Holiday Hostess Gift Ideas Your Host Will Actually Use

 
Holiday gift basket filled with wine, wine glasses, cheeses, crackers, cranberries, and other fruits. Wrapped gifts and a card that reads "happy holidays" are surrounding the holiday hostess gift.

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Make the Season Merry and Bright with these Holiday Hostess Gifts!

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The holiday season is full of gatherings, from family events to parties with close friends, and the right hostess gift makes it easy to show your appreciation for the invite. I’m always looking for unique gifts that go beyond just a bottle of wine or a charcuterie board. Here are some of my favorite options you can use to make your party host/hostess truly feel appreciated.

Hostess Gifts that Help Serve a Hungry Crowd

Holiday hostess gifts that can be used to serve snacks, entrees, and desserts are always great gifts. Bonus points if you fill them with treats so they’re ready to go when you arrive at the party. Be sure to do a little bit of research about what is being served at the party, so your treats don’t clash with the planned menu.

Fresh Veggie & Snack Platter

A 5-compartment snack platter is the gift that keeps on giving for a party host or hostess. It can be reused over and over again, whether it’s for holiday parties or just large family meals. The 5 compartments offer space for snacks or appetizers, along with a favorite dip, and the tray keeps everything neatly organized on the table. Bring this holiday hostess gift already filled with fresh fruit or veggies and a yummy dip so it’s ready to place on the buffet or dining room table.

 
 

Charcuterie Board Set

Charcuterie boards are all the rage at parties these days, so your host will appreciate being able to add one to their own party menu in the future. This bamboo charcuterie board set is conveniently portable, so it stores neatly in a cabinet when not in use. Several uniquely shaped compartments accommodate an array of foods, from meats and cheeses to nuts and fruits. Four utensil cutouts hold the included cheese knives and fork for added convenience. A ceramic bowl holds your favorite dip or condiment, while an included guide makes it easy to learn how to set up and arrange foods for maximum impact.

 

Covered Cake Plate

If you’re planning on bringing a delicious dessert to a holiday gathering, why not make the cake plate you bring it on your holiday hostess gift? This wood and glass covered cake stand makes a great gift for any holiday party. The clear glass dome provides a tempting view of the dessert stored inside, while the wood base can also be used as a charcuterie board or serving tray. When not in use, this covered cake stand makes a handsome addition to any kitchen shelf or china cabinet.

 

Hostess Serving Set

You can also go with a traditional hostess serving set, which is always a classic choice. Besides, who can’t use an extra serving spoon or two? This set features 18/10 stainless steel construction, and each piece is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. It includes a cake server, lasagna server, cake knife, butter knife, sugar spoon, serving fork, serving spoon, and slotted serving spoon, so your party host or hostess will have everything they need to dish out deliciousness!

 

Hostess Gifts for Serving Great Beverages

If the party you’ll be attending features adult beverages, host/hostess gifts for serving drinks can be just the thing to add extra fun to the evening. From wine glasses to bartending kits, these holiday hostess gifts can’t miss!

Elegant Wine Glasses

Wine glasses are a classic host/hostess gift, and they’re even better for someone who has just moved into a new home or first apartment. These elegant green wine glasses have just a touch of color to make them festive for the holiday season but also perfect for year-round use. Pair them with a lovely bottle of wine to show your party hosts just how much you appreciate being invited!

 

10-Piece Bar Tool Kit

Help your party host channel their inner mixologist with this 10-piece bar tool set. A 24-ounce cocktail shaker, double-sided jigger, mojito muddler, mixing spoon, 2 pourer tops, strainer, tongs, and corkscrew provide everything needed to mix up tasty cocktails and mocktails. The contemporary bamboo stand adds a unique look, coordinating beautifully with virtually any décor theme. A water-resistant finish and durable construction stand up to years of use.

 

Holiday Wine Glass Charms

Wine glass charms add extra fun to any event, plus they make it easier to find your beverage at the table. This set of holiday wine glass charms features 16 unique designs, from Christmas bells to snowflakes and everything in between. A simple hook setup makes them easy to attach to the stem of any wine glass. Once in place, the charms rest at the base of your wine glasses, adding an adorable finishing touch to the holiday celebrations.

 

Winter Wine Bottle Covers

Of course, a bottle of wine is a tried-and-true favorite for host/hostess gifts. But you can dress up your gift of wine with one of these adorable Christmas sweater wine bottle covers. Cute buttons, faux fur collars, and other details add to the sweet look, and these covers can be reused over and over again. That means your party host or hostess can pay the gift forward at one of next year’s holiday happenings. These handmade wine bottle covers come in a four-count pack, so you have plenty for all the events you’ll be attending this holiday season.

 

Holiday Hostess Gifts for After the Party

Holiday hostess gifts can also be about just pampering the host/hostess. You can also find gifts they can enjoy with their families immediately after the party. For new homeowners throwing their first party, personalized gifts are great. Here are some extra ideas you can use to treat the hosts to something they might not have purchased for themselves.

Spa Gift Set

Spa gift sets are perfect for unwinding after the party. Look for a set that includes essential relaxation items, such as candles, body washes, and other items that make pampering easy. Some include bath bombs for soaking away stress, while others include soft eye masks for quiet sleep. Just be sure you find a scent family you know your host loves!

 

Personalized Cutting Board

A personalized cutting board makes a great housewarming gift for the holidays, but it’s also perfect for any party host or hostess too. This personalized cutting board comes in 11 different designs and 5 wood finishes, so you can select the perfect combination for your party host. You can also select from a range of sizes, making it easy to choose one that fits the available kitchen space of your host. Amazon has a customize now button, which lets you preview your design.

 

Scented Holiday Candles

Holiday candles are a classic gift that can be used throughout the holiday season and beyond. Your host/hostess can use them to keep the home smelling great long after party guests have left. Jarred candles are a great option because they’re easy to store, plus they can be refilled or used for other purposes later on.

 

Christmas Mug Set

Short on cash this Christmas? Grab two of these holiday mugs from Target and fill them with hot cocoa packets and candy canes to create a simple yet festive hostess gift. You can simply place them in a gift bag, or you can get creative by placing them in a basket, along with marshmallows and other toppings to create a complete hot cocoa gift set. If your hosts prefer coffee, add a bag of holiday blend beans for even more fun! The holiday design is simple and classic, so it’s sure to coordinate with your party host’s other seasonal dinnerware.

 

There’s no shortage of hostess gift ideas, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them on their own. If you want to go bigger, though, mix a few together in a basket or gift bag and you’ve got something that looks like you put in serious effort (we won’t tell if it took ten minutes).

Think about who you’re shopping for. New homeowners may appreciate something without a holiday theme, so they can enjoy it long after the decorations come down. If your host doesn’t drink, skip the wine glasses and anything boozy. And if there are little ones in the house, a small treat for them, like a mini stocking filled with candy, will win you major points with the whole family.

 

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