17 Artful Hostess Gifts That Capture the Joie de Vivre of Summer

Whether your host is a gourmand or fashionista, jet-setter or homebody, these playful objets are a delightful way to show appreciation

Beach tote with accessories on a towel by the ocean; includes binoculars, hat, map, sunscreen, orange, and perfume.
Diptyque’s Mediterranean collection included beach towels, tote, and citrusy fragrance. Photo: Courtesy of Diptyque

With the last long weekend of summer on the horizon, now is the time to plan a getaway and make the most of the season’s remaining warm-weather days. Hopefully, you have friends or family with guest suites to spare in a dreamy destination. Arriving with a token of your appreciation is always an appropriate gesture (and an excellent way to be sure you’re invited back!). Here, Galerie looks at more than 15 selections—from delectable treats to alluring aromas, decorative objets to entertaining essentials—that any host would be happy to receive.

1 | 17

17 Artful Hostess Gifts That Capture the Joie de Vivre of Summer

Visitors to the Galerie House of Art and Design were captivated by the refreshing scent of Gibson & Dehnu2019s Beach Privet candle which filled the artful spaces with the alluring aroma of the Hamptons’ iconic blossoming privets, citrusy grapefruit, coconut, sandalwood, and musk.

Photograph by Genevieve Garruppo

The world’s most celebrated hosts all have signature stationery; Dear Annabelle allows you to create custom notecards or select from a spirited array of pre-printed styles, from Art Deco Disco to zesty Tutti Frutti or elegant Flourish.

Photograph by Courtesy of Dear Annabelle

This elegant serving tray by award-winning designer Michau00ebl Verheyden is made in France using a richly colored Rosso Francia marble.

Photograph by Courtesy of March

Give your host a truly special piece from Malaika, an Egypt-based purveyor that empowers local women by training them in embroidery, which is then rendered on sumptuous textiles. The site also offers a thoughtful selection of handcrafted Fayoum pottery like this Greenscape platter and Botero candle holder.

Photograph by Courtesy of Malaika Linens

Bring a little global flare to your hostu2019s dinner table with the vibrant Bali placemat from Kim Seybert which uses glass, raffia, and plastic beads to recreate an eye-catching ikat pattern.

Photograph by Courtesy of Kim Seybert

Celebrated event planner Rebecca Gardner translated her years of designing glorious fu00eates into a beautiful selection of tableware, linens, and unique home accents. The Barriera Corallina collection of plates updates the traditional white dinnerware with a coastal chic border of crimson red coral inspired by a Tony Duquette sketch.

Surprise your epicurean host with this elegant, beveled-edge cutting board made from sustainably harvested Itza wood from the Guatemalan jungle. Paired with fresh cheeses, farm-fresh veggies, and decadent charcuterie, its a delicious addition to any house party.

Celebrate Southern hospitality with these coral-colored Stick candles, available from Reed Smythe & Company, that are cast from a piece of North Carolina cedar. Also available in oak, hickory, and maple and beeswax, forest, and starry night colorways, they perfectly pair with traditional silver candlesticks or a modern candelabra.

Photograph by Courtesy of Stick Candles

Be the star of tea time with a selection of fine teas, a dozen macarons, and this Faded Peony teapot from Ralph Lauren Home’s collaboration with British brand Burleigh.

Photograph by Courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home

Nothing shows you’ll be a good guest like a selection of beautiful baskets ideal for tidying up. These options, made by women weavers in Senegal, are part of the new Joshua Tree collection from Noma Collective, a California-based studio that features artisan-made goods from India, Mexico, Kenya and more.

Photograph by Charlotte Lea

Perfect for the fashion-loving friend, this set from Matouk translates Schumacheru2019s Iconic Leopard print into a wonderfully wild tablecloth, placemats, and linens.

Photograph by Courtesy of Matouk

These dazzling Mayfair crystal glasses by Reflections Copenhagen will add plenty of glamour to any dinner party. The jubilant gem tones and sophisticated etching make them the jewel of any tablescape (particularly if presented alongside a coveted bottle of Wu00f6lffer Estate rosu00e9).

Photograph by Courtesy of Matchesfashion

Inspired by her trips through the bazaars of India, world traveler Margherita Missoni designed this limited-edition scarf in collaboration with the Luxury Collection. Sales of the colorful accessory will benefit the Collective Good Foundation, which provides pandemic relief to the people of India. Available September 7.u00a0

Add a little extra flavor to the weekend menu with this tantalizing cookbook from restaurant founder Donna Lennard. Released in celebration of Il Buco‘s 25th anniversary, the tome includes more than 80 recipes, behind-the-scenes stories, and a forward by the legendary restaurateur Alice Waters.

Photograph by Courtesy of Il Buco

Beat the rainy-day blues with this gilded City by the Sea 1,000-piece puzzle from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, sales of which go to the organizationu2019s mission to preserve the architectu2019s Taliesin and Taliesin West.

Photograph by Courtesy of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Whether youu2019re yachting along the Amalfi Coast or swimming in Southampton, this limited-edition, cobalt-blue Basile beach towel from Diptyqueu2019s Mediterranean collection is a dreamy addition.

Photograph by Courtesy of Diptyque

Supplement a bouquet of farm-fresh flowers with Aerinu2019s new Corinne round vase, that features a gold rim and a confetti-like pattern of blue, green, yellow, and white against a cream background.

Lit scented candle with colorful striped packaging on a reflective surface next to a golden vase.
Set of white envelopes with cute fruit designs, including cherries, strawberries, avocados, and citron slices.
Red apples on a round, red marble tray against a plain white background.
Decorative ceramic plate with tree design and a vase with wildflowers on a patterned fabric background.
Oval-shaped embellishment with intricate blue, brown, and white embroidered patterns on a textured surface.
White plates with red decorative edges arranged on a white background.
Wooden cutting board with blueberries, cape gooseberries, and figs on a light gray background.
Two silver candlesticks with tall, orange, textured candles set against a plain white background.
Green and white floral-patterned porcelain teapot with a curved spout and handle against a plain background.
Five decorative woven baskets with lids and pampas grass on a minimalist concrete floor.
Green and white leopard print table setting with palm leaf, dishes, and oranges on a patterned tablecloth.
Two elegant glass goblets with geometric, colorful stems featuring green, pink, and yellow accents.
Person on beach holding a colorful scarf blowing in the wind, wearing patterned pants.
Aerial view of people dining outdoors at a restaurant with cobblestone street and sidewalk. Cover of "Il Buco: Stories & Recipes."
Colorful abstract jigsaw puzzle with geometric shapes and lines, partially assembled with the box on top.
Folded blue towel with geometric patterns on a white background.
Bouquet of white dahlias in a round, colorful vase with green and yellow accents against a white background.
Lit scented candle with colorful striped packaging on a reflective surface next to a golden vase.
Set of white envelopes with cute fruit designs, including cherries, strawberries, avocados, and citron slices.
Red apples on a round, red marble tray against a plain white background.
Decorative ceramic plate with tree design and a vase with wildflowers on a patterned fabric background.
Oval-shaped embellishment with intricate blue, brown, and white embroidered patterns on a textured surface.
White plates with red decorative edges arranged on a white background.
Wooden cutting board with blueberries, cape gooseberries, and figs on a light gray background.
Two silver candlesticks with tall, orange, textured candles set against a plain white background.
Green and white floral-patterned porcelain teapot with a curved spout and handle against a plain background.
Five decorative woven baskets with lids and pampas grass on a minimalist concrete floor.
Green and white leopard print table setting with palm leaf, dishes, and oranges on a patterned tablecloth.
Two elegant glass goblets with geometric, colorful stems featuring green, pink, and yellow accents.
Person on beach holding a colorful scarf blowing in the wind, wearing patterned pants.
Aerial view of people dining outdoors at a restaurant with cobblestone street and sidewalk. Cover of "Il Buco: Stories & Recipes."
Colorful abstract jigsaw puzzle with geometric shapes and lines, partially assembled with the box on top.
Folded blue towel with geometric patterns on a white background.
Bouquet of white dahlias in a round, colorful vase with green and yellow accents against a white background.