Many of us are venturing out in the coming weeks to visit dear friends and family members. And in many cases, we’re crashing at their homes. Which is all cool and good, as long as we arrive with a lovely and thoughtful gift in hand. To help ensure that we all get invited back, our correspondent Jullian Tangen has a curated list: our ultimate luxury gift guide of the best host and hostess gifts out there right now.
It is not a good idea to show up empty-handed
With the Great Lockdown beginning to ease, you may be among those who have decided to open up your quarantine pod a little. And hitting the road to visit a family member or friend’s home for a blissful and much-needed getaway.
What makes a good luxury host or hostess gift? Our ultimate guide to luxury host and hostess gifts.
You’ve packed your newest swimsuit, a mask for when you are out in public and the perfect summer reads. You may think you are all set, but you have one last task to complete before you roll: you need to buy a gift for your host or hostess.
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In any other year we would say that you are allowed to punt and buy a bottle of excellent wine, champagne or whisky, or even a couple of fresh-baked pies. But in these uncertain times when someone opens up their home and potentially their personal health and safety to you and yours, we think it best to bring a truly chic and thoughtful gift to show just how much you appreciate their friendship and hospitality.
Our ultimate guide to the best luxury host and hostess gifts right now.
what makes for the perfect host or hostess gift?
We think that the perfect host or hostess gift has five simple elements:
- Reflects the season and the location of the home you’re visiting
- Has some practical or functional purpose that makes it actually useful to have around the house
- Optimistic and happy
- Chic, but not so strong a design aesthetic that it will be stuffed into the back of the closet and re-gifted at the holidays – or sent straight to a luxury consignment resale site
- If you can swing it, the cost should reflect approximately what you’d be spending for one night in a hotel in the location where you’re staying
The ultimate guide to the best luxury host and hostess gifts right now.
the ultimate luxury gift guide: the best host and hostess gifts right now
We love the idea of giving a plant or a lovely bouquet of flowers. Just be sure your gift recipient is a good plant parent and ready for a new addition. Otherwise, we’ve got some ideas for items that have a bit more staying power.
From an instant camera to capture every moment together to a cozy throw perfect for all-night chats, to makeup for three months of social distancing, we’ve found 20 elegant gifts to bestow on your summer host or hostess.
Now all that’s left for you to do is revel in your coveted time together.
1. a fun pool float
Everyone with an Instagram account has seen Funboy pool floats, whether it be the rainbow unicorn, a classic swan or a regal Rose Gold Crown Island. They make peak social media fodder for a reason – and honestly, what’s a pool party without an inflatable or two gliding around?
BUY NOW $199.
2. an over-sized serving tray
For a host who really loves to entertain, for luxury host or hostess gifts sure to please, splurge on one of Mally Skok’s divinely over-sized Dowel Keyhole Trays. It’s large enough to hold a slew of drinks or appetizers. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors to match almost anyone’s style.
BUY NOW $300.
3. a beach paddle set
Perfect luxury host or hostess gifts for anyone with a beach-side abode, the artisan crafted Fresco Bolcarioca Leblon Beach Bat Set will offer plenty of fun in the sun, not to mention take pressure off your host to entertain.
BUY NOW $310.
4. gourmet ice cream
Send three pints of the creamiest, dreamiest ice creams right to their doorstep every month for an entire year with McConnell’s Ice Cream of the Month Club.
BUY NOW $528.
5. handcrafted soaps
Guest soaps are nearly fool-proof as luxury host or hostess gifts. This Claus Porto Deco Gift Box of beautifully wrapped bars will delight even the pickiest host.
BUY NOW $75.
6. elegant home fragrance
Like all great luxury host or hostess gifts, Cire Trudon’s Josephine Room Spray looks as good as it smells, featuring notes of bergamot, sandalwood, jasmine and white musk.
BUY NOW $215.
7. an equestrian-inspired board game
Hermes’s La Collection Emile Hermes memory game with silver edging is almost too beautiful to play with but would fit in nicely in a country manor.
BUY NOW $225.
8. a chic picnic set
They will have everything they need for a garden party with this Picnic Time Charleston Picnic Basket.
BUY NOW $550.
9. a beautiful vase
Fill up a stunning vase such as this Rose & Fitzgerald Marbled Soapstone Rounded Short Vase with a handmade bouquet.
BUY NOW $120.
10. an instant camera
Capture every joyful moment of your stay together with a Polaroid Everything Box that comes complete with an instant camera and special film to capture the blue hues of summer.
BUY NOW $120.
11. a sleek beach bag
Packing a bag for the beach will be a breeze with a beautiful Hermes Carre Taquin bucket bag.
BUY NOW $1,775.
12. a home spa set
Anyone who has hosted guests knows that it can be tiring, no matter how much you enjoy having their company. This gorgeous UMA Pure Calm Wellness Set will help to melt away stress and renew their body, mind and spirit.
BUY NOW $165.
13. an appetizer set
This Fornasetti Astronomici appetizer set has three luxe little bowls that will elevate any snack to a feast.
BUY NOW $282.
14. a glam backgammon set
Make game night more chic with Jonathan Adler’s Op Art Backgammon Set.
BUY NOW $395.
15. a beautiful candle
If you ask us, a scented candle is always a good idea as a gift. Versace’s Medusa Gala Scented Candle not only smells beautiful, but will look beautiful wherever they decide to place it.
BUY NOW $325.
16. an aromatic hand soap and lotion set
Anyone who has washed their hands with Aesop’s distinctive and hand softening soaps, knows that receiving an Aesop Resurrection Duet is a wonderful treat.
BUY NOW $125.
17. a cozy cashmere throw
Who can say no to a cashmere throw? Whether outside by the fire pit or curled up by the fire, your host is sure to use this super cozy Brooklinen Throw ($249) every season.
BUY NOW ($249)
18. champagne bucket
Set the tone for a celebration of being together with this sculptural Michael Aram Gold Orchid Champagne Bucket. Bonus points for filling it up with their favorite bubbly!
BUY NOW $285.
19. firewood tote
This Goop x CB2 Firewood Tote will not only keep their firewood looking organized, but it will help them easily transport it inside too.
BUY NOW $499.
20. luxe playing cards
They won’t mind staying up late for another round of cards with luxury host or hostess gifts like these sleek Louis Vuitton Playing Cards and Pouch Arsene.
BUY NOW $525.
the ultimate luxury gift guide: the best host and hostess gifts
Last but not least, make sure you include a thoughtful note to accompany your luxury host or hostess gifts this season. We can all agree these small, yet personal gestures mean the world more than ever. Enjoy!
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For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier and a former Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in New York and is married with three young children. She loves cross-country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new brands.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.