Gifts for the Holiday Hostess

Sharing my gift guide for the holiday hostess. Show your appreciation with these useful and thoughtful hostess gifts for the festive season.

It’s that busy time of year again when we gather to celebrate the festive season. If you’ve done any sort of holiday entertaining, then you know that throwing a party or get-together isn’t an easy task. Quite often, it takes hours of preparation, cleanup and everything in between. Show your gratitude and surprise your hostess (or host) with a gift that goes beyond the usual.

Not sure what to bring? I’ve gathered up some of my favourite hostess gifts at various price points to make it easy for you. From handy kitchen tools, to tasty cocktail mixers, luxurious body products, serveware and more, these thoughtful gifts will go a long way to show your appreciation. Be confident arriving at your next holiday event or Christmas party with one of these lovely picks.

Shopping Tip: Be sure to shop early to take advantage of sales and to ensure your items arrive on time.

Holiday Hostess Gift Details

Very Merry Cocktails – This beautiful hardcover book features over 50 festive cocktail recipes, including Hot Buttered Rum, Foamy Mexican Hot Chocolate, Holiday Bellini and more. Perfect for the hostess who loves to craft unique drinks.

Cheese Knife Set – An essential for any hostess, these marble and brass cheese knives will slice and serve both soft and hard varieties. A beautiful and useful hostess gift that pairs well with a board or bottle of wine.

Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea Tin – This beautiful tin by Harney & Sons is filled with quality tea that makes the most delightful cup. A blend of black teas, three types of cinnamon, orange peel, and sweet cloves makes this hot drink perfect for chilly days. 

Mulling Spices – A top seller for a reason, this mix of cinnamon, cloves, allspice and orange peel is the perfect complement to apple cider or red wine. Your hostess will not only love the rich taste, but the warm and welcoming aroma it creates while simmering in the kitchen.

Marble Coasters – Any entertainer will love these stylish coasters, which are available in classic white or black. Be sure to check out the matching wine bottle coaster too.

Cocktail Elixir Set – Crafted in collaboration with Kentucky-made Woodford Reserve, these delicious elixirs pair with a range of spirits to create classic cocktails. Any hostess will love how easy it is to mix an Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, Whiskey Sour and even nonalcoholic drinks.

Wildflower Socks – These cute and colourful embossed socks will surely make your hostess smile. I love the deep green colour mixed with bright pink, yellow and white florals.

Herb Cutter Set – Any hostess who loves to cook will appreciate this bamboo and stainless steel set, which efficiently strips and cuts herbs. An easy way to add a bit of freshness to recipes, including drinks.

Antique Gold Ice Bucket – I’m not sure I’ve seen a prettier ice bucket than this tempered glass and antiqued-gold one from Pottery Barn. Part of the Bleecker Collection, I have my eye on several of these barware pieces.

Berry Colander Mug – This tiny colander is just the right size for cleaning berries to top yogurt, salad, drinks and more. The stoneware construction in a creamy glaze makes it cute enough to style a kitchen counter or shelf too.

Lip and Hand Duo – This hand salve and lip balm are two of my favourites for their nourishing qualities. A must-have, especially during the dry winter months.

Wood and Stainless Handle Grater – Whether you’re grating cheese or zesting a lemon, this kitchen tool is not only functional, but beautiful too. How handy would that catcher be?!

Wood Serving Board – You simply can’t go wrong with a serving board in any shape or size. This collection from Crate & Barrel is perfect for entertaining or on display in the kitchen.

Holiday in the City Dish Towel – How adorable is this cotton tea towel printed with the Tower of London decorated for Christmas?! A lovely way to add colour and festive charm to any kitchen.

Marble Charcuterie Board – You simply can’t go wrong with this marble and brass charcuterie board that doubles as a tray. Serve up appetizers, Christmas treats, drinks and more.

Each gift idea will work on its own or can be combined to create a larger gift. Quite often, there’s no need to wrap a hostess gift. Sometimes all you need is a bit of pretty ribbon to finish it off.

What are your favourite holiday hostess gift ideas for giving or receiving? Do you have a go-to gift idea or do you like switching it up each time?

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This holiday hostess gift collection was originally published November 2014 and updated with new ideas/photos November 2023.