10 Hostess Gifts to Give This Summer

A host or hostess gift is a lovely way to say thank you, here are 10 thoughtful summer hostess gifts to express your appreciation.  

Summer is in full swing and that means parties, weekends at friends, vacations and more. When you’re invited to a friend’s house, bringing a hostess gift is a lovely way to say “thank you for having me.” A bottle of wine when invited to dinner is great but maybe you want to bring something more substantial if staying for a long weekend.

When I stay with friends more often than not I bring a homemade gift along with a bottle of champagne to toast to our friendship and to our time together. But I also like to bring something for them to have to remember our time together. Today I am sharing 10 Hostess Gifts to give this summer.

10 Summer Hostess Gifts

1. Candles and DIY Matchbooks

Candles are a gift that can instantly evoke the scent the seasons in any home. Many small-batch candle makers, like my favorite Hood Candle Co, create seasonal scents inspired by beach days, a cabin in the woods, summertime, and campfires among other summer scents. These handmade options use natural soy wax and essential oils, ensuring a clean burn.

A beautiful candle adds a cozy glow to any indoor or outdoor setting and is nice for your hostess to use long after you have gone. You could also purchase a candle from TJMaxx or Marshalls, if you like, they always have lots of options.

Don’t forget to make a few packs of DIY matchbook covers! This easy craft lets you make bespoke matches for each of your family or friend. You can make them using wrapping paper scraps, craft paper, wallpaper of whatever else you like. I made the ones above from the wrapping of a chocolate bar!

2.Picnic Blankets

A picnic blanket is both a stylish and practical hostess gift perfect for summer outings by the lake, park, or backyard.Whether it’s spreading out for an alfresco lunch or starry night watching the fireworks, a picnic blanket adds a little something special to  the experience. Preloved, vintage tartan blankets are another great option and one of my favorites to gift.

3. Homemade Sweet Treats

There’s something special about sharing something you made yourself. Plus, your host gets to enjoy a thoughtful present that they love. Next time you’re invited over, try one of these recipes as a delicious way to say “thank you for having me.”

Sugar cookies, salted alfajores bars, brownies, roasted cherry crumble bars, carrot banana bread, raspberry lemon cheesecake bars are just a few of the things that my friends enjoy.

4. Handcrafted Ceramic Mugs & Coffee or Tea

Handcrafted ceramic mugs are perfect for the hostess who appreciates the art of everyday moments, turning a casual cup of tea or coffee into a something special. Summer breakfasts, iced coffee breaks, or a cup of tea in a special mug picked by a friend makes the little moments in life a celebration.

Add your favorite coffee bans or tea blend!

5. Olive Oils, Vinegar and Salts

Olive oils and vinegars and salts add something special to everyday cooking and summer salads, making them a fantastic gift for the hostess. In addition to cooking, these oils can be used for dipping fresh bread, drizzling on salads or dips.

Sea salts, smoked salts and flavored salts add the finishing touch to your dish, we like Maldon, Jacobson and the salts we bring back from our travels.

6. Floral Arrangement From Your Garden

Flower arrangements brighten any summer event. Their bursts of color and scent bring joy not only to you but to whomever you gift them too. A curated bouquet featuring an assortment of  flowers you are lucky enough to grow in your garden, containers or yard makes it even more special.

Sunflowers, dahlias, zinnias, or garden roses along with some fresh herbs can make a beautiful bouquet. Flowers are timeless, making them a classic and always appreciated gift. Bring them in a beautiful vase that the host can use for years to come.

7. Fresh Herbs in Containers

A fresh herb garden kit is a fun and practical gift. These kits often include everything needed to grow basic herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary right on a windowsill or balcony. I’ve received several of these over the years and always enjoy them.

8. Ice Cream Toppings

Summer and ice cream go hand in hand, so why not gift an ice cream toppings basket to the hostess with a sweet tooth? Place the homemade ice cream sauces, hot fudge, roasted blueberries, Bourbon pecan salted caramel,  a jar of maraschino cherries, sprinkles, an ice cream scoop and maybe even a set of small ice cream bowls, in a little wicker basket, wrap in cellophane and tie with a bow. It’s the kind of present that makes people smile and takes them back to summer as a kid.

9. Summer Jams, Preserves and Chutney

Homemade jams, jellies and preserves make a wonderful hostess gift. They are the best of summer fruits in a jar. Add a loaf of homemade or fresh from the bakery sourdough.

Chutney is one of my favorite things to make and to give in gift baskets and as hostess gifts. It is easy to make and is delicious on cheese, sandwiches, charcuterie and as a side with pork, chicken, turkey.

Roasted blueberries or roasted cherries are another easy favorite to make. These delicious summer fruits are perfect over ice cream, yogurt, cheese, waffles, pancakes, etc.

10. Beautiful Serving Bowls or Platters

A beautifully crafted ceramic serving pice is a versatile hostess gift that can be used again and again. Bowls and platters can hold everything from vibrant salads to fruits or the main course and can be used inside and out.

Need more hosted gift ideas? My friend Annie shared a few that you can add to your list. 

That’s All for Now

I hope that you enjoyed these 10 summer hostess gifts suggestions, I think your host would love to receive one. Remember a gift from the heart does not have to cost a lot it really is the thought that counts.

What do you give for hostess gifts? What do you like to receive?

Have a beautiful day friends, thank you for stopping by!

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On My Radar~Hostess Gifts