Whether it's a Friday night dinner or a holiday soirée, it's good etiquette to bring your host a gift. And while his or her go-to bottle of wine will be appreciated, we think you could do better (or at least introduce them to other varietals!). Your host is a natural entertainer, one who is not just the source of the party, but the heartbeat of it, too. To show your gratitude, bring one of these thoughtful gifts along.
Try entertaining-centric options that they can use at their next event (think hand-embroidered napkins and a stunning cake stand) or elevated presents to pull out after the party has ended (think cashmere-lined gloves and a Parisian-inspired mug). We're particularly fond of the gifts that err on the side of the unexpected: They likely didn't know that they needed a vase made of wax, for example, but once they see it, they won't want to be without it.
Ahead, more inspired gifts for your very own hostess.
Related: 25 Gifts That Will Impress Your Parents and In-Laws, According to Our Editors
Here's a classic, do-anything pitcher she can use for serving iced coffee at brunch, pouring batch cocktails at dinner, or presenting a beautiful arrangement of blooms.
For the host that bakes with their whole heart, this romantic shortbread baking pan is a must. Each slice of dessert is printed with a heart encasing a wildflower.
You've head of a beer flight and a wine flight—but are you familiar with a date flight? With four different date types and five included recipes, this thoughtful tasting box is perfect for the host with adventurous tastebuds.
The gorgeous green color is a subtle nod to the holidays, but really this botanical print works all year round.
These are the most irresistible eye candy for her mantle, her table, her desk, wherever—plus it's like buying her a candle and a holder all in one.
Somehow this ultra-chic cake stand manages to look both retro and refreshingly modern at the same time.
Both beautiful and functional, this serving piece can be filled with olives, spreads, oils, salts, spices, and more.
Your host will likely be given a bottle (or several) of wine at their soirée—so, why not gift them something to tote it around in? This unique carrier is made with merino wool felt—a natural insulator that offers soft, but durable protection when they bring their new bottle to their favorite BYO.
These reusable—and compostable!—dish rags look way nicer than any paper towel roll ever could.
Whether your host is a Francophile or not, they'll love this mosaic mug inspired by sidewalk cafés and bistros in Paris.
After holiday cooking, your host's spice cabinet is likely running on empty. Help them re-stock with this seasonally inspired sea salt sampler. For winter, the offerings include sea salt, rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley.
Give her bar cart an upgrade with this sleek marble wine chiller that looks as good empty as it does doing its job.
Wow her with these hand-blown colored glasses made by artisans in Poland—they come in a plethora of colors, but we're partial to this soft rosy pink.
Made of gorgeous black marble, this tray will elevate the look of charcuterie, cheese boards, butter boards, and other small bites.
Brought to you by the first Vietnamese woman-run winery in Napa, this box comes with six bottles of wine, recipes, pairing ideas, wine notes, and the Southeast Asian sampler from Omsom (a meal spice starter pack that is full of fiery Vietnamese, Thai, and Filipino flavors).
With their simple, classic coastal style these made-in-the-U.S.A. coasters will pack a big nautical punch on any table she sets.
This gentle hand wash is the perfect gift for the host that appreciates an aesthetically pleasing bathroom. The sleek bottle looks great next to the sink and the formula—a blend of sweet orange, cedarwood, and sage—will have users' hands smelling fresh and feeling clean.
This leather case feels way more sophisticated than a humdrum keychain.
For the foodie, this roasted garlic-chili sauce is a thoughtful present on its own or in a gift basket. Made with roasted garlic, lemon, oil, a mix of Indian spices, and red chili powder, the spread has a spicy, savory, and sweet flavor suitable for any palate.
She can light this candle, with notes of cardamom, plum blossom, tobacco leaves, and dark chocolate, at her next cocktail party—or just save it for her next movie night at home.
It'll look like you're gifting her a family heirloom, but really, these stunning hand-embroidered linen napkins were made in Egypt.
This elegant, hand-crafted vase made of wax was actually designed to hold water, so she can fill it with fresh flowers every time she goes to the farmers' market.
A medium to full-bodied red with notes of red berries and a touch of cocoa is the perfect wine to gift when you're not sure what her actual favorite is.
These leather and cashmere-lined gloves are the perfect accessory for the occasions when she goes out and is a guest, not a host.
A box of these fancy matches makes a great go-with gift alongside a pretty candle or a set of tapers.
These vessels might look like vintage earthenware pieces bought at a faraway bazaar, but really, you don't need to go far for this gift—add a small plant from your local flower shop and you're set.