Seasonal Hostess Gifts For Fall

What is a hostess gift? My mother always told me not to show up to someone’s home empty-handed. In the simplest terms, this is what it means to bring a hostess gift. When someone is kind enough to host an event and include you, it’s appropriate to thank them with a gift that reflects the host or hostess’s good taste and is something they may not buy for themselves. For example, socks don’t make a great hostess gift, but a lovely scented candle does.

A small gift would be appropriate for dinners and parties, while guests who are staying for several days may give something larger. The gift doesn’t need to be overly fancy or expensive, but something that is thoughtful and elegant is always the way to go. As always, it’s the thought that counts.

While gift-giving of this sort might seem like a quaint or even unnecessary tradition, it is still alive and well, and bringing a hostess gift to an event will always make the host or hostess feel that their effort is appreciated.

So what should you bring? Here are a few ideas if you are looking for a seasonally appropriate gift for fall.

A handmade gift does double duty. It’s something personal and thoughtful and usually supports a small business as well. This simple design of this soy candle will blend into any decor, making it perfect for gift-giving. With the scents of hot cider, cinnamon, cloves, apple, and nutmeg, it will evoke the feelings we traditionally associate with fall (even if you live somewhere warm). A candle is also the just-right price for a dinner invitation or brunch gift, not too little and not too much.

If you’re feeling a little “extra,” then add this beautiful glass matches cloche. The white matches and striker strip are included. Pop this in a gift bag with the candle or even on its own, and you can bring the scents of fall inside. It’s something that your host can use for years to come, and they may think of you every time they don’t have to fumble through the junk drawer in the kitchen looking for a book of matches.

If you are an overnight or weekend guest, this would be a nice addition. My family loves a competitive game of gin rummy by the fire on a fall weekend. This beautiful acacia wood playing card storage box is made by Two’s Company, a favorite brand of mine. I know that I will get a quality product with a classic finish. Each storage box comes with a set of playing cards.

A picture frame is always an excellent gift. Everyone has something that they want to remember. This 4×6 inch gold frame in a classic bamboo design is another little something that your host can use for years to come.

If you want to celebrate a love of travel, trade winds, palm trees, and cocktails by the beautiful blue sea, this is a gift I would love. A coffee table book is a lovely gift, and this one will whisk you away to the warm sunshine whenever you need it.

If you have a friend who loves to entertain and will throw open the door and invite you in any time, a set of placemats makes a fun and functional gift. Rockflowerpaper is another one of my favorite brands. They make beautiful reusable shopping bags (I have a ton) and other everyday items in elevated designs. This set of cork-backed hard placemats is not only lovely to look at but also heat resistant, making them perfect for everyday meals.

For the foodie or chef who loves to throw a dinner party, this set of kitchen tools is both useful and beautiful. I love the bamboo design (see a theme here?), and the gold finish makes them a little more elegant than the mismatched spatulas that I have. As functional as they are fun to look at, this set is made from food-grade stainless steel with natural bamboo handles making them perfect for both cooking and serving the meal.

This ‘Tennis Anyone’ lacquered tray is another find from Rockflowerpaper. The design is elegant and can be used as both a decorative and functional piece all year round. The 15″ tray is heat resistant and has handles, so it really can be used to carry drinks, coffee, or breakfast. Or it would make a lovely addition to the coffee table to corral remotes and other things that tend to park themselves there.

If someone is hosting you for Thanksgiving dinner, and if they are anything like me, they can probably use an extra serving platter. This

For a more budget-friendly option, this cute turkey rest and wooden spoon set is also fun and functional. Pop this in a gift bag or pair it with a dish that you are bringing to the table, and your host will be extra thankful this year.

Keeping budget in mind, this is another sweet gift for someone who likes to cook. This cookie set is packaged, and ready to gift, and it’s less than $20. Remember, it’s not how much something costs; it’s the thought behind the gift that matters.

With all the guests in the house, your host will want to make sure that everyone stays healthy. This amber glass soap dispenser set makes a lovely addition to any kitchen or bath. Add your favorite scented liquid soap, and it’s a gift that’s ready to use.

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