Choosing a gift for a host can be tricky: a dessert may raise questions about allergies, candles may feel overdone, and wine is sometimes dismissed as an obvious choice. But the most thoughtful presents are often those that reflect what a friend enjoys, according to Vogue’s guide to hostess gifts.
The selection is organized around different kinds of hosts rather than a single all-purpose gift. For someone who prefers ordering in, the guide suggests ways to dress up takeout, including infused oil or resin ice cream spoons. For a small-apartment cook, it points to practical items that save space, such as a foldable bento bag that can double as a bread basket or a compact espresso maker.
For hosts who care about artisanal olive oil, the guide pairs specialty products with stylish serving vessels. Aspiring cooks may appreciate kitchen tools or cookware, while traditional planners could be suited to personalized serving pieces or gifts that nod to seasonal celebrations.
The recommendations also include pasta-night staples, such as aperitivo snacks and useful servingware, as well as barware and cocktail essentials for hosts who specialize in happy hour. Vogue presents the list as a mix of smaller edible gifts and more substantial options for occasions such as birthdays, holidays or housewarmings.
Sources: Vogue.