You’ve sent in your RSVPs, narrowed down your potential outfits (and if not, I’m one DM away), and now it’s time to think about gifts for your hosts. Because no matter the occasion, showing up empty-handed is never the move.

Take my advice: skip the bottle of wine. It’s thoughtful, but it doesn’t exactly delight. Instead, lean into gifts that feel personal or just a touch unexpected. Lately, I’ve been loving practical-but-pretty kitchen pieces — think: Porta’s paring knives (a pop of color for her prep routine) or this bamboo pizza cutter, which somehow makes slicing a pie feel chic.

A luxe hand scrub like the Naomi After-Cooking Hand Scrub is one of those “why don’t I already own this?” gifts every host – especially the ones who cook – appreciates. And since you already know that she loves a party then a witty coffee-table book like A Screaming Blast or the incredibly charming hosting guide Having People Over are sure to delight.

Entertaining extras are always a hit. Elizabeth Lake’s cocktail napkins are cheeky, embroidered, and destined for her next cocktails-and-canapés night. Small luxuries like the Gohar World lemon squeezers or their mother-of-pearl spoons never disappoint.

And when in doubt, choose a “safe” but elevated one-size-fits-all gift: a chic set of cheese knives or a table game like We’re Not Really Strangers are easy wins.

Below, a quick hit list filled with chic hostess gifts.

SHOPPING LIST