Holiday Gift Guide 2018: For The Hostess

It's the most wonderful time of the year - holiday gift guide season! I can't think of a better day to kick off my annual series than Cyber Monday. 

I don't know about you, but I get a sincere thrill from picking out the perfect gift. When I've found the item that I know will surprise and delight the recipient, I feel like I've unlocked a new level of expert shopping status. And that's before I've even wrapped it! Wrapping, as you likely know, is another part of the process I take very seriously. 

Today I want to talk about gifts for the host or hostess. In the month of December, family and friends open their doors to us for all kinds of occasions - happy hours, dinner parties, gift swaps and holiday weekends - so we can all be together to celebrate. I was raised that you never show up to someone's house empty handed, so let's talk about what you can bring that your hosts and hostesses will truly appreciate. 

Food, particularly sweets, is always a good choice. This year, Sugarfina (famous for their booze-infused gummy candy) has partnered with Shark Tank alums Tipsy Elves for a co-branded candy gift set that is too cute for words. Each box includes three types of candy, all holiday themed. 

When I bring someone a housewarming gift, I often choose to give a candle. At holiday time, I think that's an equally lovely gesture (plus, in the winter, it helps keep everyone warm and cozy). My favorite scent right now is Montmartre from Vessel Candle Co. The candle is made to smell like a Parisian bakery, offering a blend of coffee, maple butter, nutmeg, fresh orange, coconut and a cocoa base. It basically makes your house smell like you've baked the most delicious pastries of all time. 

Many holiday hosts like to serve cheese as part of their appetizer spread. This set of three cheese knives from Crate and Barrel have handles shaped like Christmas trees. This set is currently on sale for just $13 dollars! 

When I found this tea towel from Anthropologie I squealed with happiness! I love the dinner party theme, paired with the feminine colors and design. 

If you prefer a more traditional holiday print, this tea towel from Claudia Pearson is available on Etsy. 

Holiday season is a popular time to mix up large format drinks - Moscow Mules, sangria, spiked cider, egg nog and more. Gift your host or hostess this shimmering pitcher from Anthropologie to add extra sparkle to the affair. 

While I enjoy giving gifts that can be used right away at a gathering, sometimes it's nice to deliver something the hosts can use after all the company has gone home. This gingerbread pancake set from Stonewall Kitchen is adorable (and delicious). 

For a baking enthusiast, this flower pot bread making kit from Terrain is also a fun gift. 

I hope these ideas have put you into the holiday shopping spirit! There are many more guides to come this week, stay tuned.

*Home page image courtesy of Unsplash, all other images courtesy of vendors.