Am I the only one who thinks scented candles are not ideal as host/hostess gifts? Scent is such a personal thing, and how to predict the olfactory preferences of your host? Here are some alternative ideas that lean toward the practical (but with a touch of luxe):
(N.B.: My friend Howard has the most elegant strategy; he contacts a local liquor store and has them deliver a lovely bottle of wine or a fancy fifth of scotch a few hours before the fete, so the host/ess doesn’t have to scramble.)
Above: Daphnis and Chloe was established in a small workshop under the Acropolis Hill of Athens in 2013; inspired by the Mediterranean’s rural traditions, the founders provide professional chefs and home cooks with alluring culinary herbs and spices. A package of Daphnis and Chloe Wild Thyme Flowers is $9.20 from Flotsam & Fork.
Full Circle Wool Sponges
Above: For the zero waster: A set of two natural Full Circle Wool Sponges is $12 from Alder & Co. (Side note: my favorite house gift ever came from Tricia Rose of Rough Linen; a monochromatic sponge from Australian brand Barkley Basics.)
Collection L’Article Matches
Above: A box of Collection L’Article Matches, designed by Le Studio Be-Pôles, a multi-disciplinary agency based in Paris and New York, contains 150 matches made from poplar wood, with red, white, and blue heads; $20 from Ode to Things.
British Christmas Crackers
Above: Made in England, a set of six Marbled Christmas Crackers are filled with small gifts and a traditional paper crown and joke; $65 from March.
Fort Standard Wine Stoppers
Above: Elegant Dome and Sphere Wine Toppers from Fort Standard are $60 each (about the price of a Diptych candle).
Muuto Salad Servers
Above: One of my favorite hostess gifts ever: a pair of beech wood Muuto Salad Servers; $35 from the Scandinavian Design Center.
Looking for the perfect gift for everyone on your list? See the rest of our 2018 gift guides:
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