Guest Picks: Unique Decor & Gift Ideas for the Holiday Host/Hostess
When all else fails, remember that a good bottle of champagne, wine or my new go-to spirit Amaro (an Italian digestif) always makes a delicious and thoughtful gift for the host to enjoy, either with you or once everyone has packed up and gone home for the night. — Lani from Mon Petit Chou Chou
Jonathan Adler, purveyor of pithy pottery and Palm Beach chic, tells you how to "live happily, live stylishly" in his newest book. It's a perfect coffee table addition for the decorista in your life.
The Diptyque holiday candle set is one of my never-fail gifts and something that I always buy in bulk — I keep some for myself and give some out. Keep a keen eye out after the holidays to pick these up at a deep discount.
This brass mustachioed wine opener is a quirky conversation piece and a decorative addition to a bar cart or accompaniment to a bottle of wine for the host.
Hello luxe wool throw that's perfect for the extra, extra special someone in your life. Warm and cozy sheared Mongolian sheep fur makes for a chic accent for the couch and the perfect thing for snuggling under on a chilly winter night.
The Fortuitous cup and saucer set by Molly Hatch is perfect for your hostess post-party — when she gets a moment to relax, sip some tea and divine 2013.
Have friends with a new house? Commemorate the move with an ornament they will forever remember.
This Olive Stem Turkish coffee pot would make an excellent gift for my newly married friends who became husband and wife in a hot air balloon over Turkey.
Fornasetti appetizer bowls make clever catchalls for guests in search of almonds, olives and peanuts.
Jonathan Adler's heroic horns would look equally at home on the mantel, the windowsill or the table for your holiday dinner.
Bon appétit says it all! Gift this carved cheese board with a selection of your favorite fromage, ready for the host to serve straight away.
I was just the lucky recipient of this achingly pretty book from Ladurée. It is sure to please anyone who is a fan of the pastry house, or of the macaron in general.
These trays are perfect for resting on coffee tables or nightstands or for serving cocktails.
I am a huge fan of the Ibride wall/tray series. I first spied them at Mondrian in Soho and then stalked a pair for my own kitchen wall. I would love to gift the Narky Cornelius to someone with a sense of humor, of course.
These figural foo dogs are modeled after stone statues believed to protect ancient China's most prominent buildings. I have a pair of my own guarding the side table in the study.
A studded velvet pillow initialed for the Mr. and the Mrs. would be sweet. I like to include a phrase that has meaning for the recipient — perhaps a nickname or favorite city. The possibilities are limitless!
Why not pair ikat cloth napkins with some napkin rings? Or a runner? Maybe even some place card holders? Anything and everything the host might need for future events would surely be appreciated.
A pair of these Horn Mosaic frames filled with pictures of the host's loved ones or a special event are ready to go from gift to nightstand in a snap.
I received this Provence salt keeper for my wedding, and it is something I use daily. It is beautiful on the countertop, and it would make a lovely gift.
This iPad set is a combination stand and wireless speaker and is high on my own wish list. It's perfect for making recipes, playing some music and keeping the iPad spill-free while whipping up a batch of holiday cookies — for a homemade gift, of course.Next: More holiday hostess gifts
The Happy Elephant plate from C. Wonder would be perfect for my college pals. Jumbo the elephant was, after all, my mascot.
Q