Stylish, Affordable Hostess Gifts

Summer vacation often means stopping in to see - or stay with - friends along the way….so it’s high season for hostess gifts! I had so much fun pulling these together for you - let me know what you think & if there’s something special you like to give? (just don’t say home-cooked items because that’s just not going to happen in my world). Enjoy!!

I love Jonathan Adler for his pottery as much as for his cute packaging — to wit, his Match Strike ($42) would be a great housewarming gift.

And because my friend Janet knows me so well, she gave me this Match Striker from my fave brand Farmhouse Pottery & I ADORE it!!!!!

Aerin Lauder’s pieces are all very $$ in my opinion, but her Sea urchin salt & pepper shakers set at Bergdorf Goodman ($125) would make a generous gift and I’m sure be enjoyed for many years. It also comes in a matte white that’s more casual/natural looking...

Serena & Lily’s has bunch of different coasters, 4 for $48. I love the “Priano” pattern coaster set here:

Lest we get too precious in the decor category, why not give a game? Our family is obsessed with this Labyrinth game ($35), as my grandparents had one in their house in Vermont and it’s become a fun tradition. You’ll be hooked!

Who wouldn’t want to receive a beautiful picture frame?! Although this one is modern, its white color allows it to fit in more traditional/classic interiors too….

Because I secretly think I was supposed to be Karen Blixen (aka Isek Dinesen) in “Out of Africa” in another life, I absolutely love this Ralph Lauren Cocktail Shaker!! At $95, it’s more like a weekend houseguest kind of present, but I think it’s worth it:)

I find a bajillion uses for trays & summer houses seem to be made for them. Serena & Lily’s Cayman Tray comes in 3 different sizes, starting at $58….

Just ordered these myself, as I served salad at our last party in New Hampshire with oversized soup spoons — classy I know!:) Farmhouse Pottery has these handmade Salad Servers in several different finishes ($48):

These next 2 items are more of an investment but I think great value because of their quality.
The Cheese Knife Set ($95) from Barney’s is made in Italy…..

….and the Laguiole Steak Knife Set ($98) is made in France & comes in nice wooden case.

I have a thing for hurricane lamp/candle holders (again, my British Colonial fantasy past is coming though!) — this Rattan Hurricane from Serena & Lily (small one = 12” high, $118) is divine!!

Puzzles are another fun gift — although kind of sadistic, as it will force your host to spend HOURS doing it if you get This one which our family did last summer! It was epic.

Last but not least, I highly recommend the Simon Pearce woodbury bud vase ($65) because it is handblown and very durable (I’ve had one for 25 years now & it has been in and out of the dishwasher a LOT).

After making such a great first impression with your hostess gift, don’t forget to send a thank you note!! Leave it to style maven Ann Mashburn to come up with something so chic AND clever - check out her newly designed Notecards, available for order online:

Here’s to happy adventures wherever you find yourself this summer! And please let me know what other go-to items you like to give, so we can all take note & stock up!!

Cheers,
Lee

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This post is not sponsored by any brand & all text and opinions are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I have included affiliate links to various products that I love from brands I actually use, which means that if you purchase any of these items I may be paid a small commission directly by the brand; you the buyer do not pay anything additional & hopefully will SAVE money as I try to find best deals online to showcase. Thanks for reading & hope you enjoy the products/services I highlight as much as I do!