Southern Designers Love To Bring These Gifts For Hosts

You (hopefully!) know by now that a great dinner party guest never shows up without a little token of appreciation in hand for their host. “I’m keen on giving host gifts that evoke warmth, charm, and a sense of shared experiences,” comments Elle Cole, the founder of Elle Cole Interiors in Dallas, Texas. “The gesture of giving a carefully selected host gift is a wonderful way to show your gratitude and will leave a positive, lasting impression.”

Below, Southern designers share their go-to picks for the hosts in their lives—all of which go beyond the standard bottle of wine or box of chocolates you might usually snag at the last minute. The following items are sure to guarantee that you receive an invite back, trust us!

Candles and Fresh Blooms

Kara Miller, the founder of Kara Miller Interiors in Jupiter, Florida, always likes to give candles and a bouquet of flowers and often picks up Linnea’s Lights “Cashmere” scent. “I think having a signature scent for the home really enhances the atmosphere, and I truly believe a space isn’t complete without fresh flowers or greenery,” she comments

Stylish Tabletop Accessories

Michelle Tremont Boyd, the founder of Michelle Tremont Boyd Interiors in Alexandria, Virginia, likes to present her favorite hosts with entertaining related items. “Amanda Lindroth has the best summer entertaining tabletop accessories,” she says, citing the Abaco Serving Set and the Island Wrapped Pitcher as two of her top picks. “Add a batched cocktail to the pitcher in advance to enjoy at the party.” 

Chic table linens are another crowd pleaser. Lauren McKay, the founder of Lauren McKay Interiors in Raleigh, North Carolina, is eyeing the table linens by Schumacher for Matouk to give as gifts. “The citrus garden pattern is playful and so Southern,” she says. 

Cocktail napkins are a nice alternative to a tablecloth, particularly if your host is entertaining in a small space and doesn’t set a full-sized dining table. “I love these hand-embroidered cocktail napkins from Ibu Movement,” notes Jill Howard, adding that the company partners with women artisans around the world. “This is a gift you can feel good about that also happens to be incredibly chic and useful,” says the founder of Jill Howard Design Studio in Charleston, South Carolina. 

Melissa Colgan, the founder of Melissa Colgan Interiors in Washington, D.C., also likes to present a host with something that she can use at a future get together and is partial to “beautiful and unique platters that make the lift of hosting a bit lighter and certainly more stylish.” 

Lastly, a wine holder or champagne bucket is another timeless, functional piece that any host will love. Mallory Mathison, the Atltanta, Georgia, based founder of Mallory Mathison, Inc., likes to show up with a wicker drinking sleeve holding a bottle of wine ready to serve. 

A Bit of Entertainment

No one can ever own too many coffee table books, right? Treat a friend to a new release that caters to their interests and style. “I recently bought At the Artisan’s Table by Jane Schulak and David Stark and will get another copy for a gift the next time I need one,” says Laura Casey, the founder of Laura Casey Interiors in Charlotte, North Carolina. “I especially love the sections on chinoiserie and blue and white.”

Playing cards are classic gift that will always be in style. “A truly beautiful deck of cards should never be underestimated,” says Lieve Saether, who likes this elevated blue twin pack and is the the founder of Turnstyle Design in Austin, Texas.

A Beautiful Decorative Object

Everyone can appreciate an eye-catching accent piece. Audrey Curl says that her object of choice is a paperweight. “There are so many wonderful designs available and they can be selected to reflect the homeowner’s interiors and tastes,” explains the founder of Audrey Curl Interiors in San Antonio, Texas. “They look great on coffee tables, stacks of books, or at a desk organizing papers.”

A catchall tray is also equal parts stylish and functional. “There are so many fun color and pattern options available, making it a thoughtful and practical gift,” explains Sarah McCarty, the founder of Northern Virginia-based Sarah McCarty Interiors. “They're perfect for entryway tables, nightstands, and bathroom countertops.”