Host/Hostess gifts are an absolute MUST in my opinion. As someone who likes to entertain often, I always appreciate a guest showing up with some sort of gesture. The gesture never has to be anything over the top, just some sort of contribution. Personally, I am a huge fan of giving gifts that can be used by the host/hostess for entertaining in the moment or for a future gathering. Food and beverage gifts are always appreciated and a great way to contribute, so for today's post I wanted to share a few of my favorite hostess gift ideas as of lately.
Eat This Yum Gift Pack
January is the perfect time of year to stock up on those perishable holiday gift sets that are still lining the aisles of grocery and retail stores. Why? Because they are now on sale and make for fabulous hostess gifts!
Eat This Yum is a gourmet preserve brand that I absolutely love (see this post)! Their jams have the most delicious and unique flavor profiles, that can be served with an array of dishes and meals (ex. breakfast pastries, hors d'oeuvres, panini sandwiches and even alongside a cheesescape!). I was fortunate to find this gift set on sale for $9.99 at Whole Foods, but even if you aren't able to find this set in stores, you can purchase it online for $18 (still very so reasonably priced). This is a gift that any host/hostess will enjoy and appreciate having on hand for entertaining.
Artisan Vinegars
Giving 2-3 different artisan vinegars as a gift to your host/hostess is another great idea. Most of the time when we are grocery shopping, those fun and exotic ingredients always look tempting to purchase, but then practicality takes over and we refrain from buying those fancy condiments. While they may not be practical items for weekly grocery shopping, they do make for excellent host/hostess gifts. This pair of fruit pressed vinegars by A L'Olivier makes for a fabulous gift. They can be used for marinating meats, making a salad vinegarette, etc. The set of 2 can cost anywhere between $30-$40, which makes it a very generous gift in addition to being both unique and delicious. The best part? You don't have to go to some uber-fancy specialty food store to find this type of gift! I found these vinegars at my local Whole Foods, making this not only a practical gift for your hostess, but also practical in terms of accessibility for you!
Olio Santo Olive Oil
Since I have made a point of suggesting artisan vinegars, it seems only fair to suggest my favorite gourmet Olive Oil, Olio Santo, for a hostess gift as well! In all seriousness, this is a fabulous olive oil that comes in a very generous sized bottle and is something that almost any host/hostess will use for a variety of purposes. Giving a practical, high quality gift like a delicious olive oil (wrapped with a few fresh sprigs of rosemary) is lovely, thoughtful and will surely be appreciated!
Skull Vodka
Crystal Vodka and The Rolling Stones have partnered to release a 50th Anniversary collectors edition skull vodka gift set that is nothing short of FABULOUS and in my opinion, a bar cart essential (see this Pinterest board). I love this gift because it is unique, fun, functional and decorative (I mean, so beyond chic!). Even after the vodka has been enjoyed, the skull bottle can be refilled and continue to adorn your bar/entertaining space. This collectors gift typically retails for $90-$100, HOWEVER I have managed to find this fab gift for $29.99 at this local DC liquor store (you can call them for shipping details if you aren't in the DC area). This gift is always a big hit and one that I highly suggest you consider not only for others, but for your own bar as well!
