The Best Hostess Gifts and Entertaining Tips for Women Over 50
As the holiday season approaches, it’s that magical time of year when gatherings and celebrations fill our calendars. Whether you’re planning to host or attend a festive cocktail party, a cozy dinner party, or a casual game night with close friends, having thoughtful hostess gifts in your back pocket can make a lovely impression. Here, I’ve gathered some of my favorite hostess gift ideas, perfect for women over 50 who want to keep it stylish, thoughtful, and budget-friendly.
First things first: Preparing to Host Your Own Gatherings
I love entertaining during the holiday season, and like to keep a few of my favorite things for hostessing on hand for holiday parties. One of the first thing I look for is beautiful holiday napkins. So often during the season, a friend will stop by for a cup of tea or glass of wine. Having festive napkins just add to the holiday cheer and are a simple thing to set out when a guest stops by. We always think of giving candles as gifts, one of the first “gifts” I give myself is a holiday candle to give our home a warm holiday vibe. Behind the scenes, I stock up on gift baskets, boxes or bags so I can quickly put gifts together in a pinch. So often we find ourselves invited out unexpectedly, and having a little stash of gifts and a nice way to present them significantly reduces stress. You don’t have to run out at the last minute to purchase something.
I will often purchase boxed ornament sets, bath sets and sets of edible items when they go on sale or from my favorite retailer. For example, I will often purchase sets of jellies and jams for Stonewall Kitchens. I can give the set as a single gift, or I can give the individual jellies out as favors, or as a small gift to someone I don’t know well. I use the ornaments as gifts, bowl filler and to decorate packages. A good book wrapped beautifully with a bow and a pretty ornament makes for a beautiful presentation and a very thoughtful gift. One of the things that make hostess gifts special is the presentation and the thought behind the gift.
I keep a basket in my closet with gifts I can give for birthday celebrations as well as hostess gifts through out the year. But at the holidays, I find it is so important to have good hostess gifts on hand to celebrate my friends. The following are items I stock up on when they go on sale through the year.
Thoughtful Hostess Gifts That Never Go Out of Style
When choosing a hostess gift, I love finding something that feels personal and elegant but doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. Thoughtful touches, like beautiful packaging or items that cater to her interests, make all the difference. Here are some go-to hostess gift ideas that I keep in my rotation.
1. Hand-Picked Olive Oil or Gourmet Vinegar
– A good quality olive oil, especially if it’s beautifully bottled, makes a perfect hostess gift for any home chef. It’s a great way to share something functional yet special. I often find excellent options at specialty stores or even Trader Joe’s—no need to splurge to make a statement!
2. A Beautifully Scented Candle
– A candle is always a nice gesture, and during the holiday season, I love gifting holiday-scented varieties like pine, clove, or spiced orange. This is one of my favorite hostess gifts to give, and I find that women over 50 appreciate the elegance and coziness a good candle brings to their space.
3. Tea Towels or Hand Towels
– Pretty tea towels or luxurious hand towels can be a simple yet thoughtful hostess gift. They add a touch of elegance to the kitchen or guest bathroom and come in various price points, so you can find one that suits your budget. Plus, they’re practical without feeling too personal—a great option for new friends or neighbors.
4. Cheese Board or Charcuterie Accessories
– A cheese board is a go-to gift for many reasons. It’s versatile and can be used time and again for future parties. Pair it with cheese knives or a small jar of gourmet jam, and you’ve got a perfect hostess gift idea! If she’s a wine lover, throw in a nice bottle of wine for bonus points.
5. Favorite Coffee Table Book, or Throw Blanket**
– For a more luxurious option, a beautifully wrapped candle, a chic coffee table book, or a soft throw blanket makes for an elegant choice. These items are not only beautiful but also functional. They’re perfect for close friends or family who may appreciate a more thoughtful touch.
6. Cocktail Napkins or a Cocktail Kit
– For the cocktail lover, a small cocktail kit or cute cocktail napkins can be a delightful gift. This is a fun way to bring a little bar-cart style to her party. If you’re invited to a cocktail party, this thoughtful gift can add a festive flair to the evening.
7. Gift Cards to Her Favorite Store
– While some may think of gift cards as impersonal, I find they’re a great way to let her choose something she truly loves. Opt for a gift card from a favorite store, like Williams Sonoma or a local boutique, and wrap it up with a small gift bag or gift box for a polished touch.
8. Beautiful Bath Soaps or Spa Kit
-I love finding hand-milled soaps with a holiday theme, scented lotions and bath bombs that can be assembled in a beautiful basket, encouraging the hostess to relax and enjoy after the party.
Hostess Gifts for Different Occasions and Budgets
The beauty of hostess gifts is that you can find great options at various price points. Here are a few ideas depending on the occasion:
– Small Gatherings and Game Nights: Accessories that go with the game such as monogrammed score pads and pens, or small ceramics with playing card motifs are always fun, or, for a more generic idea think hand soap with beautiful packaging, tea towels, or a cute apron.
– Formal Dinner Parties or Holiday Celebrations: Try a bottle of wine, fresh flowers, or a charcuterie board set. For a more celebratory idea, get the host and hostess matching wine goblets, cheese knives, a basket with festive napkins and table accessories.
– Weekend Getaways or Overnight Visits: A luxurious throw blanket, hand creams, or a custom recipe book make lovely choices. After a lovely getaway, I like to send a custom-made book with photographs of our visit together.
Last-Minute Gifts to Keep Handy
Life gets busy, and sometimes you might need a last-minute gift that still feels personal and special. Here are a few ideas that you can quickly grab at a grocery store or even Trader Joe’s:
– Cheddar Cheese and Crackers Set: An instant hit for food lovers.
– Holiday Candle or Fresh Flowers: Easily found at most stores and perfect for brightening her home.
– Hand Soap and Lotion Set: A simple, thoughtful gift that she can use daily.
Great Tips for Being a Gracious Guest
As someone who loves entertaining, I know how much thought and hard work goes into planning each special occasion. Here are a few additional tips to make your hostess feel appreciated:
– Bring Something That’s Easy to Share: If you know the hostess well, a small cheese board, wine, or even a box of her favorite chocolates can be a fun way to contribute to the festivities.
– Show Your Appreciation with a Follow-Up Thank You: A handwritten note or a quick message afterward can leave a lasting impression and strengthen your friendship.
Wrapping It Up with Style
– Remember to Pack a Little Extra Love: If you’re bringing a gift for a close friend or family member, including something from her own wish list or a personal favorite of yours can add an extra thoughtful touch.
Don’t forget that presentation counts! A little gift wrap, a bow, or a cute bag can turn even a simple item into a perfect gift. If you’re working on a budget, consider these inexpensive but charming wrapping ideas:
– Use festive tissue paper and ribbon for added flair.
– Try a reusable bag or basket that she can use again.
– Add a sprig of fresh greenery for a holiday touch.
Whether you’re giving her favorite candle, cocktail napkins, or a gorgeous olive oil, the best hostess gifts come from the heart. This holiday season, embrace the joy of giving and make each gift a reflection of your gratitude.
And if you’re looking for more gift inspiration, feel free to browse my curated affiliate links for beautiful, thoughtful hostess gifts that won’t break the bank.
