40 Great Gifts for Dining and Entertaining
Houzz Gift Guide 2010: Hot Ideas for Design-Loving Hosts
Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More »
What on earth do you bring the hostess with the mostest? In this installment of the 2010 Houzz Gift Guide, we've gathered some of the most stylish gifts for those who love to entertain. Some are unique items to bring to the party in lieu of wine, others are extravagant and wedding-gift worthy. Each was picked with parties, the dining room and entertaining in mind.
We'd love your great gift finds, too. Add a link to your best idea for the perfect gift for entertaining in the comments section and tell us why you love it. The Houzz member with most creative idea wins a Crate and Barrel gift card (a little something for you, perhaps?). And come back tomorrow for our next guide to the most stylish gifts of the season.
We'd love your great gift finds, too. Add a link to your best idea for the perfect gift for entertaining in the comments section and tell us why you love it. The Houzz member with most creative idea wins a Crate and Barrel gift card (a little something for you, perhaps?). And come back tomorrow for our next guide to the most stylish gifts of the season.
Houzz friend and author of the design blog chictip, Keren, recommends this "cute serving bowl shaped like a boat with spoons shaped like oars, made of fine ceramic." It's a perfect gift for the entertainter who appreciates nautical and coastal style.
Ceramic Bowl and Wood Spoons
$48.00 for the set
Private Comment
Ceramic Bowl and Wood Spoons
$48.00 for the set
| These soft gray blue placemats give a graphic punch that doesn't sock you in the face or compete with the food. It's just the right amount of pattern to make a tablescape stand out.
Private Comment
2-sided placemat is handprinted on heavyweight 100% certified organic cotton Made in the USA 14.0 H x 20.0 W |
Houzz friend Linda, author of the blog Restyled Home, picked these because "I want to gift them to a friend who loves retro-modern design!"
Set of 4 cocktail napkins.
Each napkin shows an illustration of a different designer chair.
White cotton/poly blend.
Folded size 4 1/4" x 4 1/4", open size 8 1/2" x 8 1/2"
$25.00 for a set of four
Private Comment
Set of 4 cocktail napkins.
Each napkin shows an illustration of a different designer chair.
White cotton/poly blend.
Folded size 4 1/4" x 4 1/4", open size 8 1/2" x 8 1/2"
$25.00 for a set of four
Friend of Houzz Marion, a.k.a. Miss Mustardseed, has picked these plates from Anthropologie because "the soft, hand painted look of these plates would beautifully grace any table, china cupboard or wall. They can be mixed with white china and linens to bring some color to a neutral table."
New bone china
Dishwasher and microwave safe
10.5" diameter
$18.00
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New bone china
Dishwasher and microwave safe
10.5" diameter
$18.00
Perfect for the interior design fan, these floor plan coasters will help you design-saavy hostess keep her wood surfaces ring-free.
Durable enough for several uses
$3.95 for a set of 10
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Durable enough for several uses
$3.95 for a set of 10
Houzz friend Cindy of My Romantic Home says "this 100% linen table runner is a great gift choice! It would look equally beautiful on a casual or formal table! They offer different colors of monogramming but my favorite is the white on white. It's classic and elegant!"
100% Linen
Machine-wash
90" x 16"
$68.00
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100% Linen
Machine-wash
90" x 16"
$68.00
| Thanks to Houzz friend Cindy of My Romantic Home for adding some of her favorite things to our gift guide. Cindy says "This is a beautiful and very elegant way to serve champagne or white wine when you entertain! I love that this product can be monogrammed which makes it a more personalized gift. They also have a smaller version which would be perfect for 1 bottle of champagne!"
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Made of hand-blown glass with a scissor-cut rim and glass footed base. 16" diameter, 14.5" high; 15 quarts (3.75 gallons) $99.00 |
This bowl has created a lot of buzz here at Houzz. When someone asked us to track it down, I was sure it was some $1500 piece of sculpture, but no, this beauty is from Crate and Barrel! Thanks to Happy Interiors for introducing it to us!
Steel wire dipped in antiqued brass
23" dia. x 5"H
$149.00
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Steel wire dipped in antiqued brass
23" dia. x 5"H
$149.00
These three handmade candlesticks are shapely and modern. While their silhouettes grab attention from a distance, it's even more fascinating to look up close and realize they are made from recycled wire.
Set includes:
One small, 13 1/4” x 5 1/2” diam.
One medium, 19 1/4” x 5 1/2” diam.
One large, 22” x 6” diam.
$131.49
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Set includes:
One small, 13 1/4” x 5 1/2” diam.
One medium, 19 1/4” x 5 1/2” diam.
One large, 22” x 6” diam.
$131.49
| Friend of Houzz Marion, a.k.a. Miss Mustardseed, has picked this bowl because "I love the warmth of this serving piece as well as its inscription celebrating family. It’s the perfect modern interpretation of grandmother’s silver."
Private Comment
6" diameter, 4" high Made of brass with an antique silver-plated finish $29.00 |
This pick comes from Houzz Team Member Adi, who says "I saw these at a friend's house and had been planning to get them to end the 'whose wine glass is this?' debate once and for all. It's a fun and affordable gift that can accompany a bottle of wine and make your hostess gift more memorable."
Set of 12
$7.00
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Set of 12
$7.00
Houzz Team Member Kathy says "For someone who loves to entertain, you can never have too many chip n' dips. This is a clever version, that allows for one or multiple dips along with your chips and allows you to do a quick dip refill without taking away the chips."
Ceramic Bowl, Silicon Pouches
Dishwasher Safe
Size: Bowl: 4h x 11"diam., 10 cups;
Pouches: 3h x 4w x 2.5 "d, .5 cups each
$35.00
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Ceramic Bowl, Silicon Pouches
Dishwasher Safe
Size: Bowl: 4h x 11"diam., 10 cups;
Pouches: 3h x 4w x 2.5 "d, .5 cups each
$35.00
This is modeled after the chest where Thomas Jefferson stashed his spirits. A drink caddy this good looking makes it almost acceptable to stock your office bar like it's 1962 and you work for Don Draper.
Six compartments hold bottles up to 3 1/2" dia.
Antiqued solid wood with sturdy brass hardware.
9"h x 13 1/2"w x 8 3/4"d.
Your purchase supports Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation's mission of preservation and education.
$125.00
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Six compartments hold bottles up to 3 1/2" dia.
Antiqued solid wood with sturdy brass hardware.
9"h x 13 1/2"w x 8 3/4"d.
Your purchase supports Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation's mission of preservation and education.
$125.00
There aren't a whole lot of gifts out there that are made from burnt eggshells, and I'm quite sure there aren't any as beautiful as this Vietnamese bamboo bowl.
Food safe.
11 1/2" x 8" x 10 1/4".
$50
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Food safe.
11 1/2" x 8" x 10 1/4".
$50
This antique nickel butter dish is a functional item that will add traditional Monticello style to any table. The little acorn makes it perfect for autumn and winter table settings.
Glass butter dish has a lid made of antiqued nickel.
5" high
$59.00
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Glass butter dish has a lid made of antiqued nickel.
5" high
$59.00
Houzz friend Cindy of My Romantic Home says "I have one of these dispensers and it is wonderful to keep on a buffet to serve chilled water at a dinner party. Any beverage looks more elegant served in this beautiful dispenser!"
Diamond-etched glass
24"h x 8"d
$89.00
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Diamond-etched glass
24"h x 8"d
$89.00
If you aren't crazy about the usual holiday decor, pick up these stunning glass trees from glassmaker Simon Pearce. They are appropriate to leave out all winter, long past New Year's Eve.
Handblown in Vermont
Prices range depending on size, from $98-$298
Private Comment
Handblown in Vermont
Prices range depending on size, from $98-$298
I had a hard time choosing a favorite Jonathan Adler wine bottle topper – there's something for everyone here – cat people, dog people, even elephant people! It's the perfect gift to bring a hostess in lieu of or alongside a bottle of wine.
High-fired stoneware with white glaze
3.5" high Stoppers
$18.00
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High-fired stoneware with white glaze
3.5" high Stoppers
$18.00
This pair of candelabras from Sundance is the perfect hostess gift for an oenophile, and provides a great way to reuse an empty wine bottle.
Made of wrought iron
Set of 2 $35.00
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Made of wrought iron
Set of 2 $35.00
Forget the wine gift bag - why not give this industrial style wine rack with your favorite bottle of wine? This tubular rack can be set on its side on a console or counter, or you can stand it up on the table to make a sculptural centerpiece.
Hand-welded galvanized sheet metal
Holds 12 bottles
Wine Rack. 11.5"Wx10.25"Dx19"H
$69.95
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Hand-welded galvanized sheet metal
Holds 12 bottles
Wine Rack. 11.5"Wx10.25"Dx19"H
$69.95
Sleek. Modern. Hammered Stainless Steel. The Savoy Bar Accessories were made for modernists. For fun, throw in a favorite martini recipe and include the ingredients.
Stainless steel
Foodsafe
Dishwasher-safe
54 oz.; 6"Wx3.5"Dx10.5"H
$24.95
Private Comment
Stainless steel
Foodsafe
Dishwasher-safe
54 oz.; 6"Wx3.5"Dx10.5"H
$24.95
Sometimes I wish I had a signature drink, like a Singapore Sling or a Sidecar. Unfortunately, I have no idea what's in one, and neither do a lot of bartenders. Help your favorite host or hostess plan out their next theme party with this charming book.
$50.00
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$50.00
Houzz friend and author of the design blog chictip Keren says "This collection of mini-paintings is a great way to add bright colors to a room! Easy to display on a shelf, stand on a desk, hang on a wall or group together with other MINI art pieces."
Your choice of 6, 3" x 3" ready to hang wall art
Giclee printed on professional grade paper; mounted onto a natural archival fiber board.
There's a groove in the back of the board that allows for easy wall hanging with a nail.
Each board / artwork measures 3" x 3" and is 3/8" deep.
Set of 6 $50.00
Private Comment
Your choice of 6, 3" x 3" ready to hang wall art
Giclee printed on professional grade paper; mounted onto a natural archival fiber board.
There's a groove in the back of the board that allows for easy wall hanging with a nail.
Each board / artwork measures 3" x 3" and is 3/8" deep.
Set of 6 $50.00
Lately it seems every interior stylist in the world is focusing on arranging the home bar in a stylish way. This kate spade decanter is a great start for friends who want to stage a chic bar of their own.
Crafted of fine crystal
42 oz.
$150.00
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Crafted of fine crystal
42 oz.
$150.00
Something about the shape of this wine decanter makes me do a double-take. From the beautiful glass to the unexpected shape and tilt, it's a gift any wine lover will appreciate.
1.25 liters
11.5x7" with a 46-ounce capacity
Hand wash
$150.00
Private Comment
1.25 liters
11.5x7" with a 46-ounce capacity
Hand wash
$150.00
We masses are so lucky that David Starck has a line at West Elm. These twigs wrapped in text are graphic and unique, perfect for someone who likes to decorate for the holidays without clogging up the vacuum with all the pine needles and tinsel.
Newsprint paper/poly resin.
2"diam x 27"h
$39.00
Private Comment
Newsprint paper/poly resin.
2"diam x 27"h
$39.00
Any design fan will be thrilled to receive this iconic vase by Alvar Aalto (in fact, it's my go-to wedding gift for all of my architecture school friends). Elegant and sculptural, it will inspire your giftee to keep fresh flowers in it every day.
10 high x 5.5" diameter
$135
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10 high x 5.5" diameter
$135
This serving piece is handmade and is truly unique. The geometric graphics and mix of colors will thrill any modern entertainer.
Handmade in New Jersey
18" long
Dishwasher Safe
Glass
$69.29
Private Comment
Handmade in New Jersey
18" long
Dishwasher Safe
Glass
$69.29
Oh, it's a splurge alright, but it's a double-whammy – it comes in the coveted Tiffany blue box, and it's a piece designed by a true Starchitect. This Torque vase by Frank Gehry is an iconic piece any architecture fan will proudly display and brag about forever.
Bone China
9"High
$200
Private Comment
Bone China
9"High
$200
These fancy candles are something no one is likely to splurge on for themselves, so it's a perfect treat to bring a hostess. The colors and design are sure to inspire a beautiful tablescape.
Pair of 12” x 3/4” tapers
$20.69
Private Comment
Pair of 12” x 3/4” tapers
$20.69
Everyone's dining room can use a bit of shine! This silverplate faceted bowl from Calvin Klein will add some glitz to any table.
Handmade in Italy
4" in Diameter
Silverplate bonded to brass
$125.00
Private Comment
Handmade in Italy
4" in Diameter
Silverplate bonded to brass
$125.00
The best thing about these crystal lotus candleholders? They look MUCH more expensive than they actually are! Give a set of two with tapers or the pillar size along with a candle that's 3 inches in diameter.
3''D candle.
Taper/Votive holder is 5''D x 3''H
Pillar holder is 9.5''D x 4.5''H
Pillar holder: $29.95
One taper holder: $9.95
Private Comment
3''D candle.
Taper/Votive holder is 5''D x 3''H
Pillar holder is 9.5''D x 4.5''H
Pillar holder: $29.95
One taper holder: $9.95
This architectural model of a Florentine building is actually a stack of dinner dishes! This includes six square dinner dishes, and the serving dish "roof". It's a fun item to leave out on the buffet every day.
Dinner Plate: 8.6" dia x 1" high
$189.00 for this set
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Dinner Plate: 8.6" dia x 1" high
$189.00 for this set
Moroccan style exploded in popularity a few years back and like the original designs themselves, it has proved it has staying power. Exotic and intricate, these gold glasses from Horchow are a luxurious treat to add to your loved one's barware.
Four assorted 6.75-ounce tea glasses
Set includes one each in purple, amber, turquoise, and green. Made in Turkey. Hand wash.
$60.00/Set of Four
Private Comment
Four assorted 6.75-ounce tea glasses
Set includes one each in purple, amber, turquoise, and green. Made in Turkey. Hand wash.
$60.00/Set of Four
This nut dish is a bit bling-bling but subtle and beautiful at the same time. While it is glazed in glazed in 24k gold, platinum and rose gold (bling!), it's porcelin, it's small, and it's based on an ancient and traditional design. This is a special piece that will make the person you give it to think of you every time they use it.
Dishwasher safe
4¾"W X 1½"H X 4¾"D
Made in USA
$64.00
Private Comment
Dishwasher safe
4¾"W X 1½"H X 4¾"D
Made in USA
$64.00
It only makes sense to have a nutcracker shaped like a critter that hoards them. The charming little squirrel will be a welcome addition to any entertainer's gadget collection.
Metal
5 3/4" Place nut in squirrel's mouth then lift his tail to close his mouth and crack the shell.
$16.95
Private Comment
Metal
5 3/4" Place nut in squirrel's mouth then lift his tail to close his mouth and crack the shell.
$16.95
Houzz friend and author of the design blog chictip Keren says "Bringing optimum functionality and style to the home, the eco-friendly and reusable silicone Doileez, come in minimalist patterns that protect furniture surfaces, while adding a stylish design element to modern decor."
Non-porous + germ-free surface
Free of BPA, lead, latex, phthalates + other harsh chemicals
Sold in a pack of two, 10 x 10 inches each.
$23.00
Private Comment
Non-porous + germ-free surface
Free of BPA, lead, latex, phthalates + other harsh chemicals
Sold in a pack of two, 10 x 10 inches each.
$23.00
Ever since Strangers with Candy I've been hooked on Amy Sedaris. It turns out she's quite the welcoming and quirky hostess, and this book is full of fun and hilarious advice for entertaining at home.
304 pgs.
Paperback.
8”x10”
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304 pgs.
Paperback.
8”x10”
Plain old toothpicks are such a bore – why not kick off some party conversation with nail shaped party picks instead?
18 Reusable plastic picks
Foam base included
Each pick is 3" long
$9.95
Private Comment
18 Reusable plastic picks
Foam base included
Each pick is 3" long
$9.95
I'm not sure which is a better contrast: black with white or porcelain with cork. In any regard, mixing all of these ingredients together results in a pleasing and modern set of salt and pepper shakers.
Matte porcelain, cork
Dishwasher safe if cork tubes and bottom plugs are removed
3.8 H x 1.6 Diameter
$44.00
Also in the Houzz Gift Guide:
40 great gifts for cooks
40 stylish gifts for guys
Private Comment
Matte porcelain, cork
Dishwasher safe if cork tubes and bottom plugs are removed
3.8 H x 1.6 Diameter
$44.00
Also in the Houzz Gift Guide:
40 great gifts for cooks
40 stylish gifts for guys
Comments
Lynda Quintero-Davids says:
LOVE LOVE LOVE the toothpick alternative - NAILS!!!! And I've seen those floorplan coasters as plates at Fish Eddy's! They are GREAT! Wonderful ideabook - as usual Becky! THX!!!
18 months ago ·
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Tricia Rose says:
Best list I have seen Becky, I actually BOUGHT something! You brought joy to the heart of a grinch...
18 months ago ·
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Great list, Becky! So many cute things for entertaining!
18 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Thanks y'all! Tricia, what did you buy? This may be a Houzz first ;)
18 months ago ·
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Deborah Schrodt says:
I love these etched glasses with "A Glass for a Friend" in French. I think these make the perfect hostess gift!
18 months ago ·
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Tricia Rose says:
I would LIKE to say that I bought the chic, witty RowRow boats, but in fact I bought the squirrel, the perfect present from someone on my list!
18 months ago ·
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Sherri Mathers says:
Thanks, Becky! That was fun. I love the nails, never seen that before, why can't I think of something like that.....? http://twotulipstalking.blogspot.com/
18 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Tricia he is so cute! At first I had one listed from West Elm, but he disappeared off their site - I think he's really popular and he sold out. In fact, he's what made me think of the Amy Sedaris book, b/c she's really into squirrels.
PinkPig, those are super cute!
PinkPig, those are super cute!
18 months ago ·
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deeamin says:
i love the Moroccan style tea glasses. I saw this on Amazon for less and they are pretty nice too. pack of 6 for 45$ including delivery. thank you Becky for this ideabook.
18 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Oh beautiful deeamin. I LOVE those colors, especially that gorgeous purple!
18 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Longgreenhouse, the guide is intended to have a range for all different prices and recipients including close friends and family, holiday, wedding gifts, etc. I agree, showing up to a dinner party with a gift that expensive would be totally inappropriate and would likely make the host/hostess uncomfortable!
18 months ago ·
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Willi Zaback says:
I bought something too! The chair napkins intrigued me, so couldn't resist.
18 months ago ·
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Willi Zaback says:
Let's not forget the dog owner! Here's a great idea, a generic print of your friend's dog breed in a groovy graphic.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62758579/mod-dachshund-print-8x10?ref=v1_other_2
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62758579/mod-dachshund-print-8x10?ref=v1_other_2
18 months ago ·
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Sharon says:
love these ideas! especially the MINI art. i have nothing to add here that would be better for now...but maybe i should go shop online a bit and come back :)
18 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Thanks willizee, we have a pet category coming up in a few days, I'll be sure to give you credit :)
18 months ago ·
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Karen Ho Fatt says:
Yikes, just placed an order to Amazon without the Fred Wine Line! Saw your post a liitle too late. These would certainly be handy- good price too. Makes a good conversation piec as well. Some clever and classy gifts featured, will keep them in mind for next years round of gift giving.
18 months ago ·
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