Stephanie's Hostess Gift Guide for the Holiday Season

Stephanie's Hostess Gift Guide for the Holiday Season

The holidays are a time to gather, celebrate, and make memories. Thoughtful hostess gifts can add a special touch to these moments, showing your appreciation and making someone feel truly seen. I’ve curated a guide of luxurious yet approachable ideas to help you say thank you in style. Many of these can even be found at our beloved local shops right here in the South Bay!

1. Elegant Cheese Knives from Laguiole

A set of Laguiole cheese knives is the perfect combination of elegance and practicality. These handcrafted knives from France elevate any cheese board and are sure to be treasured by any hostess.

2. Luxurious Candles

Candles make a timeless gift, bringing warmth and ambiance to any home. Some of my favorites include:

• Tom Ford: Absolute Amber — A rich, luxurious blend of amber and vanilla.
• Voyage et Cie — Hand-poured in Los Angeles and inspired by global destinations:
  • Provence: Lavender and cedarwood evoke the French countryside.
  • Tokyo: Notes of citrus and green tea for a fresh, calming scent.
  • Marrakech: A warm, spicy mix of sandalwood and exotic spices.
• Illume — Their holiday scents are perfect for the season:
  • Balsam & Cedar: A classic evergreen aroma.
  • Woodfire: Smoky, warm, and inviting.
  • Winter White: Soft and fresh with hints of florals.
• For an indulgent option, consider High Camp Gardenias for candles that pair the beauty of gardenias with exquisite presentation.

3. High-End Olive Oils & Vinegars

A gourmet set of olive oils or vinegars is a thoughtful and practical gift for food lovers. Two standout options are:

• Eataly — Authentic Italian olive oils and vinegars that bring a touch of luxury to the kitchen.
• Brightland — Known for their gorgeous packaging and premium oils. The Luminous Capsule gift set is especially beautiful.

4. Hand Soap & Lotion Sets

Elevate their powder room with a beautifully packaged soap and lotion set:

• Jo Malone — Iconic fragrances like Lime Basil & Mandarin or English Pear & Freesia.
• Diptyque — A sophisticated choice, with scents like Baies or Figuier.
• Aesop — Minimalist yet luxurious, the Resurrection Aromatique duo is always a crowd-pleaser.

5. Beautiful Hand Towels

Every home needs a touch of luxury, and hand towels are the perfect combination of style and function:

• Scents & Feel for artisanal, versatile designs.
• Matouk for premium cotton towels with timeless appeal.
• Sferra for soft, elegant options in classic patterns.

6. Floral Arrangements or Herbal Gifts

Flowers always brighten a space, and herbal arrangements bring a unique, practical touch:

• Growing Wild creates breathtaking custom floral arrangements.
• Rolling Greens — Consider a potted orchid or their charming herb trees, shaped like Christmas trees, perfect for foodies.

7. Marble Cheese Board

A marble cheese board is a timeless addition to any hostess's entertaining essentials. Pair it with Laguiole cheese knives for a gift that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

Shop Local in the South Bay

Many of these gifts can be found at our wonderful local shops, making your gesture even more meaningful:

• Gumtree — A favorite for curated finds with coastal charm.
• Waterleaf Home — Elegant home goods and accessories.
• Tabula Rasa Essentials — A go-to for chic, versatile gifts and décor.

Shopping local helps support our South Bay community while offering unique, high-quality treasures. Wishing you a warm and joyful holiday season filled with moments to cherish!

Photo Credit: The Peninsula Beverly Hills @thepeninsulabh

*featuring a gorgeous Voyage et Cie collection