back to home Browse by Interest The Traveler The Nester The Beauty Buff The Best Dressed The Trendsetter The Tech Obsessed The Foodie The Party Host The Plant Parent The Change Maker The Self-Care Pro The Work BFF The Curious Kid (& Tween) The Pet Lover The Fitness Fanatic The Outdoor Enthusiast share social_close Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email The Party Host Mom’s best advice was never to show up anywhere empty handed and we couldn’t agree more. This list has the best host and hostess gifts, entertaining gifts, and all-around party-making gifts. Be sure to pick up one (or two!) before you head to this year’s holiday dinner. Craft Cocktail Set As a former apartment dweller and current owner of a narrow galley kitchen, I’ve learned a thing or two about utilizing storage space. And as entertaining at home returns, I’m happy to have this pared-down cocktail set at hand. It comes with all the essentials for mixing my favorite drinks without completely overwhelming my bar cart. -Caitlin Sole, Digital Home Editor, Better Homes & Gardens To Buy: $46; amazon.com Read: The Essential Cocktails Everyone Should Know How to Make BUY NOW Estelle Colored Glass Decanter This hand-blown glass decanter makes a special gift for the effortless entertainer or the friend who lives for statement pieces. There are tons of colors available, but I’m partial to the pretty pink blush. I love that this collection was inspired by founder Stephanie Summerson Hall’s own grandmother, Estelle, and how her memories of home created such beautiful and meaningful treasures. -Krissy Tiglias, Executive Editor, Southern Living To Buy: $150; estellecoloredglass.com Read: How to Set Up the Perfect Holiday Bar Cart BUY NOW Crate & Barrel Willsberger Champagne Glasses Ever since studying gastronomy in Reims, France, I've been meaning to buy a proper set of champagne glasses. The only glass recommended by our professor was the tulip shape. While I can't personally deliver an entire lecture on champagne's fizz, I do recall how much better the same champagne tasted in a tulip glass versus others—the tulip-shaped glass traps the effervescence and helps the champagne stay bubbly for longer. -Diana Moutsopoulos, Senior Editor SEO, Allrecipes To Buy: $52 for set of 4; crateandbarell.com Read: Everything You Need to Know About Champagne BUY NOW Bloomscape Mini Money Tree The Money Tree is named for the Feng Shui belief that it will foster positive energy and bring good luck to its owner—what’s a better gift than that? It’s nearly impossible to kill, and, with its palm-like leaves, the tree adds a fun tropical twist to any room. -Heather Morgan Shott, Senior Director Content Strategy (Home), Southern Living, Martha Stewart, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple To Buy: $49; bloomscape.com Read: The Easy to Grow Money Tree Is Also Considered Good Luck BUY NOW Matouk Iconic Leopard Napkins These luxurious linen napkins feature a fun, modern take on a classic prin. They make such a great gift because it’s the kind of thing most people wouldn’t splurge on for themselves. On that note, maybe I’ll add these to my wishlist... -Sade Strehlke, Digital Director, Shape To Buy: $135 for set of 4; matouk.com Read: How to Set a Table for Every Kind of Event BUY NOW Mosser Glass Jadeite 9” Cake Plate If someone you love is always trying out new recipes—cupcakes, bread, brownies, whatever—this stand is an elegant way to showcase their creations after they put so much hard work into the baking. Truth be told, it even makes a store-bought cake look chic! -Cassie Hurwitz, Assistant Lifestyle Editor, Parents To Buy: from $45; onekingslane.com Read: 9 Essential Ingredients Every Baker Should Have on Hand BUY NOW Piecework Rise & Shine Puzzle I do a 1,000 piece puzzle each Christmas break and I’ve found that Piecework has the most unique, food-centric designs. I mean, who wouldn't want to put a bedazzled banana together? -Sarah Martens, Holidays & Entertaining Editor, Better Homes & Gardens To Buy: $36; pieceworkpuzzles.com Read: 5 Healthy Lifestyle Habits That Can Dramatically Boost Your Brain Health BUY NOW Deluxe Shrub Sampler I love giving gifts that encourage friends to try new things. This shrub sampler is exactly that. Shrubs are made with fruit, and add a tangy zing to a gin and tonic or plain old seltzer. I got really into shrubs during quarantine and found this company that makes them on dreamy Orcas Island, Washington. -Brandi Broxson, Features Editor, Real Simple To Buy: $59; girlmeetsdirt.com Read: How to Make a Ginger-Grapefruit Shrub BUY NOW David’s Tea 24 Days of Matcha This matcha advent calendar gave me something to look forward to each day last year. But it also proved to be the gift that kept on giving—I've been enjoying the different matchas all year long! It comes with so many different flavors, which is perfect for someone who is always up for trying something new. -Rebecca Shinners, Senior Social Media Editor, Health To Buy: $65; davidstea.com Read: How to Make the Perfect Matcha Tea Latte BUY NOW Halfsies Cookie Company Sampler These cookies are decadent, gooey, homemade creations that are vacuum sealed and delivered to your door. The best part is they come cut in half so they're slightly less dangerous—and you won’t feel as guilty trying more than one flavor. -Liz Vaccariello, Editor in Chief, Real Simple To Buy: $22; halfsiescookiecompany.com Read: 51 Beautiful Food Gifts & Packaging Ideas BUY NOW Snowe Home Serving Set I’ve always been a regular hostess and after such a long entertaining hiatus, I’m ready to get back in the game. I’m excited to use these brushed gold utensils to serve up my go-to party dishes, like pasta carbonara and rosemary chicken—they make everything taste that much better! -Sarah Schreiber, Digital Editor, Martha Stewart To Buy: $110; snowehome.com Read: Holiday Decor Entertaining Ideas That Are Simple & Chic BUY NOW Flax Home Cocktail Apron When I’m hosting (or cooking, for that matter) I’m always looking for a dish towel to wipe my hands. This chic, minimal apron will mean I won’t have to anymore, plus it’s less bulky than one that goes over the head. -Cris Pearlstein, Freelance Digital Editor, Real Simple To Buy: $48; us.shopflaxhome.com Read: Holiday Entertaining Ideas That Are Simple & Chic BUY NOW