From Tuesday game nights to swanky cocktail hours, every dinner party has a host—and every host deserves the best gift. But sometimes, finding that perfect host or hostess gift can feel like a treasure hunt. What else can you give besides that bottle of chardonnay?
Luckily, we have a few host and hostess gift ideas to liven up your gift box. From delicious treats to bewitching scented oils, we’ve assembled the top 22 memorable, perfect gift ideas for party hosts. No matter the celebration, these great gift ideas are a thoughtful way to say “thank you for hosting.”
For the Professional-Level Hosts
When it comes to hosting parties, some individuals take the craft to a whole new level of finesse. Between their seamless dinner courses and fine-tuned playlists, these pro-level hosts deserve an equally pro-level gift.
For an elite party thrower who has taken the effort to learn how to be a good host, a host gift should match their exceptional dedication (and possibly even support their hosting efforts). Capture the heart of these extraordinary hosts with these party-forward gifts:
- Flutes – Nothing says elegant like sipping from a quality flute. Elevate the expert host's drinking hours with an exquisite flute set. Crafted with precision and elegance, these flutes are designed to enhance the effervescence and aroma of sparkling wines, creating a luxurious drinking experience for the host and their guests. This perfect gift will surely delight any host or hostess learning how to set up a home bar.
- Serving platters – When hosting a dinner party, serving platters become a necessary tool. These inviting dishes take the task of plating off the host’s shoulders in style. For a memorable gift idea, choose an intricate and unique serving platter that could also function as a centerpiece, like a timeless design with opalescent accents.
- Personalized leather coasters – If you’re very familiar with your hosts, nothing carries a personal touch like custom items. Support their cocktail hours by gifting personalized leather coasters, complete with their initials or family name.
- Matches – For more casual occasions, a small yet unique set of matchboxes is the best gift idea to delight hosts. If you know the host’s favorite restaurant or travel locations, assemble a mini collection from those beloved destinations.
- Decanters – A stately decanter is a timeless and sophisticated addition to any barware collection. The next time your favorite hosts pop a bottle, they’ll have a beautiful home for it to breathe and bloom in flavor. For a particularly stylish design, look for a round decanter with a built-in handle for easy touch-ups.
For the Gourmand Hosts
Every host knows that food is the way to a guest’s heart—and for some hosts, it’s the entire reason to gather in the first place. If your host prides themselves on their gourmand skills, then a gift for the kitchen will delight their souls and taste buds.
From delicious delights to exquisite cooking tools, these host or hostess gift ideas will highlight your host’s culinary expertise:
- Spice jar sets – Bring the flavor with a collection of long-lasting spice jars, complete with easy-to-read labels. A garden-themed porcelain spice jar set with the essentials (like thyme, basil, parsley, and oregano) will bring joy to your host’s hands every time they whip up a meal. And for the pro baker, try the baking spice jar set complete with porcelain containers for ginger, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Chocolate truffles – A box of artisan chocolates never goes out of style. Your host will be delighted by these morsels of scrumptious sweetness. For an extra touch of care, pick a box that fits your host’s sweet tooth (milk vs. dark chocolate, fruit fillings vs. caramel fillings, etc.).
- Wine stoppers – Forget reusing the cork. When your host saves their favorite bottle, you can help them preserve each sip with a unique wine stopper. This gold-plated lemon bottle stopper brings instant brightness to every wine-filled occasion.
- Cheese board sets – For the laid-back gourmand or appetizer aficionado, a cheese board set aims to please. This sophisticated marble and wood cheese board livens any cocktail hour, complete with a variety of cheese knives and serving utensils. Your host will appreciate the versatility and elegance of this gift for years to come.
- Cookbooks – Inspire your host’s next culinary adventure with a cookbook from their favorite chef or cuisine. Every recipe will be a new opportunity to flex their skills and indulge their kitchen creativity as they wow their dinner guests.
For the Whimsical Hosts
Some hosts have that enchanting ability to infuse their gatherings with a unique touch. From creative themes to quirky decorations, they make every event a playful and memorable experience—and worthy of an equally whimsical host gift.
From unique tchotchkes to playful party accessories, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to the face of any fun-loving host. Play a part in their fantastical world with these imaginative host gifts:
- Novelty ice cube molds – From mini whales to orange slices, unique ice cube molds add a personal touch to a drink. Your host will appreciate the creative aesthetic these molds bring to their parties, sparking conversations and creating picture-worthy moments for their guests.
- Seasonal ornaments – They’re not just for Christmas trees. Ornaments are a delightful decorative touch for every season, adding a little playfulness to any room. From ballet slippers to beach chairs, a unique yet beautiful porcelain ornament will brighten rooms all year round.
- Cocktail recipe book – Forget the classic cocktails. For the whimsical host, shake things up with a fresh cocktail recipe book. Each new recipe gives your host a chance to experiment with flavors, garnishes, and presentations for a truly unique cocktail hour.
- Decorative pillows – Your cottage-core friend will adore the rustic yet charming feel of a decorative throw pillow. From butterflies to flowers, decorative pillows bring a sense of joy and personality (and a cushy seat) to the host's home.
For the Eco-Friendly Host
Parties can create memories that last a lifetime—and a lot of single-use product waste (hello, cocktail napkins). In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, eco-friendly hosts stand out as beacons of responsible and thoughtful entertainment.
If you're attending a party hosted by a sustainable homemaker, consider a gift that aligns with their values. From eco-friendly kitchen gadgets to reusable products, these gifts will not only impress the host but also contribute to a greener future:
- Linen napkins – Not only are cloth napkins sustainable, but they also add an elegant and rustic charm to any dinner. A set of linen napkins will keep your green host in a sustainable fashion they can be proud of.
- Herb garden kit – Whether your host lives in a big city or rural paradise, an herb garden kit will bring a fresh kick of sustainability to their home. These compact and low-maintenance kits grow herbs right in the home, adding a green touch to their culinary creations.
- Bamboo cutting board set – Bamboo is one of the most sustainable natural materials in the world, thanks to its quick growth and incredible strength. Give your eco-friendly host a bamboo cutting board set to green-ify their cooking operations. The simple and durable design will make prep and cleaning a breeze.
- Beeswax food wraps – From plastic bags to tinfoil, single-use food storage is all too common. Beeswax food wraps are a reusable and biodegradable alternative that allows hosts to safely contain leftovers. Your host will love ditching the plastic wrap for these sustainable coverings.
For the Scent-Loving Host
From inviting decor to delicious food, a party is an experience for the senses. For some hosts, one sense sticks out above the rest—a captivating aroma. For hosts who have an affinity for signature scents, give a present that indulges their passion for the olfactory.
From luxurious candles to oil diffusers, consider these scented gifts that will leave your host in aromatic delight:
- Candles – For casual affairs, a candle is the perfect host gift to leave an impression. Take this gift to the next level by selecting a candle with a decorative porcelain holder, so that any dripping wax stays off tables and furniture. Inviting scents like lilac, citrus and florals are a few crowd favorites.
- Soaps – Give your host a boost of self-care with a luxurious soap gift, complete with different fragrances to satisfy their fancy. Your host will appreciate the thoughtfulness and variety of sensual experiences every time they wash their hands.
- Essential oil diffusers – From blood orange to bergamot, an essential oil diffuser will give your host a chance to create the perfect ambiance in their home. With time, they can even create their own personal oil blends to satisfy the senses.
- Vases – Flowers may only last a week, but a vase can last a lifetime. Give your host a beautiful container for nature’s perfumers with a timeless vase. Every time your host buys new flowers, they’ll remember your thoughtfulness.
Create Your Own Hosting-Worthy Home with Lenox
When it comes to attending a party, a thoughtful host gift will never go out of style. With these memorable keepsakes, you can stand out from a sea of wine bottles and bouquets. To help you find that perfectly unique gift, take your search to our quality home-good collection at Lenox.
From glassware sets to ornaments, Lenox has brought the finest of craftsmanship to homes for over 130 years. We know that every home deserves enduring treasures, which is why we deliver the best in materials and design. No matter the celebration, Lenox has the gifts to bring that spark of artistry and heart to any host’s gathering.
Explore our gift collection today for your next party, wedding or special occasion.
