Table of Contents
In this season of warmth and celebration, we view selecting the perfect gift for a gracious hostess as an absolute art form. From adorable olive-embroidered cocktail napkins to a charming tea kettle perfect for an after-dinner wind-down, we have curated an array of exquisite gifts that transcend the ordinary and are sure to delight your holiday hostess. Each gift on this list was selected to reflect our appreciation for their hospitality this season, enhancing each festive gathering with a touch of sophistication, style, and whimsy. This guide is an ode to those who create memorable occasions, ensuring your gifts resonate with the beauty and care they bring to every celebration. Celebrate your holiday hostess, the comfort of home, and those who fill it this season with selections from our LUDC gift guide.
Gorgeous Gifts for Your Gracious Holiday Hostess
Dior, La Légende du 30 Avenue Montaigne
First on our list of holiday hostess gifts is La Légende du 30 Avenue Montaigne. The book Dior, La Légende du 30 Avenue Montaigne celebrates the rich history and significance of the iconic Dior headquarters located at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris. This location has been central to the House of Dior since its inception in 1946, chosen by Christian Dior himself as the home for his haute couture house. The book was published to mark the reopening of this landmark location and the opening of La Galerie Dior.
The book presents both the public and unseen aspects of this legendary address, exploring its role in the development and presentation of Dior’s collections, starting from the inaugural fashion show in 1947 that introduced the New Look era. The narrative includes the contributions of Christian Dior and his successors, including Yves Saint Laurent and Maria Grazia Chiuri, showcasing how they have designed and created collections at this location.
With 192 pages, the book offers a detailed look into the spirit of 30 Montaigne, featuring iconic images of Christian Dior at work, fitting sessions, backstage moments from fashion shows, archival documents, and a portfolio of stunning Dior creations. The text is provided by Maureen Footer, Jérôme Hanover, and Olivier Flaviano, with photographs by Laziz Hamani. This makes it a comprehensive and visually rich exploration of the history and ongoing legacy of Dior’s headquarters.
The book is published by Rizzoli and is presented in an English version, with dimensions measuring approximately 27 x 21 x 2 cm (10.5 x 8.5 x 1 inches). It’s a testament to the enduring influence of the Dior brand and its deep-rooted connection to Parisian haute couture.
Shop it through Dior here.
Smart Garden 3 Self-Watering Indoor Garden by Click & Grow
Seeking a practical hostess gift she will use all year round? The Smart Garden 3 by Click & Grow is an innovative indoor gardening system that automates the process of growing herbs, fruits, and vegetables. This system is designed to be user-friendly, making it ideal for those without a green thumb. It features an automated system that provides calibrated watering, light, and nutrients to the plants. This makes it a hassle-free way to grow fresh food and flowers indoors.
The unit can accommodate up to three plant pods at a time. It includes a complimentary set of three basil plant pods to get you started. It consumes 8 watts of power and has a monthly power consumption of 3.8 kWh. The water tank capacity is 1.2 liters, which can last for 2-3 weeks depending on the plants.
Setting up and using the Smart Garden 3 is straightforward. You just need to insert the plant pods, fill the water tank, and plug in the device. The technology takes care of the rest, ensuring the plants receive the right amount of resources.
Your hostess will have the option to choose from over 75 different plant varieties. She can also use her own seeds if she prefers. Plants usually sprout within 1-2 weeks, with some fruiting plants taking up to 3 weeks. She can expect to start harvesting fresh herbs about 4-5 weeks after planting. The system also comes with an app that helps you become a plant expert by providing timely tips and tracking the plants’ growth.
With a one-year warranty, this product is an excellent choice for those looking to grow fresh produce indoors with minimal effort. It combines the convenience of modern technology with the joy of gardening, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned gardeners
Shop it through Nordstrom here.
Breville Smart Oven® Air Fryer Pro
Next on our list of hostess gift ideas is the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, which is a versatile and high-performing kitchen appliance. It features powerful convection heat with regular, convection, and super-convection settings, significantly reducing cooking times.
This oven is suitable for a range of cooking tasks, including baking, roasting, and air frying. It has a large capacity and is easy to clean, but it is pricey and takes up considerable countertop space. Users appreciate its wide range of functions (13 cooking options), ease of use, and the fact that it doesn’t heat up the kitchen much. However, some note a learning curve in using it.
Overall, it receives positive reviews for its functionality and cooking performance. The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is particularly noted for its ability to cook a variety of dishes efficiently, from crispy vegetables to baked goods. Bring this Air Fryer to your next dinner party as a thoughtful hostess gift!
Shop it here through Williams Sonoma.
Venus ET Fleur Home Rose Wine Stopper
The Venus ET Fleur Home Rose Wine Stopper is a beautifully handcrafted item that pays homage to the Venus et Fleur eternity roses. It is made from porcelain and is designed to be a lasting item for generations of wine enthusiasts. Each wine stopper is meticulously sculpted and molded by hand, with each individual flower petal carefully crafted to ensure that each piece is unique.
This wine stopper is part of the Perennial Collection from Venus et Fleur, which draws inspiration from their iconic eternity florals. The collection, including the Rose Wine Stopper, is thoughtfully crafted to endure and is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans who create these pieces. Available in white or red as a standalone piece, shoppers can also purchase the Home Rose 3-Piece Wine Stopper Set–a bouquet with one pink, red, and white rose wine stopper.
The Rose Wine Stopper from Venus ET Fleur is priced at $48 and is highly rated, receiving a perfect 5.0 out of 5 based on customer reviews. Customers appreciate its craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal, making it a unique addition to any home decor or a thoughtful gift for wine enthusiasts. For care, it is recommended to gently spot-clean the stopper using a soft, damp cloth and mild, dye-free detergent if needed.
Shop it here through Saks, and pair the stopper with an incredible bottle of biodynamic wine for the perfect holiday party hostess gift.
Cocktail Smoking Kit
If your party host fancies herself a mixologist, look no further than the Crate & Barrel Cocktail Smoking Kit. The Crate & Barrel Cocktail Smoking Kit is a sophisticated tool for enhancing cocktails with a smoky flavor. It includes a glass infuser carafe, a silicone stopper, 20 smoking pellets, and a recipe booklet. Ideal for creating smoky twists on classic cocktails, the kit also allows for innovative concoctions. Using it involves lighting the pellets and swirling the smoke in the carafe with the cocktail ingredients for a distinct smoky taste.
Reviewers give it an average rating of 4.0 out of 5. Many appreciate its quality and consider it an excellent gift for cocktail enthusiasts. Positive reviews highlight its effectiveness in infusing smoke into drinks, and enhancing the flavor of cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Mezcal Palomas. However, some users have difficulty generating smoke from the pellets, leading to a few mixed experiences regarding the kit’s efficacy in smoking drinks.
Shop it here through Crate&Barrel.
Jonathan Adler Botanist Backgammon Set
Add a touch of whimsy to her holiday parties with the Botanist Backgammon set by Jonathan Adler. The Jonathan Adler Botanist Backgammon Set boasts beautifully rendered botanical illustrations, butterfly drawings, and a high-gloss lacquer. This piece embodies Modern American Glamour, a hallmark of Jonathan Adler’s design philosophy.
Perfect for both play and display, this set is ideal for the lover of functional decor. When not in use, it serves as a chic bohemian accent for a cocktail table. The set includes a backgammon board, playing chips, dice, and a doubling cube, all crafted from a lacquer and wood composite.
For the minimalist on your list, consider this Interlude Home Knox Tic-Tac-Toe Set instead.
Shop the backgammon board here through Neiman Marcus.
MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Whistling Tea Kettle
Next on our list of thoughtful gifts for your holiday hostess is this checkered tea kettle from Neiman Marcus. The MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Whistling Tea Kettle is a distinctive and functional piece for any kitchen.
Crafted of enameled heavy-gauge steel, it’s beloved for its durability, superior conductivity, and adorable design. The kettle is uniquely hand-painted in a black-and-white check pattern and finished with a high-gloss glaze, adding a whimsical charm no one on your list will be able to resist. Straight out of a French bistro, this teapot is the ideal gift for those missing the City of Light this Christmas.
Shop it here through Neiman Marcus.
Eluwa Studio Hand Poured Candle
Hop on the sculptural candle trend with this exquisitely crafted, U-shaped piece from Free People. Its ribbed texture and dual wick composition set this candle apart from others you might be considering this Christmas.
Created by an artisan partner of Free People, this small-batch candle not only illuminates spaces and serves as a striking decorative element. Embodying the ethos of Care FP, it also reflects a commitment to sustainability and mindful living, aligning with the pursuit of conscientious and elegant home styling. We might keep this candle for our own cocktail table!
Shop it online through Free People here.
Bacchus Bookends
Next on our list of the best hostess gifts are these sophisticated bookends. The Bacchus Bookends are a unique and artistic addition to any bookshelf. They come from Virgina Sin’s studio, which is based in Brooklyn and boasts a team completely composed of women creators. Sold as a pair, these bookends are crafted from stoneware and feature dimensions of 7″L x 4.5″W x 6.5″H per unit.
They are handmade in Brooklyn, NY, adding a touch of artisanal craftsmanship to your decor. The bookends are designed for easy care, requiring just a wipe with a damp cloth. Priced at $140.00, these bookends combine functionality with modern design, making them a stylish choice for organizing and displaying books.
Gift these with the latest Taschen release to anyone on your list who lives by the phrase “Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.”
Shop these beautiful pieces here.
Organic Cutting Board
Gift your holiday hostess this gorgeous organic cutting board from Hawkins New York. Also known as the Pebble Cutting Board, this piece is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. This cutting board is part of the Pebble Collection and is designed to be both practical for prep work and elegant enough for presentation. The board’s unique shape was inspired by pebbles found along the beach, adding a touch of natural elegance to its design. Handmade in Portugal, it showcases a commitment to quality craftsmanship.
This cutting board comes in three sizes (Small, Medium, Large) and three finish options, but we love the Oak finish. The material used for the board is Maple, which is revered for its durability and natural beauty. The dimensions for the small size are 13.6″L x 10.75″W, the medium size measures 17″L x 12.75″W, and the large size is 21.4″L x 15.25″W. Gift one of each size so your hostess can create a lovely presentation board for charcuterie or crudites.
Shop it here through Hawkins New York, and pick up a bottle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to make this practical gift even more special.
Olive Party Cocktail Napkins (Set of 4)
Another excellent gift for your hosts this holiday season, this set of Olive Party Cocktail Napkins from Big Night are fun and a little bit funky. The set of four hand-embroidered cocktail napkins are made in collaboration with Atelier Saucier in Los Angeles, and are crafted from 100% premium reclaimed denim.
Priced at $68.00, these napkins are a stylish and eco-conscious addition to any cocktail party setup. We love how Big Night enhances the experience of home entertaining by offering unique products that bring a sense of celebration to even the smallest, most informal gatherings.
You can view and purchase these napkins on Big Night’s website here.
Women by Nadia Lee Cohen
Last but not least, consider gifting this beautifully bound book by Nadia Lee Cohen. Women is a monograph of the British Los Angeles-based photographer Nadia Lee Cohen. This work, six years in the making, features 100 extraordinary portraits that showcase Nadia’s unique artistic vision.
The book is celebrated by critics for its hyper-surrealist pop iconography, emotional depth, and honesty. It includes texts by Nadia, Ellen von Unwerth, and Italian Vogue’s Alessia Glaviano. This clothbound hardback with debossed text on the cover is a major work that reflects Cohen’s ambitious and impactful artistry. It’s also a lovely addition to any cocktail table or home library.
Shop it here through Dover Street Market.
Happy Holidays from the Team at LUDC
The holiday season has already begun! While much of your shopping list might be done and dusted, we hope the pieces listed above will find their way into the homes of well-deserving holiday hostesses this year. Let us know which gifts you love in the comments below!
And Happy Holidays to you all!
