Etiquette dictates that you should bring a gift for the host, whether you're headed to a low-key gathering at your friend's house or a formal holiday dinner with all the trimmings. What exactly you should bring, however, has long been up for debate.
The key to picking out the ideal gift for your host? Really thinking about what they'd like, so you end up with a gift that's truly thoughtful. Sure, a bottle of wine is nice, but unless your host is a serious oenophile, it probably doesn't compare to a personalized frame or trendy serving tray. This holiday season, treat your host to one of these 13 gifts from Pottery Barn, and get ready to see their face light up.
There's no such thing as too many throw blankets — especially when they're supersoft and adorned with pom-poms. If you know your host will want to hog this blanket ($29), customize it with her initials, so no one else can steal it away.
Anyone who hosts often knows that you can never have enough wine glasses. The edgy shape gives these stemless glasses ($54) an especially cool feel.
Planning to bring a bottle of wine for the host? Dress it up with this adorable knit wine bag ($14) that screams Winter.
Pick up one of these pine scented candles ($20) embellished with your host's initial. The stylish silver and white container would look lovely with just about any Winter decor scheme.
Who doesn't love a good appetizer board? Give your host everything they need to take their next charcuterie spread to the next level with one of these gorgeous Acacia wood cheese boards ($30).
This glass bar tray ($59) brings a polished sophistication to the coffee table, bar, or anywhere else your host chooses to display it. Add a monogram for an extraspecial touch.
Bringing a framed photo of yourself and the host is always a classy move, especially when it's in a silver-plated frame ($28–$41) personalized with a special message. Or, give the host an empty frame engraved with "Baby's First Christmas" or "Happy Holiday Memories" to celebrate a milestone holiday season.
Not sure which colors your host favors? Opt for a set of 12 blown glass tealight holders ($34) in complementary jewel tones. You can't go wrong.
Floral scents aren't just for Spring and Summer: Add a touch of sandalwood and white amber, and this rich scent couldn't be more appropriate for the holiday season. Plus, the emerald green color of this glass oil diffuser ($20) is a stylish upgrade over the traditional clear option.
Personalizing a gift with your host's initials is a simple way to show you really thought about what to get them. These simple yet luxe linen napkins ($45) would make a beautiful addition to any table.
A surefire way to win the heart of any pet owner is celebrating their fur baby. Personalize this metal ornament ($12) with the name of their sweet pup or kitty, and just wait for their delighted reaction.
As any true cheese-lover knows, you really do need a separate knife for the Brie, the Gorgonzola, and the Parmesan. The wood case these three cheese knives ($52) come in is so stunning, you almost don't need to wrap it.
Who doesn't love a stylish mug? Give your host something special to hold their hot cocoa in, like this elegant initial mug ($8).