The final months of the year are typically filled with large soirées, huge family gatherings and celebrations full of friends. This year, though, get-togethers will be smaller and more intimate, which calls for well-thought-out and intentional hostess gifts. While so many of us aren’t traveling for the holidays this year, if you are, that likely means that someone is going above and beyond to make you feel not only welcome but safe. Make sure they know how much you appreciate them with any of these beautiful and thoughtful gifts.
HOME ACCESSORIES & BEYOND
Hand-crafted vase
Help your host create a seasonal mantle to remember with this globally conscious, hand-crafted and dyed sisal fiber and sweet grass vase made by artisans in Rwanda, Uganda and Ghana. Not only are you gifting a beautiful piece to display florals (or even hold a bottle of wine), but you’re also getting in the holiday spirit by supporting women survivors. You can find this vase for $40 at Thistle Farms, located in West Nashville.
Soft gold Almasi vase, $40, from Thistle Farms | Image: Thistle Farms
Customized recipe dish towel
Whether the recipient is a culinary expert or someone who merely dabbles in the kitchen, this personalized recipe flour sack tea towel is the perfect offering. It boasts a handwritten (or photographed from a recipe card) recipe of your choice, so the options are endless — from a nostalgic childhood cookie recipe to the meatloaf Grandma used to make. Order it for $38 from SB Shop.
Customized recipe dish towel, $38, from SB Shop
RELATED: 3 New Nashville Shops & Services (+ One Pop-Up Shop!)
“Home Sweet Nashville” doormat
Ensure every guest who knocks on the door feels as welcome as you do! This durable, hand-painted doormat from b.sartain is just the right way to usher in family and friends alike. Find it for $50 at SB Shop.
“Home Sweet Nashville” doormat, $50, at SB Shop
Reclaimed wood serving tray
For the hostess who has gone above and beyond (and for whom you’d like to spend a bit more), this wooden serving platter is an ideal foundation for everything from cheese to charcuterie to a wine flight. This rustic option will complement any decor, from modern to traditional, and the recipient is bound to use it time and time again. Find it for $80 at Hot Pink Gifts, located in Brentwood.
Bordeaux wooden footed tray, $80, from Hot Pink Gifts | Image: Hot Pink Gifts
FOOD & BEVERAGE
French macarons gift box
Show someone your love and appreciation in the form of authentic, masterfully crafted French macarons. With a dozen flavors to choose from, including coffee, coconut, pistachio, sea salt caramel and even unique flavors such as rose or earl grey, your gift is sure to delight! Gift boxes are available with four, six, 12 or 18 pieces, and they’re even gluten-free. Find them for $2.50 per confection at either of Little Gourmand‘s locations: Green Hills or Melrose.
Assorted French macarons, $2.50 per confection, at Little Gourmand | Image: Little Gourmand
Goo Goo Clusters guitar basket
Bring a little local Music City love to the festivities and celebrate some nostalgia, too. Brimming with Goo Goo’s classic flavors — original, pecan, and peanut butter — this playful guitar gift basket will bring out the child inside. Find it for $35 at Goo Goo Shop, located in downtown Nashville.
Goo Goo guitar basket, $35, at Goo Goo Shop | Image: Goo Goo Shop
Insulated walnut wine “glass”
If your host is a lover of spirits (and we’re not referring to the Christmas spirit, in this case), this handsome stainless steel insulated “glass” offers an elevated drinking experience, whether it’s toting Tennessee whiskey or Kentucky bourbon. Find it for $24.99 at Cool Springs Wine & Spirits.
BruMate NOS’R Insulated Nosing Glass in walnut, $24.99, at Cool Springs Wine & Spirits | Image: Cool Springs Wine & Spirits
Dessert “essentials” kit
You can’t go wrong with sweets. The perfect token of appreciation, this assortment of delicious desserts includes a selection of renowned baker Leland Riggans’ original favorites, such as caramel cake, soft-baked chocolate chip cookies and fudge cake brownies. It’s the essential holiday (and quarantine) survival kit! Order it for $35 from Dessert Designs, located in West Nashville.
“Essentials” kit (original flavor), $35, from Dessert Designs | Image: Dessert Designs
Etched decanter
Whether filled with scotch on a mid-century bar cart or displayed as a timeless collector’s item, this etched glass decanter is an eye-catching piece that any host will love — we’re sure no one would mind if you filled it with something fun, either! You can find it for $40 at The Golden Slipper, located in Germantown.
Etched glass decanter, $40, at The Golden Slipper | Image: The Golden Slipper
RELATED: Two Yummy Concepts Just Opened Downtown
S’mores grazing board
Grazing boards are all the rage these days, and for a good reason. After all, what’s not to love about a thoughtfully designed platter of all your favorite goodies? From Nutella and peanut butter dips to quintessential warm chocolate fondue with toasted marshmallows, this beautiful s’mores-themed board is sure to put a twinkle in your host’s eye … and satisfy their sweet tooth, too. You can order yours, starting at $45, from Anzie Blue, located in Belle Meade (but moving soon to Hillsboro Village!)
(And, if you need to ship a charcuterie board this season, Anzie Blue now ships! See here for details.)
S’mores grazing board, $45 to $90 depending on size, at Anzie Blue | Image: Anzie Blue
TO GET THE HOME HOLIDAY-READY
Willie Nelson ornament
Nothing says “You’re always on my mind” like Willie! This wonderfully kitschy ornament will add the right amount of Music City Christmas pizazz to your host’s tree. Find it for $20 at Welcome Home, located in East Nashville
Willie Nelson ornament, $20, at Welcome Home | Image: Welcome Home
Flower arranging workshop kit
Consider splurging for the hostess who appreciates the perfect holiday tablescape. This Floral Society Arrangement Workshop kit contains all the tools needed to help your host with a hands-on approach to creating a gorgeous seasonal centerpiece. Not to mention, the tips and tricks are priceless. Find it for $86 at Abednego, located in Germantown.
The Floral Society’s Arrangement Workshop kit, $86, at Abednego | Image: Abednego
Very Merry Holiday Gift Set
A beautiful selection of seasonally inspired (and deliciously scented) treats and home goods are the ideal gift for the host or hostess who has it all. The gift set includes goodies from vendors such as The Shortbread Shop and Olive & Sinclair, and the Paddywax balsam candle and Nashville Soap Company candy cane soap bar will make any home feel more like a winter wonderland. Pick up this gift set for $75 at High Note Gifts.
Very Merry Holiday Gift Set, $75, from High Note Gifts | Image: High Note Gifts
Have a safe and healthy holiday season, Nashville!
**********
Want more great FINDS? Follow us on Instagram, or get out and explore the city with our free SB App!