delicious food, owns the most gorgeous tableware, and generally has the art of hosting down to a science. Given her impeccable taste, it can be a little intimidating to buy a present for your life’s resident Martha Stewart, but that’s where the best hostess gifts come in.
As someone who loves to cook and entertain—and the daughter of the ultimate hostess (my mother is an event planner by day and an absolute legend in the kitchen by night)—I have given and received many gifts over the years to aid in the art of hosting. Below, I’ve rounded up some of my favorites. Each of these suggestions focuses on both form and function. After all, the best presents are ones that are both useful and beautiful—things that are practical but just a smidge nicer than you’d ever buy for yourself.
Whether you’re attending a holiday gathering, an intimate dinner party, or a cocktail soirée, this guide has you covered. You can even take many of these options a step further and add a personal touch. From Flamingo Estate’s personalized olive oil to Lazy Jamie’s engraving service and Sabre’s customization feature, there are so many ways to give something special and show how much you really care.
Serveware
If I’ve learned anything from watching hours of Chopped, it’s that presentation matters. Plating and serving your food with beautiful utensils and platters is a fabulous way to elevate your dining experience. From caviar spoons to elegant bread baskets, these versatile pieces are bound to be used again and again.
Bistrot Vintage Tortoise, Faux Tortoise
Mud Australia Fish Platter
Gohar Mother-of-Pearl Sea Creatures Spoon Set
L’Objet Timna Porcelain Bowl
Lazy Jamie Picky Bits Cheese Knife Set
Ladorada Burl Veneer Large Tray
Vitreluxe Salt Bowls
Georg Jensen Cobra Salt and Pepper Shakers
Shell Sugar Bowl
Barware
If you’re shopping for a cocktail expert, why not help stock her bar with accessories? You can never go wrong with gorgeous glassware, a tasty aperitif, or stylish bartending tools.
Gohar Silver Lemon-Squeezer Trio Set
Fazeek Two-Tone Pitcher in Lavender and Green
Carl Auböck Hand Brass Bottle Opener
Prada Set of Two Crystal White Wine Glasses
Georg Jensen Sky Three-Piece Cocktail Set
For the Tabletop
Ambiance, anyone? Set the mood with festive table decor that will add some flair to the dining room. I love pieces that have more than one function, like this multipurpose coaster trivet by Pien Studios or these reversible Areaware candle holders that can hold both tea lights and candlesticks.
Loewe Cucumber Candleholder Shaped Candle
Edie Parker Glass Ashtray Tabletop Lighter
Lazy Jamie Idle Scribble Candleholder
Areaware Terrace Candleholder
Pien Studios Small Steel Coaster
Hay Splash Medium Glass Vase
Costa Brazil Jungle Candle
Oeuvres Sensibles Supper Hand-Embroidered Linen Placemats
Green Wolf Lighting Ametista II Hand-Blown Murano Glass Portable Table Light
Elevated Pantry Picks
For the friend who loves to cook, you can never go wrong with fancier versions of everyday ingredients. You can even pair these grocery gifts with a vessel to put them in. Give the finishing-salt set along with a salt bowl or the olive oil with a glass dispenser. The combinations are endless.
Flamingo Estate Personalized Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Boon Sauce Chili Oil
Fishwife Holiday Gift Set 5-Pack
Maldon Variety Pack of Sea Salt Flakes and Smoked Sea Salt
Cabi Original Sauce Trio
Gelée Guava Nectar Gelatin Delight
Deux Birthday Cake Vegan & Gluten-Free Cookie Dough
Cookware
Finesse any kitchen routine with the gift of premium tools. I’m often serving food straight out of the pot or pan and typically opt for versatile pieces that are both beautiful and functional. I mean, have you ever met anyone who didn’t want a Le Creuset Dutch oven?
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven
Ichendorf Lotus Small Oil Bottle
Hawkins New York Soapstone Mortar + Pestle
Dusen Dusen Striped Oven Mitt in Jalapeno at Nordstrom
Smeg Retro-Style 2 Slice Toaster
Cookbooks
Whether your giftee is a home cook looking to elevate her craft or a cocktail connoisseur, these reads are the perfect addition to any cookbook shelf or coffee table. Carla Lalli Music and Eric Kim remain the chefs I frequent most often when I’m looking for recipe inspiration.
The Bloody Mary
