The Best Gifts for the Host Who Has Everything

Does that even exist?

According to the ultimate hostess, my mother, bringing flowers to someone’s house is actually a faux pas. Yes, you read that right. Obviously, my initial reaction was, come on, that’s a bit much! But then she made her case, and I had to admit… she had point.

Flowers, she told me, can ‘embarrass’ the host. A little dramatic? Maybe. But think about it. There’s always that slightly awkward moment when a host has to drop everything to find a vase that’s the right size, trim the stems, and arrange the flowers, while guests are arriving and drinks need topping up. It’s a small but real disruption.

If you are set on flowers (and I did cross-check this with my go-to hostesses), etiquette suggests sending them the morning of the event instead.

If no flowers, then what?

A beautiful tin of artisanal tea or coffee

Only go for this if:

1. You know what your host drinks in the morning.

2. You’re a coffee or tea lover and can share a story about why this one is special.

Personally, I used to be a coffee person, I stopped a couple of years ago because I loved it too much… So after some serious geeking out, I finally found the best decaf coffee. In case your host is a decaf person, Rave Decaf Coffee is the one to go for. And I can tell you why :) Not only is it delicious, I like a rounded, chocolatey taste rather fruity, there is another health reason. The traditional way to decaffeinate coffee uses chemical solvents. You want to look for Swiss Water Decaf which relies only on water, temperature and time.
See, it does make a difference to have a little insider’s tip!

A handwritten note in the inside of a book

I love receiving books and even more when they have a little note written inside. Maybe a cookbook with a note about a recipe that reminds you of them or a novel where a particular line made you think of your host. Signed and dated, of course, so that years later, when they reopen it, they’ll find the note and remember that night. Exactly what you want a gift to be, a reminder of a sweet moment.

If you’re going for chocolate, there’s really only one brand: LÄDERACH

It might sound extreme (and yes, a little pricey), but if you haven’t tried it yet, you might actually hate me for introducing you.

You can buy a box, of course, but the best thing is what they call FrischSchoggi, basically slabs of chocolate: pick out individual pieces, broken fresh in front of you. It’s a super fun and delicious gift to receive.

As I write this, I’m thinking of their White Chocolate & Raspberry… and honestly, I might have to take a break and go get myself a piece. They have inconveniently opened nearby…

Cornflakes Milk, White Chocolate & Raspberry, Florentine Dark

A unique salt, spice blend or a special olive oil

This one is for the cooks, the ones who love to be in the kitchen and are always in the lookout for something new. I try to always bring back dry goods from some of my trips which I can then distribute when I feel it’s for the right person. Try to always keep an eye out! That’s also another tip, you don’t need to get something the day of!

Homemade treats

I’ve already mentioned I was inspired by one of Skye McAlpine’s, A Table Full of Love, where she dedicates a whole section to homemade treats you can bring to a friend’s house: jams, biscuits, brownies etc. There is only one requirement, for me anyway. A beautiful tin or container that suits the treat inside. Even though it is homemade, it should still feel special: it’s about the baking but also the way it’s presented.

Anything from Santa Maria di Novella

The packaging is great and their products even better. Candles, Rose Water, or like the image below, the scented wax tablets for the cupboards, coat racks etc. Lots of different smells and colours to choose from.

Stay cosy until next time!

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