It’s that time again! As soon as the first holiday windows and decorations appear in London, I turn into a fully-fledged Martha Stewart and get the urge to start hosting, baking, planning traditions new and old, and finding the perfect gifts for everyone I love. I don’t know quite who I’ve become, but I’ve somehow just finished all my Christmas shopping and plan on putting on a festive soundtrack and getting everything wrapped and under the tree this weekend (before our annual hot chocolate + Christmas movie pyjama party with our neighbours tomorrow evening).
I’m an old-fashioned girl and never like to turn up to a soiree empty-handed. So whenever I’m invited to a party – whether it’s casual holiday cocktails, staying with family for Christmas, or a New Year’s Eve party at a friend’s place – I always like to take a small token of my appreciation for the host. Although I always keep a few nice bottles of wine or champagne on standby (tie the neck of the bottle with a pretty ribbon for an emergency last-minute host gift), I always prefer to take something a little more long-lasting and thoughtful – and which usually doubles at the recipient’s Christmas gift as well. I personally love a theme, so like to give something appropriate for the occasion: a pair of cashmere socks or a hot water bottle for a sleepover, a personalised mug and a beautiful tin of hot chocolate for a holiday movie night, or a set of cheese knives for a relaxed lunch. I generally like to stick to a neutral palette of white, marble, glass or metallic elements so as not to clash with the recipients own taste or decor. But just a little thought goes a long way, and I don’t know any adult who would be disappointed to receive anything on this list.
If you’re still working through your gift list, consider this your guide to the perfect small gifts (everything I’ve included is under £50) for your party or sleepover host, for your favourite foodie, or for the glamorous homebody in your life. I hope it gives you a few helpful ideas, but I’d love to know your favourite gifts to give and receive too!
For the gracious host // a pair of festive plates topped with a batch of homemade mince pies, a golden champagne trug or a chic wine carafe instead of just taking a bottle of something (a lovely gesture but not a memorable one), an indulgent hand wash or hand balm (a beautiful everyday luxury they might not splurge on for themselves), a set of monogrammed tumblers with your hosts’ initials (I give these to everyone and they’re always a success), or a beautifully-scented room spray (because I don’t know anyone in the world who wouldn’t love to be presented with a Jo Malone box).
For the passionate foodie // a handsome set of servers or an upgrade for the utensils they use everyday, a marble platter or a set of cheese knives together with a big wedge of their favourite cheese (I have both received and given this exact gift and it’s always a hit), a personalised mug and a tin of really good tea or coffee beans (I am always happy when I find my favourite tea in my stocking), a new recipe book (this one is a hit in our household where I’m a vegetarian but my husband likes to eat a little meat, so it means we can modify one dish rather than making two separate meals).
For the glamorous homebody // a chic golden tray or a beautiful book for their coffee table, a luxe scented candle (I love this one which smells of Christmas trees, this one which smells of apple pie, or this monogrammed one tailored to the recipient), a snuggly throw and a good book for cosy nights in, a lovely bath soak or shower oil for the most indulgent downtime, or a pair of cashmere socks (someone gave me a pair of these last year and they are the most wonderful small luxury for cold evenings) and a pillow mist for a blissful bedtime.
Pictured above (clockwise from top left): H&M gold tray // Jo Malone room spray // John Lewis marble cheeseboard // Herbivore coconut bath soak // Oliver Bonas salad servers // Anthropologie monogrammed tumbler // Penhaligon’s Luna hand duo c/- // The Flexible Vegetarian recipe book // Diptyque Christmas tree candle // H&M gold spoons // John Lewis marble coaster // Miller Harris Christmas garland candle c/-.
What are your favourite gifts to give and receive?
Love, Briony xx
