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What To Buy For The Friend That’s Always The Host

What To Buy For The Friend That’s Always The Host

Looking for gifting inspiration? You’ve come to the right place. Because when it comes buying the perfect present, there’s a real difference between getting someone a ‘nice’ gift and finding something that truly feels them.

The Service95 Gift List is our hand-picked guide to shopping for all the special people in your life: The Social Butterfly, The Homebody, The Adventurer, and, as you’ll find below, The Host.

From cocktail-hour essentials to dinner-party delights, here’s what to buy for the friend who loves to entertain...

1. The Luxe Hamper

Ladurée Imperial Hamper: This beautifully presented hamper features plenty of Ladurée’s signature treats: eugénie biscuits, chocolate squares, candied fruits, pistachio nougat, Earl Grey tea and, of course, macarons. An indulgent treat. £165, Ladurée  

2. The Table Decoration

Anthropologie Table Candles: No dinner party is complete without flickering candlelight – all the better when the candles are this charming. Choose from three designs of hand-painted floral motifs to brighten up any tablescape. £20 for two, Anthropologie

3. The Elevated Aperitivo

Botivo Big-Sipping Botanical Aperitivo: Sure, you’ve heard of botanical non-alco spirit options before, but Botivo is a cut above. Not only does it get rave reviews from us all for a great, hangover-free drink, but also for its delicious blend of herbs, bitters and citrus that tastes incredible served with soda or tonic over ice. It looks great on your drinks trolley, too. £27.50, Botivo

4. The Bathroom Essentials

Aēsop Screen 1 Set: Any host worth their salt looks to the finer details to ensure a great event. Turn your attention to this luxe bathroom set (including hand wash, balm, room spray and Aesop’s famous Post-Poo Drops) to keep guests feeling pampered – and loo smelling great – all evening long. £107, Aēsop

5. The Spice Set

Payst Gift Set: Any spice lover will appreciate this set of six handmade Thai curry pastes – ranging from mild and aromatic Massaman and Yellow to fiery and intense Gatti and Jungle blends. Ideal for hosting a Thai-themed curry feast – or simply shaking up midweek meals. £26, Payst  

6. The Playful Plates

The Go-To Plates Set: ‘Line dancing and margaritas’ – what’s not to love? This tongue-in-cheek set of slogan plates will be the talk of any table. Each one is hand-written and hand-painted with scallop detailing, in a pretty pink shade. Perfect for serving up dessert. £78 for two, The Go-To

7. The Perfect Toast

Fortnum’s Blanc de Blancs Champagne Gift Box: When it comes to gifting, Champagne is always a good idea. This gift box of Fortnum & Mason’s blanc de blancs – from the grand cru village of Chouilly – is a real crowd-pleaser. Bring it along to your next event and you’re guaranteed be the host’s favourite guest. £47.50, Fortnum & Mason  

8. The Spirit, With A Twist

Electric Spirit Co Achroous Gin: This Edinburgh-made gin – an electrifying blend of seven botanicals – has won awards for its flavour, including being named in the top 10 gins worldwide. But it’s not just the flavour that makes it stand out – the luminous bottle makes it an eye-catching addition to any home bar. £35.99, Electric Spirit Co  

9. The Chic Apron

Maison Flâneur Striped Apron: ‘Stylish’ and ‘apron’ are two words you won’t often find together – but this striped number is a refined way of keeping any party outfit free from splashes and spills. It comes in six colourways, so you can even match it to your favourite host’s style – or their kitchen. $51, Maison Flâneur  

10. The Statement Candles

Earl Of East Candles: These cute votive candles are scented to evoke your café favourites – an americano, iced matcha, milk bun and hot chocolate. The best part? Once the candles have burnt down, the cups can be used to serve after-dinner espressos – or any tipple of choice. £49, Earl of East

11. The Dinner Party Upgrade

Choosing Keeping Place Cards: Add a touch of refinement to dinner parties with these Gentlemen Letterpress place cards. Made with a vintage-inspired design and sold in a pack of 10, they’re perfect for the hosts who appreciate attention to detail. £15, Choosing Keeping

12. The Colourful Bowls

Pottery & Poetry Hand-Glazed Bowl Set: Hand-glazed by artisans using age-old techniques in Bulgaria, these beautiful ceramic dipping bowls are perfect for serving sides and nibbles while adding a little colour to proceedings. £78 for three, Pottery & Poetry at Abask

13. The Kitchen Accessory

All Day Goods Butter Knife: A stylish gift for those who appreciate the simple joy of butter – and lots of it. With a hand-forged blade and one-of-a-kind marble-effect handle made from 100% plastic waste, this is an upgrade on your everyday knife that will look great on any dinner table. £44, All Day Goods

14. The Chic Cocktail Glasses

Maison Balzac x Browns Glasses: Cocktail hour just got a lot more playful, thanks to these handblown martini, Manhattan and margarita glasses with cute fruit detailing (very handy if you run out of garnishes). One for the friend who’s been honing their mixology skills. £145 for a set of three, Maison Balzac at Browns  

15. The Embroidered Napkins

Maegen Linen-Blend Napkins: Keep the spills to your table decor with these bold, wine-coloured linen-blend napkins from British-made brand Maegen. And if the inevitable happens, not to worry – they’re fully machine washable. £20 for 2, Maegen

The Gift List,  Shopping,  The Wish List 

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