From elegant table linens to cozy throws, discover unique hostess gift ideas — carefully curated by Fine Linen and Bath — to show your appreciation for seasonal hospitality.
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The holidays are our favorite time of year...and the invitations are piling up! But before the merry-making can begin, all good guests wrestle with finding the perfect gift to thank their host or hostess for the seasonal hospitality. This gift guide from Fine Linen and Bath takes the worry out of gifting with a curated list of personal, practical, and sure-to-be appreciated hostess gifts for your favorite host or hostess.
Finding A Great Hostess Gift: A Seasonal Quandary
There's something so magical about the holiday season. Gathering with family and friends, savoring special delights, and forging treasured memories to last a lifetime. If you're on a few guest lists this holiday season, congratulations on being great company!
Like any good guest, you'll want to find the perfect way to thank your hosts and show your appreciation. And sometimes a bottle of wine or fresh flowers just won't do. But not to worry: the design team here at Fine Linen and Bath is here with a curated gift guide of memorable gift ideas perfect for saying thanks for holiday hospitality. Read on for inspiration for thoughtful hostess gift ideas and maybe something special to fill your own stocking.
Pro Tip: Stock up on a few of these treasures to have at the ready for those delightful last-minute invitations that invariably crop up during the season.
Set the Scene (and the Table) with Festive Linens
Deck Their Halls with SFERRA Embroidered Cocktail Napkins
A great gift idea! The SFERRA collection of embroidered cocktail napkins represents the perfect blend of luxury and practicality. Made from pure 100% linen and adorned with intricate embroidery and the SFERRA signature hemstitch, these festive cloth napkins add a touch of sophistication to any holiday gathering. Crafted in Lithuania and sold in sets of four, they're perfect for serving holiday drinks and appetizers — whether your host is mixing cocktail recipes or showcasing wine pairings throughout the season.
SFERRA Bagatelle: Celebrate the season with Christmas ornament cocktail napkins featuring an embroidered string light motif in multicolor on pure white linen, adding seasonal charm to any celebration.
SFERRA Fiocco: Elegant bow designs add a festive flourish to holiday entertaining with charming embroidered details perfect for home bartending and food and drinks presentations.
SFERRA Luci: Classic holiday style with a stylish string light motif in red/green or gold/silver colorways. Luci napkins bring seasonal charm to any celebration, creating the perfect seasonal mood for festive gatherings.
SFERRA Quadrato Napkin Rings: Polished Finishing Touches
Level up any table setting with SFERRA Quadrato Napkin Rings. These sophisticated home accents add a polished finishing touch to dinner parties and holiday meals. Available in classic White or dramatic Black, these napkin rings elevate any table setting from casual to refined with artisan touches. The geometric design complements both traditional and modern décor, making them a versatile hostess gift that coordinates beautifully with any style for every seasonal event.
Matouk Reversible Placemats: An Inspiring Addition to the Table
The Matouk Reversible Placemat Collection is an inspiring addition to the table, where each mat is thoughtfully designed with two layers of fabric and padding for added dimension. Showcasing a mix of prints and solids, these reversible pieces are finished with tape trim and diamond quilting, blending structure with ease. Made in the USA from 100% cotton fabric sourced from Europe and cotton/polyester filling, these placemats combine heritage designs from Schumacher with modern functionality.
The Matouk Reversible Placemats are available in six stunning colorway pairings.
Luxury Bath Essentials: Practical Hostess Gift Ideas
Abyss Paleo Hand Towels: Everyday Luxury
For hosts who appreciate the finer things, Abyss Paleo Hand Towels make an exceptional hostess gift. Known for creating the finest luxury bath linens, Abyss crafts these towels from the finest Egyptian cotton for unmatched softness and durability. The showstopper here is the meticulously embroidered peacock feather.
The Abyss Paleo Hand Towels' rich hues of emerald green, deep blue, and warm copper create a striking contrast against the towel's white backdrop, adding a touch of sophistication and nature-inspired beauty.
Matouk Lowell Tissue Box Cover in Scarlet
From Matouk's iconic and best-selling collection, the Lowell Tissue Box Cover is an elegant addition to the home environment with its exquisite tailoring and a tasteful sateen trim in statement-making scarlet.
The Matouk Lowell Tissue Box Cover is made from Italian linen with sateen cotton trim.
Cozy Comfort: Hostess Gifts for Relaxation
Alashan Double-Faced Classic Cashmere Blend Throw: The Ultimate in Cozy Luxury
Cozy up in a unique blend of fine Mongolian cashmere and Australian merino wool with the Alashan Double-Faced Classic Cashmere Blend Throw. Crafted from 95% Ultra Fine Merino and 5% Super Fine Inner Mongolian Cashmere this double-faced woven throw comes in nine timeless color pairings. This exceptional plush throw blanket delivers the ultimate in style, warmth, and comfort.
The Alashan Double-Faced Classic Cashmere Blend Throw measures 50" x 70" including fringe, it's perfectly sized for snuggling or elegant draping.
Pine Cone Hill Fab Faux Throw and Decorative Pillow
For hosts who love texture and style, the Pine Cone Hill Fab Faux collection offers stunning faux fur luxury in four sophisticated shades: Mineral, Sand, Olive, and Ivory. The coordinating throw and decorative pillow create an instant style upgrade for any living space. Incredibly soft and visually striking, this faux fur adds cozy glamour to holiday décor while being practical enough for everyday use.
The Pine Cone Hill Fab Faux throw measures 50" x 70" and the pillow is 22” x 22.”
Create Warm, Inviting Spaces with NEST Candles
NEST New York candles create the perfect seasonal mood at any holiday party or intimate gathering.
NEST New York Bamboo Candle: Tranquil Elegance
Create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere with the NEST New York Bamboo Candle. This bestselling fragrance features a luxurious blend of white florals, lush green notes, and hints of sparkling citrus that transports you to a tranquil garden. Housed in a beautiful glass vessel with elegant frosted stripes, the candle complements any décor while burning cleanly and evenly for up to 60 hours with the Classic Candle or 100 hours with the 3-Wick version.
Fine Linen and Bath: Your Hostess Gift Destination
At Fine Linen and Bath, we want to be your source for finding the perfect hostess gift that fits your taste and budget. We hope you've found some inspiration in this gift guide. As always, our design team is here as your personal concierge shoppers; feel free to give us a call or drop an email for personalized recommendations and advice. We'll help you source a great gift to take to your next holiday party or gathering (or even the perfect present for yourself or a loved one).
We wish you the very best this holiday season. And cheers to meaningful and memorable celebrations!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hostess Gifts
What is a good hostess gift for the holidays?
A good hostess gift is something your host or hostess can use that appropriately conveys your gratitude for their hospitality. There is no one ideal gift to purchase, but you will find many unique gift ideas in the blog above. Items like embroidered cocktail napkins, luxury hand towels, and elegant throws combine beauty with functionality, ensuring your gift will be both appreciated and used.
What do you bring to hosts at Christmas?
A nice bottle of wine or other spirit is a good place to start, but we like giving our hosts a thoughtful, unique gift that reflects a bit more. This is why we recommend gifts that mark a special occasion (for example, holiday-themed cocktail napkins) or that will be used and loved, like a cozy cashmere throw or elegant napkin rings. Whether it's for a formal dinner party or casual holiday party, we always say the best gift is the one your host or hostess will use! Consider wine pairings accessories or items that enhance food and drinks presentations.
What is the etiquette for hostess gifts?
Bringing a host or hostess gift to any event where you are invited is a thoughtful gesture and an essential part of dinner party etiquette. Do not expect your host or hostess to open the gift in front of you. Present it to them upon your arrival. The gift should be something for the host to enjoy, not necessarily something to be used during the event itself (unless it's something like wine or chocolates that can be shared immediately).
What is a good inexpensive hostess gift that is also a thoughtful gift?
A set of SFERRA embroidered cocktail napkins or a beautiful NEST Bamboo Candle will make excellent hostess gifts that won’t break the bank. These are favorite gift ideas among the Fine Linen and Bath team. Both offer genuine luxury at accessible price points and are practical items that hosts will genuinely appreciate and use.
What to bring to a party when you don't know the host?
If you don't know the hosts well, bring a small token of your appreciation for their hospitality. Universally appropriate options include elegant cocktail napkins, a luxury candle, or quality hand towels. If you don't know the background or culture of your host, you may wish to avoid giving any type of alcohol or any personalized gift. Stick with classic, tasteful items that work in any home.
Do you bring a hostess gift to a holiday party?
It is always a thoughtful idea to bring a host or hostess gift of some kind to a holiday party, whether it is a formal sit-down dinner party or a more informal cocktail gathering. The formality of your gift can match the formality of the event, but the gesture of bringing something shows appreciation for your host's efforts in creating a special seasonal event. Even for casual gatherings where guests might be mixing an Aperol spritz or sharing simple appetizers, a thoughtful gift elevates the occasion.
How do I choose between different hostess gift ideas?
Consider your host's style and the type of event. For formal dinner parties, elegant table linens like embroidered napkins or napkin rings are perfect. For casual gatherings, a cozy throw or scented candle works beautifully. If you know your host's color preferences or décor style, choose items that complement their home. When in doubt, classic neutrals and timeless designs are always a safe and appreciated choice.
