7 Hostess Gift Ideas That Aren't Another Bottle of Wine
You are going to someone's house for Thanksgiving, or a December party, and you need to bring something. Wine is fine. Wine is also what everyone else is carrying through the door.
We pack olives for a living, so we have opinions about what makes a good thing to hand a host. It should be ready to put out, it should keep, and it should not need a recipe. Here are seven ideas, from about $18 up to a full table of food.
1. Two spreads for the cheese board
A host always needs one more thing for the board. Tapenade and Muffaletta Spread go on crackers, bread or a sandwich, and they are ready the second the lid comes off. Together they are $17.80.
2. Two more spreads, a little milder
If your host is not an anchovy person, give Portabella-Kalamata Spread and Olive Red Bell Pepper Spread instead. Earthy and sweet, and easy to like. $17.80 for the pair.
3. Something for the drinks table
Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives and Cocktail Onions are for the host who mixes a drink when guests arrive. $19.80 for both.
4. A sweet and spicy pair
Chuck Wagon Candy and Sweet Hots are for the host who likes a little heat with their cheese. Spoon them over cream cheese and you have an appetizer. $19.80 for both.
5. For the host who cooks
Aged Balsamic Vinegar at $15.00 and Kalamata Whole Olives at $9.25 come to $24.25. One goes on a salad, the other goes in the roast pan.
6. Something they would not buy for themselves
Preserved Meyer Lemons at $8.90 and Lemon Citrus Pitted Olives at $9.25 are the unusual pick on this list. Total $18.15. Hosts who cook tend to love a jar they have never opened before.
7. The whole table: Thanksgiving Harvest Table Box
When the host is family, or you want to say thank you properly, send the Thanksgiving Harvest Table Box. It has twelve jars: California Orchard Mix, Late Harvest Olive Mix, Mission Homestyle Olives, Herb and Garlic Cheese Stuffed Olives, Pickled Asparagus, Cocktail Onions, Cornichons Pickles, Chuck Wagon Candy, Italian Spiced Pickled Mushrooms, Portabella-Kalamata Spread, Roasted Garlic Paste and Pickled Garlic.
Bought one at a time those jars total $116.00. The box is $104.40, and it ships free because it is over $90. You can add up to six boxes to one order, which helps if you have more than one table to thank.
See the Thanksgiving Harvest Table Box
A few notes on bringing food to someone's house
- Tell the host the jars are theirs to keep. Nobody should feel they have to open them that night.
- Choose jars that keep in the fridge for a while, like olives, pickles and spreads.
- If you know of an allergy, check the label. Cheese stuffed olives contain dairy, and Tapenade contains anchovies.
Looking for something for a Christmas party instead? Read 5 Reasons the Christmas Holiday Party Box Is the Easiest Gift to Give.
Quick answers
What is a good hostess gift under $20?
A pair of spreads such as Tapenade and Muffaletta Spread is $17.80. A pair of lemon jars is $18.15.
Do the gifts need to be refrigerated?
Unopened jars store in the pantry. Refrigerate after opening and check the label on your jar.
What comes in the Thanksgiving Harvest Table Box?
Twelve jars of olives, pickles, spreads and preserves, listed above. The box is $104.40 and ships free.
Is there free shipping?
Yes. Retail orders over $90 ship free.
Can I send it straight to the host?
Yes. Put the host's address in the shipping field at checkout.
