Your friends and family are cooking for you, cleaning up after you and maybe even letting you bring your dog. There’s no way you can show up to their parties empty handed. But what to give the host and hostess with the mostess stuff? I scoured Long Island shelves for happening hostess gifts.
Gorgeous Tray
Known for its eclectic mix of handmade jewelry and home goods, Sedoni Gallery in Huntington is a hub for gifts off the candle-beaten-path. Like a good hostess, this mango wood and metal inlay tray has a keen attention to detail. The braided handles and perfectly carved patterned inlay serve as luxe touches that will win almost as many compliments as the sweet treats and cocktails it carries.
2011 Blanc de Blancs
Cheers image: sparkling pointe
The holidays are all about sparkle—sparkling ornaments, sparkling lights and of course, sparkling wine. Sparkling Pointe’s 2011 Blanc de Blancs is a gorgeously festive bright gold color and presents notes of green apple and melon. Aged for three years on its fine yeast lees, drinkers will taste toasty flavors that enhance its creaminess.
Personalized Stationary
In an age of Facebook, text message and e-mail, thank you cards seem to be becoming a thing of the past—yet getting one in the mail can bring back holiday cheer. At Medici Fine Stationary in Huntington, the staff works with customers to add personal touches to stationary. Think initials, monograms and photos that will ensure your host’s card stands out on everyone’s credenza.
Umbrella
One never knows what Long Island weather will bring but the colorful Ella Ella Turquoise Umbrella from Ooh La La will ensure your host has a little bit of sunshine even on the dreariest of days. Bonus: She’ll actually be able to use it.
Coffee Beans
A work-a-holic host may refuse to take a day off, let alone escape to a faraway island for two weeks, but the gift of Red Thread Good coconut coffee beans, available at Sylvester & Co. in Sag Harbor, will ensure that at least her morning breakfast provides a bit of respite. The coconut is brewed into a Peruvian Columbian organic blend, giving it a velvety taste that tastes as luxe as a 1000-thread count resort sheets feel.