The Best Hostess Gifts for Holiday Parties, Dinners, and Gift Exchanges

Doesn’t every hotel room feel a little fancier with a door hanger? Bring some of that boutique flair to your host’s home with this tassel. It’s hiding a secret: a fragrance diffuser scented with juniper, spruce, and black currant, perfect for a festive gathering.

The humble doorstop. Rarely thought of, but essential for any host when guests are a revolving door. This quirky-yet-sturdy cast aluminum snail will help them leave the door open for guests to mill about with ease.

When the party is winding down, the host is usually exhausted. Help them out with the dishes and give them a soft place to land with a new silk pillowcase and a cushy eye mask. They’ll wake up refreshed after an evening on 100 percent Mulberry silk.

Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie keeps this reed diffuser at her desk in the HB office because “it’s a soft, crowd-pleasing smell.” The notes of rice milk, tonka bean, and sandalwood are like a warm hug, and the throw is gentle enough not to offend sensitive palates.

If the host is a dear friend or family member, remind them how much they mean to you with a thoughtful framed photo. This one is super versatile; it can be displayed horizontally or vertically. The center glass display rotates and gives the illusion of a floating image.

A utensil crock is one of those utilitarian things that everyone needs, but no one wants to buy for themselves. That's where you come in. Give them the item any cook needs: a place to store all their cooking utensils. Because it's out and on display, make sure it's cute. This one checks both boxes: It's attractive and big enough to store at least six or seven utensils.

No at-home fête is complete without an array of cheeses for which a set of knives is a must. This one, which includes five specialized knives, is a steal for $60. "I actually bought this set the first time I hosted my book club, and I have never looked back. I love that each handle is a slightly different shade of blue," says tester Jessica Cherner.

Nothing, and we mean nothing, ruins a beautiful tablescape like paper towels as napkins. It's like getting dressed up and wearing running shoes. If you've noticed your hostess ripping off pieces of paper towel when setting the table, get her a set of cloth dinner napkins that she can throw in the washing machine after the meal.

Calling all hostesses who make a mess in the kitchen: You're not alone. Lots of hostesses tend to cover their countertops in a light dusting of flour and splatter their brand-new white tees with red sauce. It happens to the best of us. Don't let it happen to the generous hostess who's cooking you dinner. Protect her look with this beautiful floral apron.

You may have noticed that most restaurants serve bread shortly after you sit down at the table. That's because offering guests bread is actually considered a sign of good hospitality, so if you're headed to someone's home for a brunch, luncheon, or dinner party, bring a beautiful bread basket with you. (Bonus points if there's bread in it!) The host can pop it in the middle of the table as a welcoming symbol to their guests.

Though no one needs a reason to throw a party, hosting friends and family to celebrate something exciting is always a little more fun than a no-occasion soirée. And no celebration is complete without Champagne. Saber a cork and pour some bubbles into these beautiful flutes, which are crafted from recycled South African glass.

Le Creuset debuted a new color last year, appropriately dubbed Pêche, which means "peach" in French. We don't like to play favorites, but this hue is definitely at the top of our list of Le Creuset launches. If you want to gift it to the hostess in your life, opt for something small, like this mini cocotte.

Mood lighting is key to setting the vibe at home, and nothing beats candlelight. These tapers not only add ambience, but they also enhance the tablescape with their twisty shape.

An ice bucket is an essential when it comes to party-hosting goods. This is one of our favorites because it has that old-school vintage look. In fact, it was designed with an heirloom quality in mind.

Another must-have? A trio of miniature bowls for nuts, candies, or anything else guests can easily pop into their mouth while they sip handcrafted libations or wait for the main course to arrive. We particularly love this set because they're all attached by a tiny handle.

After the hostess is done physically cleaning up after the party, let her clean the energy out too. Palo santo is the perfect way to do that. Simply light one end until the flame is deep within the stick, blow it out, and let the fragrant plumes waft through the air.

This marble wine chiller is another practical gift, but it doesn't skimp on beauty. Perhaps more than any natural stone, marble has an ability to keep liquids at their optimal temperature, which is why, back in the day, many bathtubs in wealthy homes were made entirely of marble. This wine cooler is a lot lighter and easier to maneuver than a tub, but it works the same way: keeping whatever is in it at peak temperature.

Backgammon has allegedly been around for millennia, but our earliest recordings stretch only as far back as 17th-century England. No matter, this clever game has clearly stood the test of time, as it's still a fun way to pass the time today. This set, designed by famed photographer Gray Malin, is one of the prettiest we've seen.