Invited to a do, dinner, or shindig this party season? Do not rock up empty-handed. Present one of these 11 host gift ideas.
Some hosts and hostesses throw drinks, soirees, parties, and full dinners on December 25th.
And there are the rest of us, the guests. Here are gift ideas to give if you fall into the latter category.
If you’ve accepted the invitation, then the expectation is that the host or hostess’ generosity is reciprocated with a thoughtful gift that demonstrates your appreciation.
Do not rock up with one arm as long as the other.
Here are 11 suggestions that will be welcomed by any household.
Ribbon development
If you’re invited to dinner, then bring something to help set the mood.
A set of four deep-pile luxurious velvet napkin holder ribbons, €32 for a set of four from The Designed Table.
Seating plan strategy
If there’s someone more interesting than yourself coming to dinner, offer to do the seating plan, bringing these pomegranate place name holders, in burnished silver finish, to make sure you get your wish.
Price €39 for a set of six, from The White Company.
Blooming marvellous party
Giving flowers? Present them in a vase, already trimmed and ready to go on show.
This large, angled vase, 19.6 cm high and 30 cm wide, Marks & Spencer x Kelly Hoppen, €42, will be given excellent billing in any home.
Raise a glass to this.
Invited to drinks and bringing a bottle of wine?
Add this candleholder and a candle to the bag, along with a thank-you note explaining that it can be put in the bottle afterwards. Price €8, from Nordic Elements.
Table Talk
If you’ve been invited to dinner on December 25th, offer to set the table and bring this lovely William Morris-inspired washed cotton Majari tablecloth to lay the groundwork.
It comes in four sizes, the largest of which is 150 cm wide and 300cm long, big enough to seat any strays that also find their way to your kitchen table.
Price €51.99, ex delivery, from La Redoute.
Stylish memento
Got the cuireadh to drinks or dinner?
Show your appreciation by gifting something to remember you by.
The Memphis vase by Villeroy & Boch comes in two sizes.
The 24 cm high design costs €81.90. The taller 30 cm version costs €115 at Arnotts.
Sweet gesture
If you’re on dessert duty, then bring along some festive dessert plates as well as the dish.
This set of four 15cm diameter porcelain dishes will set the festive tone, €14.99, ex delivery, from H&M Home.
Cheese plate goals
If you offer to bring nibbles, step up the sense of occasion by presenting them in a visually appealing, wow-factor way.
A cheese plate or home-made bites on this two-tiered timber and metal frame stand, €25, from Helen James’ Considered range at Dunnes Stores.
Edibles welcome
Studded with malted crispies, petit-beurre biscuits, chewy Amarena cherries and cherry syrup, with marshmallow topping, this smooth and fudgy 42 per cent Irish milk chocolate wreath, by Hazel Mountain Chocolate, €25.95, is the perfect after-dinner accompaniment.
Emergency pack
Come Christmas, every household needs additional cables to feed music to the dance floor or to additional ambient lighting.
Tech fans will love this USB and double adapter socket in one of many colours from Avolt. Price €70.
A matching USB cable will cost an additional €20.
The morning after
How do you like your eggs in the morning?
Overnight guests should pack a dozen fresh eggs and a pair of these beautiful wood egg holders, €40 per half dozen, from Coolree Design at The Irish Design Shop with their overnight bag as a contribution to breakfast.
