8 Hostess Gift Ideas to Keep on Hand for Last-Minute Holiday Invites
Last-minute holiday invites can be the best…and also the worst. One PureWow editor admits that she once showed up to an impromptu ugly sweater party with a dusty bottle of $8 Chardonnay because it was the only thing remotely resembling a hostess gift that she had lying around the house. Don’t be like her. Here, find ten hostess gift ideas to keep on hand for when those spontaneous invites inevitably roll in.
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1. Deny Designs Holli Zollinger French Cutting Board
Practical and beautiful, the hostess can use this cutting board on the spot. That is, unless she’s already carefully curated the evening’s serving ware. Deny Designs is known for its modern, outside-the-box home furnishings, and this birch wood cutting board is no exception—plus, the abstract marble swirl will be the cutest backdrop behind a cheese plate.
2. Grosche Amsterdam Pour Over Coffee Maker
This chic pour over coffee maker will look like art, not an eyesore, in her meticulously decorated kitchen. This specific model from Grosche is made of double-walled glass to retain the heat of the brewing water, ensuring you get full flavor extraction every time. Starbucks…who?
3. Vinglacé Stainless-Steel Wine Cooler
If a bottle of Veuve feels like it might not be quite enough for your fanciest friend, pair the bottle with a double-walled stainless-steel and vacuum-insulated wine cooler. This lightweight insulator keeps the bottle chilled—sans ice bucket—making it ideal for taking drinks on the go, even if that’s just out to the back porch.
4. Sir Madam Solid Brass Coasters (Set of 4)
Every single one of these rustic coasters looks different thanks to their unique patina. The brand explains that they’ll “age gracefully” and slowly begin to change tone with repeated use. And don’t worry, each one is backed with natural cork to protect tables and countertops, a detail that the type-A host will appreciate most.
5. The Sill Pothos Plant
Not in the mood to lug a heavy present all the way across town? Ordering a plant show up on their doorstep is sure to leave a lasting impression. The quick-growing Pothos Jade is a great pick for plant novices (or people with brown thumbs) since it’s low-maintenance and only needs to be watered every one to two weeks.
6. The Inside Medium Silver Antique Vase
Like the antique shop aesthetic, but hate antique shop prices? Enter: this vase. With a high-quality stoneware and timeless silver finish, she’ll never guess that you spent under $50 on it. Fill it with calla lilies or gardenias for a thoughtful (and fragrant) gift that can double as party decor.
7. State Cashmere 100 percent Pure Cashmere Blanket
Cashmere: The gift she always wants, but probably wouldn’t buy for herself. Like all of State Cashmere’s products, this blanket is made from 100 percent sustainable Mongolian cashmere that’s described as “heavenly soft and warm.” Sounds like the ideal pairing for a sappy Christmas movie.
8. Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch
The only thing better than a guest who shows up with a bottle of wine? A guest who shows up with a bottle of scotch. Monkey Shoulder is known for its rich notes of orange, vanilla and spice that taste amazing whether it’s sipped alone or mixed into a cocktail. BTW, this vintage-inspired bottle will look great perched on their bar cart.
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