Latest news with #hostgifts
Washington Post
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
A bottle of wine is a fine host gift. These edible gifts are better.
'Tis the season for backyard cookouts, pool parties and summer soirees. As your calendar begins to fill up, it's worth thinking about host gifts — small, meaningful ways of expressing your gratitude for the time and energy they've invested in entertaining. While there's always the option of a last-minute purchase of a bottle of wine, it's the thought that counts, so why not give it a little extra intention to show your host just how much you appreciate their efforts? We've gathered 16 thoughtful and practical recipes to inspire your next host gift. Different from dishes that you might contribute to a potluck, these presents should be personal and made specifically for the host, ideally to be enjoyed without the pressure of serving them at the event. And for when it's your turn to plan the next big bash, check out our archive of more than 10,000 tested recipes. Above. Give your host the gift of a comforting homemade soup mix that's ready to go at their convenience. To keep things as easy as possible, be sure to add a label with cooking directions and storage. Get the recipe. Above. Give your host the gift of a comforting homemade soup mix that's ready to go at their convenience. To keep things as easy as possible, be sure to add a label with cooking directions and storage. Get the recipe. Often referred to as the 'Jewish biscotti,' like regular biscotti, mandelbread is also baked twice. This, along with a generous helping of chopped walnuts, gives these cookies their signature crunch. These cookies are also studded with dried cherries, and their elongated shape makes them excellent dunking companions to a cup of tea or coffee. Get the recipe. Often referred to as the 'Jewish biscotti,' like regular biscotti, mandelbread is also baked twice. This, along with a generous helping of chopped walnuts, gives these cookies their signature crunch. These cookies are also studded with dried cherries, and their elongated shape makes them excellent dunking companions to a cup of tea or coffee. Get the recipe. You'll want to prep vanilla extract with plenty of time ahead of your outing, as it must be made at least one month in advance before use. Personalize it with the recipient's favorite spirit: vodka, bourbon, rum or brandy. Alternatively, you can concoct a batch to have on hand for future occasions. Get the recipe. You'll want to prep vanilla extract with plenty of time ahead of your outing, as it must be made at least one month in advance before use. Personalize it with the recipient's favorite spirit: vodka, bourbon, rum or brandy. Alternatively, you can concoct a batch to have on hand for future occasions. Get the recipe. A fruity jam makes for a sweet surprise. This recipe calls for raspberries, one of the easiest fruits to make jams from thanks to their high amounts of naturally occurring pectin, but you can adapt it to best suit your host's tastes. Get the recipe. A fruity jam makes for a sweet surprise. This recipe calls for raspberries, one of the easiest fruits to make jams from thanks to their high amounts of naturally occurring pectin, but you can adapt it to best suit your host's tastes. Get the recipe. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, sourdough bread has been having a moment — and for good reason. These basic loaves are relatively inexpensive to make and feel homey with their crispy crusts and chewy, tangy centers. You'll need ample time to embark on this project, as the first step is to build a starter and keep it alive. Get the recipe. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, sourdough bread has been having a moment — and for good reason. These basic loaves are relatively inexpensive to make and feel homey with their crispy crusts and chewy, tangy centers. You'll need ample time to embark on this project, as the first step is to build a starter and keep it alive. Get the recipe. Instead of bringing a dish to be served at a dinner party that you're attending, pack a batch of these light and fluffy scones for your hosts to have the next morning. Get the recipe. Instead of bringing a dish to be served at a dinner party that you're attending, pack a batch of these light and fluffy scones for your hosts to have the next morning. Get the recipe. Your host will appreciate this warm and cozy apple loaf, a family recipe from professional baker Maggie Austin LaBaugh. Get the recipe. Your host will appreciate this warm and cozy apple loaf, a family recipe from professional baker Maggie Austin LaBaugh. Get the recipe. Great for breakfast or snacking, a jar of artisanal granola gift is customizable, budget-friendly and easy to make. Get the recipe. Great for breakfast or snacking, a jar of artisanal granola gift is customizable, budget-friendly and easy to make. Get the recipe. This simple, fudgy Bundt cake is for the chocolate lovers. 'It's so cocoa-forward, it may remind you of a brownie,' says Post recipes editor Becky Krystal. Get the recipe. This simple, fudgy Bundt cake is for the chocolate lovers. 'It's so cocoa-forward, it may remind you of a brownie,' says Post recipes editor Becky Krystal. Get the recipe. Quick-pickled jalapeños are a nearly effortless way to impress any host. This recipe takes only five ingredients and an overnight rest in the fridge. Get the recipe. Quick-pickled jalapeños are a nearly effortless way to impress any host. This recipe takes only five ingredients and an overnight rest in the fridge. Get the recipe. Fragrant nut butter makes a lovely addition to a freshly baked loaf of bread, or shines on its own. Get the recipe. Fragrant nut butter makes a lovely addition to a freshly baked loaf of bread, or shines on its own. Get the recipe. Mastering the art of fortune cookie-making requires quick fingers and a bit of practice, but the result is a standout way to send thank yous and other fun messages to your host. Get the recipe. Mastering the art of fortune cookie-making requires quick fingers and a bit of practice, but the result is a standout way to send thank yous and other fun messages to your host. Get the recipe. A classic tray of brownies is always a welcome treat, especially when it comes to these thick, fudgy squares. Dress them up with chocolate chips or toasted chopped walnuts, or leave them as-is for the brownie purists. Get the recipe. A classic tray of brownies is always a welcome treat, especially when it comes to these thick, fudgy squares. Dress them up with chocolate chips or toasted chopped walnuts, or leave them as-is for the brownie purists. Get the recipe. This homemade caramel sauce can be made as sweet or as bitter as desired. Wrap it up in a decorative jar, and gift it alongside a pint of your host's favorite ice cream. Get the recipe. This homemade caramel sauce can be made as sweet or as bitter as desired. Wrap it up in a decorative jar, and gift it alongside a pint of your host's favorite ice cream. Get the recipe. 'Packed in a glass jar and tied with a ribbon, they make a lovely holiday hostess gift,' writes Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger about these fancy nuts. Glazed with maple syrup, and lightly seasoned with cinnamon and cayenne, they're versatile and practically effortless to make. Get the recipe. 'Packed in a glass jar and tied with a ribbon, they make a lovely holiday hostess gift,' writes Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger about these fancy nuts. Glazed with maple syrup, and lightly seasoned with cinnamon and cayenne, they're versatile and practically effortless to make. Get the recipe. One of the best ways to score points with a dog owner is to win over their furry friend, and these homemade dog treats are sure to do the trick. Get the recipe. One of the best ways to score points with a dog owner is to win over their furry friend, and these homemade dog treats are sure to do the trick. Get the recipe. Infused with the flavors of apple pie, this batched Old-Fashioned cocktail can be stashed in the fridge for up to two weeks for your hosts to enjoy at their leisure. Get the recipe. Infused with the flavors of apple pie, this batched Old-Fashioned cocktail can be stashed in the fridge for up to two weeks for your hosts to enjoy at their leisure. Get the recipe.
CNN
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Hate showing up empty-handed? Here are the 30 best host and hostess gifts
Host gifts quick picks A wine lover's best friend: Ozeri Nouveaux II Electric Wine Opener If they live out of a suitcase: Apple AirTag A big step up from Dial: Preston Lane Terrace View Hand Set If they make a mean homemade pesto: Click and Grow Smart Garden 3 Make them feel like they're at a five-star hotel: Aesop Resurrection Duet Etiquette around gifting isn't always straightforward. But when your friends, family or neighbors invite you over, there's a good chance you'll want to show up with a thoughtful and interesting gift for the host or hostess. 'A host/hostess gift should be geared to the person receiving it or the occasion being celebrated,' Carolyn Kraut, owner of Hands of Time Concierge, said. 'For example, my favorite gifts for foodies depend on whether they cook and entertain in their home or enjoy good food by eating out or ordering in.' To help you out, our experts and editors shared their top picks for host gifts. For even more gift inspiration, check out our favorite gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women, Amazon gifts and ultra-practical gifts. Chef'n Freshforce Citrus Juicer Juicing a lemon can be an unpleasant, painful mess, especially if you've got any nicks on your hands. Save the host the trouble by gifting them a juicer, which etiquette expert Elaine Swann said is one of her go-to kitchen gadgets for hosts. Ozeri Nouveaux II Electric Wine Opener A "stylish wine opener" is another exemplary gift, Swann said. Our testing team recommends this rechargeable model, which will uncork a vintage with the press of a our review Liberty London Maxine Playing Card Set Fancy playing cards are such a nice surprise, and this two-deck set from Liberty London comes in a storage box that's pretty enough to leave out. Miamolo Ceramic Spoon Holder Sometimes simple gifts are the best. When your host is cooking up a feast in the kitchen, make sure they have a place to rest their favorite culinary tools with this spoon holder, which will also help keep counters clean. Bedsure Fluffy Throw Blanket A cozy blanket is a great gift for hosts who are living in a new home or who simply like to stay in a lot. This one from Bedsure is a favorite of our newsletter editor Lindsey Smith, and it comes in a variety of colors to suit every our review 'Drinking Like Ladies: 75 Modern Cocktails From The World's Leading Female Bartenders' by Misty Kalkofen & Kirsten Amann If they're into cocktails and women's history, this coffee table book is one they'll keep referring back to. The pages contain recipes for 75 drinks, each accompanied by a biography of the female bartender behind it. Elle Decor Bedside Water Carafe With Tumbler Perfect for a nightstand or as a centerpiece for a living room table, this carafe set comes in two colors and will make sure your host is never parched around their home. Portland Syrups Spiced Cranberry Syrup The aspiring mixologist will appreciate receiving a bottle of this small-batch, all-natural syrup to add to their bar cart. The spiced cranberry flavor is perfect for adding some tartness to any drink, but you can also find flavors like passion fruit citrus and marionberry. 'Platters and Boards: Beautiful, Casual Spreads for Every Occasion' by Shelly Westerhausen & Wyatt Worcel With this cookbook, the host can really up their charcuterie board skills. They'll learn how to turn their meats and cheeses into a gorgeous spread that's almost too pretty to eat. Scuddles Garden Tools Set 'There is no shortage of ideas if the host/hostess has a hobby or a keen interest in a sport or two, and there are so many ideas for gardeners,' says Kraut. Perfect for a first-time homeowner or someone with a new interest in gardening, this little kit will set them up to tend their property. Geometry Kitchen Tea Towels, 2-Pack Etiquette instructor Kristi Spencer takes a different tack. "My favorite host gifts to give or receive are luxury versions of everyday items," she said. That includes kitchen staples like salt and olive oil, as well as home goods like tea towels. We like this set, which comes with sophisticated and fun designs printed on quick-drying microfiber. Apple AirTag For the traveler, etiquette consultant Lisa Mirza Grotts nominates Apple's AirTag, which can keep track of checked luggage from thousands of miles away. They might already have one, but this is the kind of gift you could always use more our review Monkey 47 Gin "If you know their cocktail or wine preference, a bottle of their favorite wine or drink is always a considerate gift," Spencer said. Instead of the same old bottle of wine, try this bottle of German gin made with 47 ingredients. Former health, fitness and food editor Tobey Grumet Segal said she uses it to liven up her G+ our review Brightland Alive If your host cooks at home a lot, a nice olive oil would make a great gift. We like Brightland's flavorful olive oils, and the bottle's are definitely display-worthy. The brand's vinegars are impressive our review Preston Lane Terrace View Hand Set "Lightly scented soaps and lotions are always appreciated as useful and thoughtful items," Spencer said. Associate writer Maxwell Shukuya likes this sophisticated set from Preston Lane, which is infused with fragrance notes like bergamot and our review Graf Lantz Bierfilzl Square Felt Coasters, 6-Pack These minimalist coasters from Graf Lantz are made of merino wool, a super absorbent material that also protects your host's tables from spills and scratches. They come in various color palettes as well as circle and square shapes. FarmSteady Fresh Cheese Making Kit A cheese-making kit is such a unique gift for the host who likes to experiment in the kitchen. FarmSteady has plenty of other types of cheese-making kits, as well as baking kits and fermentation kits. Ferrari Brut Rosé If you're celebrating something special, bring your host a bottle of sparkling wine — made of 60% pinot noir and 40% Chardonnay — instead of the usual Champagne for a toast. By Anthropologie Floral Bookshelf Game This board game has a unique floral design they've probably never seen before. Enjoy the delights of the classic game of Monopoly, then keep it stored in a beautiful fabric box that can be placed on your host's bookshelf. Saltverk Icelandic Salt Gift Box, 4-Pack Adventurous cooks will love this mix of unrefined, flavored Icelandic salts. The perfectly flaky salts are made with geothermal energy, leaving zero carbon footprint — and did we mention they taste amazing? Diptyque Feu de Bois/Wood Fire Candle Scented gifts like candles require some extra thought, but they aren't off the table. "Scents are tricky, but if you get one in a beautiful container it won't matter if the host/hostess doesn't care for the scent,' says Kraut, who highly recommends Diptyque's beloved candles (so do our editors!). Anthropologie Eden Pitcher If you know what kind of home decor they like, a pitcher — like this gorgeous one from Anthropologie — is a practical gift that will go a long way for the host. They can use it as a vase for fresh flowers or to hold batch cocktails. UrbanStems The Renewal For the host with a jungle-like apartment, an addition to their plant collection is a thoughtful gift idea. This vibrant pink anthurium caught our eye because it will add a pop of color to their space. Crate & Barrel Tondo Acacia Round Serving Board This classic and clean serving board will give your host a new vessel to display their most delicious party snacks and treats. This is also a great gift for the host who just moved, since they might need a new serving board. Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 While most folks like to show up with a bottle of wine, Swann said she prefers gifting potted herbs. Go one step further and offer this hydroponic garden, which will yield fresh herbs year-round. Burlap & Barrel 6-Pack Spice Gift Set Burlap & Barrel makes single-origin spices from 26 countries around the world, and our home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel is seriously obsessed. This gift set comes with six of the brand's most popular spices — such as Black Lime and Purple Stripe Garlic — so they can add flavor to nearly any homemade meal. Apotheke Mini Candle & Reed Diffuser Gift Set Kraut says aromatherapy products are popular host gifts, too. This Cardamom Chestnut-scented set from Apotheke not only looks beautiful but will also fill your host's home with notes of roasted chestnuts, creamy vanilla and warm woods. This set is also available in a Black Cypress scent. Compartés World's Best Chocolate Assortment These are nothing like the boxed chocolates from the drugstore. This luxe assortment from Compartés is filled with over 2 pounds of the brand's handmade chocolates. You'll find everything from nuts to caramels to chocolate-covered fruit and more. Aesop Resurrection Duet It's definitely more of a splurge, but you'll be sure to impress your host with this high-end hand soap and cream set from Aesop. Patel thinks it's a great gift for any host, even if you don't know them that well. Tailgating Pros Cornhole Boards If you're attending a barbecue or know they have an outdoor space, a new cornhole set can be the perfect gift. It doubles as an activity that gets all the guests involved. The following FAQs have been answered by etiquette experts Lisa Mirza Grotts, Kristi Spencer and Elaine Swann. Do you always need to bring a gift for the host? Do you always need to bring a gift for the host? The answer is yes, according to Grotts. 'A small yet meaningful gift not only shows your graciousness,' she said, 'but also acknowledges their effort in hosting.' However, Spencer said the 'formality can give way' once you're more familiar and have returned the favor by hosting them. How much should you spend on a gift for a host? How much should you spend on a gift for a host? While the exact range varied between the experts we interviewed, they all agreed the gift doesn't have to be expensive. 'The key is to focus on small luxuries,' Grotts said. 'In other words, items that feel special yet remain budget-friendly.' Want a more concrete number? The experts we spoke to offered ranges from $0 to $100, though they all agreed the sweet spot is toward the lower end. What host gifts should you skip? What host gifts should you skip? Our etiquette experts mentioned three common pitfalls. First, don't pick a gift just because you like it, Swann said. Instead, think about what would bring the host joy. Another common mistake is to opt for home decor when you don't know or understand the host's style, Grotts said. (Save that for the people you know well!) Finally, if you bring wine, don't expect the host to open it that night, Spencer said, as they may already have a wine pairing in mind. To alleviate some pressure, tell them they can enjoy the wine later. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on shopping for a host gift. Lisa Mirza Grotts, etiquette consultant and author of 'A Traveler's Passport to Etiquette in a Post-Pandemic World' Carolyn Kraut, owner of Hands of Time Concierge Kristi Spencer, etiquette instructor and founder of The Polite Company Elaine Swann, etiquette expert, founder of The Swann School of Protocol and author of 'Let Crazy Be Crazy' We know you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why CNN Underscored editors carefully curate each gift guide to include a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you're shopping for (though, if you're seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means we really love them). To make sure each gift you give is a hit, we include products hand-tested by our team, foolproof presents we've given to someone (or have been given), the newest products from our favorite brands and other trending items taking over our social feeds. For this guide, associate editor Jillian Tracy, associate writer Maxwell Shukuya and home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel found thoughtful presents for the host by speaking to experts and using our team's gifting expertise.
