I’m not someone who likes to rush the calendar. I died inside a little when I saw the fake Christmas trees at Costco in the first week of September. When I see them so early, I want to shout, “Give the rest of the year a chance, people!!!”
So…I KNOW I’m late to the fall party, but it just makes sense to me to not hurry through the year (2020 aside)! Now that leaves are falling and the air is crisp, though, I’m happy to usher in autumn and the holidays with gusto, complete with décor, all things pumpkin and apple, fires, booties and sweaters.
‘Tis the season of more frequent visits from family and friends, too (appropriately socially distanced). So, for all of you who are headed to football game viewing parties, weekend getaways, and happy hours or dinners with your favorite people outside of your own household, not to mention holiday gatherings, I’ve rounded up some of the best hostess gifts for fall.
Simple Yet Thoughtful is Best
It’s important to mention that a thoughtful gift is nearly always more meaningful than a hurried one. And simple is often best! If you yourself use it often and enjoy it, sharing it with your hostess will make her happy you thought of her when giving it. It doesn’t need to be super fancy or expensive. With a thoughtful gift in hand, you’ll always be a gracious and welcome guest.
Culinary Hostess Gifts
Cheese knives – Choose something lovely. Cheese knives are a nice-to-have that I find a lot of people don’t often buy for themselves, so find a special set like these from Anthropologie:
Favorite seasonal shaped or flavored pasta with Rao sauce – This is the real deal, legit sauce, made even better without any added sugar and starch. Pair it with your favorite wooden spoon and a bag of festive pasta. You can find it on your grocery store shelf, or buy a whole flat of it at Costco (thanks to my friend Cara for the heads up on this!). I’ve linked a duo from Amazon below in case you’re not up for so much sauce ;).
Good Seasons dressing with cruet – This has been a staple in our household for years. Sometimes the best and most used gifts are the simplest and most basic. Many people have asked me for my recipe. Well, my secret is out now, folks! Use this packaged dressing mix to spice up dips and spreads, add flavor to whatever is in your crock pot, coat meats and veggies for roasting and marinate chicken, or simply as a light dressing on salads or green beans. Add a cute kitchen towel or salad servers for a quick and easy surefire hit.
Mulling spices – These make the house smell delicious and feel cozy on fall’s blustery days, especially when added to cider.
Homemade trail mix – Homemade mixes are sure to be prettier than anything premade you can find at the store. Use fresh and colorful ingredients and finish it with pretty packaging. Make up your own mix or use my recipe here.
Homemade Spicy Rosemary Bar Nuts – My just-right recipe is a slight spin on Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa recipe, and she spun hers from Union Square Café in New York City. I cut the amount of cayenne IN HALF so as not to set everyone’s mouth on fire (use only 1/4 teaspoon, if not less!). Also, be sure to keep an eye on the nuts while they’re roasting…if you’re using cashews, they tend to burn quickly! I find greater success at 7-8 minutes in the oven rather than 10. With these few tweaks, everyone who tastes them absolutely loves them! They are often the first thing to disappear from the snacks and bites at any party. So easy to make, so fun to give! Put them in a beautiful jar for gifting, like the ones linked above.
Fun for Any Hostess
Festive cocktail napkins with your favorite beverage or spirit – This is something every hostess needs and will be happy to have on hand while prepping to entertain. I grab fun napkins whenever I see them at Home Goods.
Fuzzy socks – Toasty hostess toes are happy hostess toes! These socks are oh-so-soft and luxurious. Also available at Nordstrom if you’re collecting points. I’ve linked Amazon below.
Mercury glass votive holders – You knew I couldn’t make this list without mercury glass! Just one shiny votive is plenty, but if you’re feeling generous, give the whole pack. These are my favorites from Ballard Designs.
Anecdote Candles – Candles are generally a solid and universally pleasing gift. Just be sure they aren’t too strongly scented, as many people are sensitive to smell. Upgrade your candle gift by choosing one adorned in a fun quip that will make your hostess laugh and think of your friendship for hours of burn time. This is a great choice for your sisters or best gal pals.
Your favorite book – No explanation needed here. A good read is something your hostess can share and recommend, too. As cousin Eddie might say, “It’s the gift that keeps on giving, Clark.”
If You’re an Overnight Guest
Think of the things that make you feel at home:
Breakfast basket – Pumpkin pancake, muffin or bread mix with pumpkin butter or real maple syrup. Trader Joe’s turns into the Capital of Pumpkin come autumn. Grab whatever looks most delicious to you, and tie it together with a festive ribbon or arrange it in a useful container.
Your favorite game – Dimension will make you think; Throw Throw Burrito will make you laugh hysterically. Be sure to clear your space of any fragile valuables that may become casualties of flying Mexican fare! Both are great family games.
Flannel lounge pants – Cozy and cute, who wouldn’t want to kick back and relax in these after the crowd goes home?
Cozy blanket – A snuggly throw blanket is NEVER a bad idea! Especially one like this from Target. It’s oversized, incredibly soft, really well priced, and gorgeous. Tie it with a silk ribbon for an elevated presentation.
Great to Grab in a Pinch
Grubhub gift card – The perfect present if in you’re tight on time. Any hostess loves to relax after saying goodbye to her houseguests. What better way to help than by giving her the next night off altogether? Grubhub will bring her favorite eats straight to her door with a quick online order. You can grab a physical gift card from Target or email her one from here. Add a bottle of your favorite wine to give this last-minute gift a thoughtful touch.
Your Presence is the Best Present
So now that you’re all prepared with a kind and meaningful hostess gift, know that the best gift you can give to anyone who asks you to come over is a “yes” to their invitation. Your generosity of smiles, laughter, helping hands, shoulders to lean on, quiet support, or whatever is called for on any occasion is far more valuable than any physical gift you can give. The gift just adds that little something extra to show your care and appreciation.
What is your favorite hostess gift to give? What’s the best one you’ve ever received? Let me know below so I can build my stash!
