There’s a beloved and oft-replicated needlepoint pillow design that reads, “You never know how many friends you have until you have a country house.” Well, the sun’s out, summer Fridays have commenced, and it’s high time to reunite with friends and family, preferably in a balmy, waterfront location belonging to someone you love. So, what is the perfect gift to bring your weekend host or hostess? Of course, there are some one-size-fits-all options—olive oil soap in the shape of grapes, a Murano glass nut bowl—but the best gifts are the most thoughtful ones, targeted to the recipient and his or her interests. Herewith, a curated gift selection by type of hos,t from the Southampton doyenne who considers tablescaping the eighth art to the Dolce Vita diva who wishes she was at the Bezos wedding but will have to settle for Venetian slippers instead.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Hostess Gifts:
The Carry-On Carrie
You may not be Carrie visiting Aidan in rural Virginia but for your trip to a friend down south bring a little southern charm like tin picnic plates in classic tobacco leaf print or a wide brim straw hat that will give Carrie’s colossal headpieces a run for their money. And just like that, you may be invited back!
For La Dolce Vita Diva
Just because you weren’t on a tender at the Bezos wedding doesn’t mean you can’t bring some Dolce Vita to amici’s home. How about a Negroni Sbagliato batched and ready to go from Via Carota or a pair of Venetian slippers?
For the Trompe L’Oeil Trickster…
This friend is the queen of puns; her weekend invitation always includes one. Help her set the table with some of these pouches dressed as food, not to mention a trompe l’oeil paper bag vase. For dessert, serve this spectacular fried chicken ice cream–the breadcrumbs are cornflakes and the drumstick is a pretzel!
For the Southampton Doyenne…
Who considers tablescaping the 8th art: Flatware and wicker is her love language, get her something she may not get herself like the cheeky “this or that” place cards from House & Parties or the chicest bamboo pizza cutter or have an inside joke engraved on a Christofle trinket box.
For the Gentleman Farmer…
They’re in marketing… farmer’s markets that is. These hosts just want you to take home more zucchini. They refer to their saltbox in Litchfield County exclusively as “The Farm” and are desperate for you to fawn over their bounty of heirloom tomatoes. Encourage this family endeavor with Japanese secateurs for the peony garden and a veggie basket for the kids.
For Your Chill College Roommate…
Whose Catskills cabin cohorts are pumped about New York’s recent marijuana legalization: They’ll need the most elegant Edie Parker Flower bong, the chicest version of The Dude with Tekla’s hooded bathrobe, some Levain cookies, available fully baked but frozen from FreshDirect and some special CBD treats when they’re ready to call it a night.
For the Mom of Four…
She’s filled out so many camp health forms and applied gallons of sunblock. The best gift you can possibly give her is a cold cocktail and some babysitting. Set her up with the best ice cream sandwiches and keep the kids busy for the afternoon with a Super Smalls sunglasses decorating kit and the cutest paper dollhouse.
For the Beachfront Betty…
Who spends all day long on the beach: They’ve just finished renovating their oceanfront Amagansett cottage with sea-inspired accents so even when they’re not on the sand, they’re still thinking about it. Help add to that collection with this ingenious umbrella friendly beach blanket and a custom Boat n’ Tote, maybe embroidered with “Beach, Please!”
For the Late-Night Board Gamer…
Who never tires of another round of Boggle: Provide the perfect set up for an evening of gaming with a deluxe cheese board, or personalized pencils and Monopoly board.