Curated Gift Guide for Hosts
October 26, 2023
When it comes to bringing the host a gift, there’s no question that it’s perfectly acceptable and inarguably convenient to grab a nice bottle of wine and carry it to the party in that cute (but re-used) gift bag. Nonetheless, there are those who might be looking for a few fresh and thoughtful ideas for host gifts, especially as we approach the very social holiday season. That’s why we put together a small collection of unique ideas for host gifts that we think you will feel great about bringing to your next gathering, be it with family, friends, friends of friends, colleagues and maybe even those new bffs we are just about to meet. Shop our curated selects below:
Big Night
Items range from $6 – $200
Housewares, especially those with a twist of style, can make a great host gift, and Big Night is one of those “only in New York” finds where there is a wide range to choose from. This jewel box is filled with dinner and party essentials from glassware, flatware, and linens, to specialty provisions like condiments, tinned fish, olive oil, cheese, caviar, and local ice creams. Shop online or at their locations in the West Village and Greenpoint.
Gohar World
Items range from $22 – $500
Another style-forward resource for everything for the table is Goha World, aptly described by the founding sisters, Laila and Nadia Gohar, as a “tableware universe.” Their philosophy centers around these four pillars: craft, time, tradition, and humor. Intricately designed in NYC, their designs are brought to life in family-owned ateliers around the world. Shop their selects online.
Via Carota
Items range from $25 – $450
We love everything coming from the kitchens and bars of Rita Sodi and Jody Williams, and these beautifully bottled cocktails are at the top of our list as a great host gift for any NYC restaurant aficionado. Don’t forget, no harm in pairing the cocktails with the Via Carota Cookbook – available to order online.
Coming Soon
Items range from $4 – $7,500
Literally every item at Coming Soon could be on display in a gallery. Yes, their unique collection of everything from gifts to furniture can be described as funky, yet refined and always original. Located in the heart of the LES, Coming Soon is a contemporary furniture, design and gift shop founded by Helena Barquet and Fabiana Faria in 2013. Showcasing up and coming designers, shop in-store at Canal Street, or peruse their online shop.
Andrew’s New York City Honey
Items range from $6 – $25
The pickle trend is still alive and well, but don’t forget the popularity of a great jar of artisanal honey – especially when it’s a locally harvested product, whimsically packaged and sold by a family owned business that has been working with bees since the 1800s. Fun fact: many claim that honey can help relieve allergy symptoms. Shop their honeys online.
Oeuvres Sensibles
Items range from $48 – $810
For those with an appetite to indulge in exquisite linens, we bow to French designer, Sarah Espuite and her collection of delicately hand-embroidered kitchen towels and tablecloths made in Marseille. Each piece has a story going back as far as 100 years which adds to the richness of these beautiful items. Shop online here.
Nata Concept Store
Items range from $18 – $126
Based in over the pond in London, Nata transforms your favorite delectable delights to seamless home decor. Made from soy wax, these culinary-inspired candles are purely for ambiance and design. Featured here is the signature Olive Trio and Olive candles – extra dirty! Shop their full food collection here.
Lazy Jamie
Items range from $29 – $39
A home is beyond just a vessel to change your clothes in or fall asleep on the couch at. Lazy Jamie recognizes the importance and value in making one’s home someplace to enjoy being in. Their small curated selection of home goods features items that can typically be overlooked but now adds a unique sensibility. Shop their online site here.
La Boîte
Items range from $9 – $120
Chef-turned-spice-specialist Lior Lev Sercarz is the creator dubbed spice czar (Bon Appetit) behind the signature spice blends sold at NYC’s La Boîte. Lior has collaborated with culinary icons like Eric Ripert and Daniel Boulud and artisans known as the “Spice Masters” to create crafted blends and single-origin spices, specialty pantry items and culinary gifts, to biscuits and chocolates. Lior and the La Boîte team are continuously crafting and curating products that are sure to inspire any foodie on your shopping list. Shop in person at 724 11th Avenue or online.
Ananas Ananas
Items range from $550 – $950
Ananas Ananas is a food-art studio founded by Verónica González and Elena Petrossian based in Los Angeles, CA. Each product is handmade in 100% food grade stainless steel and is made in collaboration to honor local craftsman in California that specialize in subaquatic welding. No piece is made the same, so your host is guaranteed to have something one-of-a-kind. Shop their website here.
Musubi Kiln
Items range from $4 – $1,600
Musubi Kiln offers more than just housewares, they offer a rich history of culture, emotion and storytelling through their products. For example, this set of Origami Crane Chopstick Rests go beyond just a rest – cranes are symbols for longevity and good fortune – making them a perfect sentimental addition to any tablescape and an opportunity to express one’s personality at the dinner table. Shop them online here.
Spirited Away
Items range from $10 – $68
If your host is practicing a zero ABV lifestyle, might we suggest stopping by Spirted Away, a booze-free bottle shop that has curated a collection of the most fabulous brands selling alcohol-free products. You’ll be welcomed with an assortment of beautifully packaged non-alcoholic beers, bitters, shrubs, amaros, mixers, sodas, and ready-to-drink cocktails.
Spirited Away is offering our clients 15% off with the code LIVunLtd15 until the end of 2023 for all hangover-free, holiday hosting. Shop online for in-store pick-up or delivery to Lower Manhattan.
Le Creuset
Items range from $18 – $750
Save your host a few integral seconds in the kitchen with this Salt Crock from Le Creuset. The large side opening provides for easy access to cooking salts and spices, and the dense stoneware blocks moisture to prevent cracking and longtime wear. Shop the Salt Crock here.
Abbode
Items range from $10 – $295
For a little bit more creative freedom with your gift giving, Abbode offers the opportunity to customize an item from their assorted housewares collection. Housewares include items such as dinner napkins, linen coasters and more. Shop their collection here.
Everything here and more can be arranged by us, and you can send us your request through the LIV app, our web portal, or by emailing or calling us directly.
