It’s getting to be the season of giving and I am so very excited! The month of October kicks off many fun festivities and traditions in our household, starting with our wedding anniversary. From there, we have more fun around Halloween, and then November brings many family birthdays and of course, Thanksgiving! You know the rest…it is a busy time, but I never tire of dreaming up gift list and scouting the perfect finds for my loved ones.

Lately, I have been really inspired by hostess gifts. Our social calendar has been getting crowded with get-togethers so I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite gifts that I have given recently, especially for friends who are hosting. My cardinal rule for hostess gifting is: never show up empty-handed. Whatever the gift is, it doesn’t need to be extravagant or overly-expensive. I believe in function, thoughtfulness, and of course, I always appreciate a good aesthetic. Deepak Chopra’s philosophy on gifts really inspires me, too. Of course, the greatest gift you can offer is your time, company, attention, and care. I love his quote from The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success (see inset).

I’d like to think that my hostess gifts are not quite as predictable as a bottle of wine, but also not so common as a gift that one can pick up from the grocery store last minute (although there is nothing wrong with either of those). Here are some of my go-to gift ideas. I always have twine, tissue paper, and kraft gift bags on hand for a nice presentation…but these gifts are sometimes prettiest just as they are!

Fresh Cut Flowers in a Repurposed Jar

Nothing is more thoughtful than fresh-cut flowers, especially when they have been carefully prepared! I read somewhere that buying fresh cut flowers from the store and giving them as-is in the plastic packaging is not a gift - it is a task. So true! If I am giving flowers, I like to cut, water and then arrange them in a pretty glass container (preferably a simple, yet pretty antique or thrifted piece). Add a burlap bow, or a little twine, and voila! The most perfect little flower arrangement.

Supplies for Charcuterie

They say people give things that they would want to receive themselves…if that is the case, then this screams “ME!!!” Anyway, how cute would it be to arrange two or three fine cheeses in a basket, along with a spread, nuts, and perhaps some meat or wine? If you are bringing food to a gathering that you are planning to eat, this could be a great add-on to gift your hostess. It could be as extravagant or as simple as you want! Cheese knifes, a cutting board, or a simple melamine plate would make for a generous and beautiful gift presentation.

Crusty Bread and EVOO

Ooh, this is one of my go-tos and it makes for a fantastic housewarming gift! In the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, there is a scene were the Baileys present a beautiful and meaningful gift basket of oil, wine, salt, and bread in to new homeowners. A great touch is to add a note explaining the symbolism of each gift. I like to elevate my crusty bread and EVOO by choosing day-of, fresh-baked bread from my local Italian market and a higher-end EVOO.

Dishcloth + A Functional, Cute Addition

This is a fail-safe gift equation! A nice printed dishcloth (Anthro makes beautiful ones) paired with another kitchen-friendly item makes for a gift that can be presented really beautifully. Sometimes I will line a gift basket or bag with a pretty dishcloth and add a candle, a fancy soap, a mug, or even a fancy box of teabags.

Hope you enjoyed this list and are feeling inspired by these gifts! ciao, xo