If you know me, or if you’ve followed me for a while, you likely know that I love hosting. Whether I’m having girlfriends over for a wine night or pulling off a big Thanksgiving feast, there’s nothing I enjoy more than cooking, decorating, and spending time with friends and family.
I typically host Thanksgiving at my house and can’t wait to do it again this year. However, when I’m not hosting, I always make a point to bring a gift. Hostess gifts can sometimes feel challenging because you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, but you might also want to go beyond a bottle of wine or fresh flowers. That’s where I come in!
I recently went to Target and found a handful of festive goodies, added them to a basket I got from a local shop, and had a thoughtful hostess gift prepped in no time. Although you might think it’s odd to gift Christmas finds during Thanksgiving, it’s actually much more practical. By opting for Christmas themed gifts, you’re giving the host a chance to enjoy them for the coming month. Sure, you might be drawn to buy your Thanksgiving host a leaf shaped platter or fall wreath, but after the holiday, they’ll have to put it away and store it until next year.
These hostess gifts are affordable (they’re all under $30), can be found at Target (except for the wine!), and are sure to be adored for the season ahead.
Matanzas Creek Alexander Valley Merlot
A good bottle of wine is a no-brainer hostess gift in my book. Many of you followed my recent visit to Matanzas Creek Winery in Bennett Valley, so you likely know that they’re not only one of Sonomoa County’s leading producers of Sauvignon Blanc, but also produce exceptional Merlot. I love this one!
Whiskey & Lace Wine Club members get 20% off of the wines on yourwinestore.com. Sign up here!
Mini Faux Wreath Toppers
Although these little wreaths are meant to be gift toppers, I used one on the wine bottle to add a festive touch. Just slide it down the neck of the bottle and you’re set! Another cute way these can be reused: Add a small candle holder in the center of the wreath and place it on a coffee table.
Snowflake Spoon Rest
Anyone who cooks a lot will appreciate this winter spoon rest. I like that it’s fairly neutral with just a slight pop of color. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe so you can easily clean it after making a messy soup or sticky cinnamon roll recipe.
Flour Sack Kitchen Towel
These flour sack towels are the best—they’re super soft and slightly oversized. Just roll the towel up and tie a bow around it, or use it to wrap the wine bottle with. Trust me, this gift will be highly appreciated during post-dinner cleanup.
Cypress & Pine Seasonal Candle
Who doesn’t totally fangirl over a good seasonal candle? This one has woodsy pine and cypress aromas and comes in an adorable tin. It’s also available in a cozy firewood scent.
Plaid Gift Tin
Add some baked goods to this gift tin or stash some savory snacks inside. Either route you take, this tin can be used to tote along treats before being put on display.
Holiday Potholder Set
Another kitchen essential with a holiday twist: these cheerful potholders! They both have loops so you can hang them from a hook or rack, but they’d also look cute just resting on a countertop.
Plaid Holiday Oven Mitt
Baking cookies for Santa will be much more chic with this plaid oven mitt. It pairs perfectly with the matching potholders and the plaid tin.
Faux Pine Tree
Last but certainly not least, this faux pine tree would make an adorable addition to a nightstand or coffee table. Tie a red, green, or gold bow around the pot to take it up a notch. After the holiday season ends, the hostess you gift this to will surely appreciate that it’s not bulky to store until next year.