Planning life’s most delightful moments!
Cheree’s Picks: 12 Gift Ideas Any Holiday Host Would Adore
November 30, 2023
Twas the end of the year and all through the calendar, not a weekend was free. Heck, not even a Tuesday! The parties and potlucks would be festive and fun, but the guests all wondered: “Does the host really want a candle that smells like a cinnamon bun?”
The holi-daze is officially upon us, complete with decorations, libations and lots of celebrations. Cocktail parties, ornament exchanges, cookie decorating competitions, ugly sweater get-togethers – the December revelry roster is a merry-thon, not a sprint.
In the heat of the hustle and bustle, showing appreciation to your hosts is a non-negotiable in the good guest etiquette handbook. But finding a thoughtful gift that stands out in a sea of scarf-clad wine bottles and holiday-scented candles takes time (and brainpower) most of us simply don’t have right now.
We take thought-showing quite seriously at Cheree Berry Paper & Design but aim to keep the execution easy as apple pie. So, I’ve personally compiled 12 of my favorite unique host gifts that will rise to any occasion.
And to top all these go-to gifts off, I’m sharing the perfect inscription to jot down on one of our personalized enclosure cards. You’ll arrive with a present that feels sincere and special without breaking a sweat and be the holly-jolliest elf at every party this season!
Feel free to strike “Search for host gifts” off your to-do list and simply enjoy every soirée that comes your way.
A Gift for the Hosts Who Pop the Confetti Like It’s Champagne: All-Occasion Celebratory Notecards
Cheree Berry Paper & Design Happy Day Boxed Set
$28
A revamp of our oh-so-popular notecard design with all the same luxurious touches: double-thick paper stock with foil stamping and a painted edge, plus a celebratory foil-stamped envelope liner. Happy Day, indeed!
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Thank you for your hospitality – you make the holidays even happier!
A Gift for the Hosts Who’re Already Planning Ahead: Handmade 2024 Calendar
The Dolphin Studio 2024 Calendar
$83
One of my personal annual purchases! The family-owned Dolphin Studio has offered these stunning calendars in a limited run each year since 1970. The original, whimsical silkscreen prints – each designed by a different family member – will bring smiles and style to any room.
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Thank you for inviting me to the event of the year – I’ve been looking forward to it for months!
A Gift for the Hosts Who Deserve All the Credit: Stylish Card Case
Clare V. Card Case
$99-135
‘Tis the season to spend moolah. If you have to reach for your charge card continuously, you might as well store it in a case that’s convenient and trés chic to boot. Choose the neon stripe color and customize with a foil-stamped or hand-painted monogram for something extra special.
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Thank you for welcoming us into your home – you’re a first-rate party thrower!
A Gift for the Hosts Who Put the “Present” in Presentation: Personalized Wrapping Paper
Cheree Berry Paper & Design Personalized Wrapping Paper
$95
Gift-giving is often the love language of holiday hosts. Help them take their own gifting to the next level with gorgeous personalized wrapping paper. These eclectic stripe patterns pop under any tree but are evergreen by design to cover all your gift-boxing bases 365.
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Thanks for hosting – nobody wraps up a year like you!
A Gift for the Hosts Who Trim an Eclectic Tree: Hand-Picked Ornament
Biscuit Home Ornament
Prices vary
Whether your host loves pickleball, pancakes or even pot brownies, Biscuit Home has a bauble for everyone. I know I’m not really going out on a gifting limb here, but with options for nearly every hobby or hankering under the sun, these ornaments never fail to get prime pine placement.
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Thanks for having us – we always have the best time hanging with you!
A Gift for the Hosts Who Channel Their Inner Ina: Olive Oil and Salt Cellar Pairing
Williams Sonoma Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Noel Bottle
$69.95
Williams Sonoma Olivewood Salt Cellar
$29.95
No need to throw salt over the shoulder for luck – if there are two ingredients that chefs reach for most, it’s high-quality salt and EVOO. Hosts will keep both this beautiful bottle and grained-wood salt cellar within arm’s reach and think of you fondly as they season throughout the season.
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Thanks for a lovely evening – your dinner parties deserve a chef’s kiss!
A Gift for the Hosts Who Need Some Separation from the Grocery Store: Cheese of the Month Membership
Murray’s Cheese Cheese Explorer’s Club
$70/month for a three-month subscription
A monthly shipment of unique cheeses from this New York-based cheese monger will melt hearts like a smooth fondue. This gift is a bit pricier than our other recommendations, so you could always consider a gift card instead for your fromage-loving friend.
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When it comes to hosting, you’re better than gouda– you’re grate! Thank you for a fabulous night.
A Gift for the Hosts Who Subscribe to the Culture & Style Section: Assouline Coffee Table Book
Assouline Coffee Table Book
Prices vary
No one does coffee table books like Assouline. Their eye-catching covers, striking spines and stunning photos shine in any interior space. From Barbie to St. Barths, fashion to Formula 1, these books sit on many a CBP coffee table.
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Thank you for inviting us – your parties are always one for the books!
A Gift for the Hosts Who’re Constantly Raising the Bar: Personalized Cocktail Napkins
Cheree Berry Paper & Design Personalized Cocktail Napkins
Starting at $160
This gift is perfect for the friend who wants guests to drink in every thoughtful detail. Hosts can put this personalized letterpress paperie out at the party for immediate libation gratification or stash them in their cocktail napkin drawer (trust us, they have one) to make that Wednesday night glass of Pinot extra special.
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Thank you for having us and making our spirits bright!
A Gift for the Hosts Who Appreciate Good Ambiance: Portable Yet Totally Adorable Table Lamp
Ban.do Skittle Lamp – Pink
$80
Your host will never be left in the dark with this aesthetically pleasing portable lamp that holds a charge for 45 hours, dims, changes colors and doubles as a wireless charger. I have two of these and am, in a word, obsessed.
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What a delight to be invited tonight! Thanks for including us.
A Gift for the Hosts Who Like a Bit of Razzle-Bedazzle: Dolly Parton Felt Portrait Print
Sam Sidney Dolly Parton Print
Starts at $50
Deck the halls with Dolly! There’s only one Dolly Parton, but for the friend who knows “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap,” a signed felt portrait print of the inimitable Dolly will be cherished like the cultural icon herself.
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Heartfelt thanks for having us at your holiday party!
A Gift for the Hosts Who Get Sentimental Singing “Auld Lang Syne:” Personalized Holiday Card Keepsake Book
Cheree Berry Paper & Design Personalized Holiday Card Keepsake Book
$140
An item that allows you to relive treasured times gone by, this really is the gift that keeps on giving joy. Our personalized keepsake book archives your annual holiday cards (and any other precious paperie you wish to preserve!) in one place so that a nostalgic trip down memory lane is always within reach.
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Thank you for hosting us – we always leave with memories to last a lifetime.
With These Thoughtful Host Gifts, You’re Sure to Land on the Nice List This Year
Opening your home to friends and family during the busiest time of year is a major undertaking for any party host, so a thoughtful gift goes a long way in showing your appreciation and strengthening your friendships. Arriving empty-handed is party faux pas number one, so stock up on intentional gifts now that will stand out next to other guests’ last-minute selections (we’re looking at you, pine-scented diffuser and initial coffee mug…).
Don’t forget to show yourself some love too. Our personalized gift enclosure cards and wrapping paper elevate your host gifts and ensures your present doesn’t get lost in the pile or mistaken for another’s after a long night of revelry.
Merry gifting to all and to all a good party!
xo, Cheree