Gifts Most Welcome: Ideas for the Hostess

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12 1 2011

We were instructed never to arrive to a soiree empty-handed — especially during the holiday season that’s a rule you don’t want to break. Wine is a default choice — but it’s not the most imaginative idea during December. You can do better than stopping at the corner liquor store while your hostess was slaving away like a dutiful domestic goddess. A little effort goes a long way.

It’s a sign that you’re giving a good present when you’re secretly reluctant to part with it. Yes, box of La Maison du Chocolat truffles, we could have had a good future together (after all, we haven’t made our New Year’s resolutions just yet). Something that continues to get use—a smart candle, a bottle of unusually good olive oil, a selection of tea, something for the tree, anything from John Derian — reminds your friend just how thoughtful you can be when you put your mind to it. (212 872 8872)

You can also try your hand at the BG Gifter — answer some questions just the way your friend would: Are you a dog person? Do you sing karaoke? Do you read tabloids? It will suggest an inspired gift, like knit cashmere mittens or a necklace displaying her astrological sign (212 872 8901).

And if you do have to stop at the liquor store get a bottle of champagne—not yet chilled—that tells your hostess that it’s for her to enjoy in her own good time. It also reminds her that you’ve got a touch of class. Salut!

DAVID COGGINS is a regular contributor to Art in America and Artnet. His work has also appeared in Interview, Modern Painters, The Huffington Post and The Wall Street Journal. He is currently working on a book for Taschen. This holiday season, Mr Coggins will be elaborating upon the perilous art of gift giving with his weekly Gifts Most Welcome series here on 5th/58th. In addition, he’s our in-house scribe and usual tumblr contributor.