STYLEBEAT GIFT GUIDE: HOW ENTERTAINING 15 GREAT HOSTESS GIFTS
It is peak entertaining season during the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, reflect, be joyful and get festive. In honor of this, I decorated my apartment with fragrant blooming Paper Whites that smell terrific, hung a small but mighty wreath with a red bow, and added two potted ivy wreaths on side tables I am still waiting for the Amaryllis to bloom and have not yet set up the tree. Whether you are hosting or being hosted, use the fine china and sparkly things this year. Here are a few nifty gift suggestions that range from over the top to downright divine. Because it is better to give than to receive.
Image courtesy of CB2
As collecting goes, I do wish I had started scooping up antique crystal match strikers years ago. But, it’s never too late to start collecting something new with abandon, and the time is now. Starting with this stylish version by CB2 x goop which runs on the large side, make room on the coffee table, right next to the Diptyque candle.
Image courtesy of Net a Porter
And speaking of candles, no need to reinvent the wheel here. Go with the best: Diptyque Tubereuse. Complete with five wicks in a ceramic vessel.
Image courtesy of DECASO
A little Picasso always a good idea. I am smitten with the owl motif and pale blue hue of this pitcher on DECASO. I like his interested gaze, he looks like he would be a good dinner partner.
Photo courtesy of Fete Home
My friends Audrey Magarite and Jennifer Potter spent many years at Bunny Williams Home. They recently launched their own endeavor, a new home decor and entertaining site called Fete Home. Nicely priced with ever-elegant design, I think their brass tulip candle holders make a great gift. They have a low profile and look beautiful with or without a candle.
Image courtesy of Moda Operandi
If you love flowers and china as much as I do then you will really enjoy this collaboration. New York interior designer Alex Papachristidis designed a capsule collection for Moda Operandi that channels his decorative eye and love of entertaining. The Le Jardin Chinois purple and white earthenware dinner plates he designed for the collection steal the show.
Image courtesy of Chairish
Tureens are back in style in a big way. Adding a special centerpiece that makes for a good conversation piece is always a good idea. Lately I have been seeing bird designs and this majestic vintage ceramic swan from Chairish adds visual interest and sculpturesque appeal in the center of the dining room table or on a sideboard.
Image courtesy of AERIN
Dress up the table with gold orb salt and pepper shakers. AERIN has these in her collection and they are a subtle statement maker that will look great with candlelight.
Image courtesy of Crate and Barrel
My, my this is a chic coupe shape! It’s also a steal of a deal at Crate and Barrel, a go-to for the more the merrier glassware.
Image Courtesy of Lindroth Design
I love this round carafe! Interior designer Amanda Lindroth has really expanded her collection of raffia and wicker accessories and this piece tops my list. Wrapped in wicker, it keeps drinks cold or hot. It makes a wonderful gift because it also works well in guest rooms, when friends come to stay they will have a thirst quencher waiting for them on the nightstand. Now that’s hospitality!
Image courtesy of Terrain
One can never have enough cheese knives. With so many varieties, preparation is key. The simple utility of these three designs makes these brass knives from Terrain an easy set to gift.
Image courtesy of Moda Operandi
Few artisans craft porcelain flowers as beautifully as Vladimir Kanevsky. Long a designer favorite, his out-of-this-world floral creations are as beautiful as the real thing. He has made a few standout flower arrangements for Moda Operandi, like this abundant lilac gloriousness. There is just one left, so get it while you can.
Photography by F.E. Castleberry
I still have my first pair of needlepoint slippers from Stubbs. They were from one of the first versions made, and they have managed to last that long. I am excited to share that there is a new Stubbs and Wooton collaboration that has just debuted. John Derian, the decoupage master with a love of charming flower motifs, flora and fauna has designed a collection of velvet slippers festooned with just that. The thing to wear before, during or after the party.
Image courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
Appear bearing chocolates in a zebra striped tin and be the hero. Louis Sherry Chocolates taste just as good as they look.
We are living in the age of on-demand services and it is a beautiful thing. Get the host a gift they will really appreciate, the gift of perfect hair. Download the Prete App and buy a blow out membership for that hard working holiday guru. And yes, that could be you.
Image courtesy of L’Objet
Send thank you notes with a touch of mystique from L’Objet x Lito. The hand painted stationery set comes with four different colors of eyes, so you can connect on a deeper level, even if you choose to send the lavender one.