The holidays are a time to gather around the dinner table and enjoy delicious food with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just bringing something to contribute, this list of gifts will help you make your holiday dinner extra special.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Thanksgiving is a great time to show your appreciation for your host/hostess by bringing a thoughtful gift. |
| Personalized and DIY gifts can add a special touch to your Thanksgiving presents. |
| Handmade gifts can be a unique and meaningful way to show your gratitude to your loved ones. |
| Consider your budget and the nature of your relationship with the host/hostess when choosing an appropriate gift. |
| It is always appreciated when guests bring a gift even if the host/hostess says not to. |
Personalized Thank You Card
Thank them for hosting. This is a simple and obvious gesture, but it’s important to remember that your host has made the time to cater to your needs. Even if you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb, they have offered up their home for your holiday getaway.
Thank them for hospitality. Even though it’s their job as hosts, there is still work involved in making sure that everyone is comfortable and happy during their stay at the host’s house.
Thank them for the delicious food! No one likes an ungrateful guest, so it’s important to let them know how much you enjoyed their meal by thanking them personally and sincerely!
Thank you card etiquette varies depending on country but generally speaking, handwritten notes are always a good idea when thanking someone who has gone above and beyond while hosting you during Thanksgiving celebrations (or any other part of life).
Make sure not only do they know how much you appreciate all they’ve done but also why specifically this person deserves recognition over any other person who could have been chosen instead (e.g., “You were such an amazing host!”).
Looking for creative DIY gift ideas for all skill levels? Take a look at our guide on getting creative to find inspiration for your next project.
Host/Hostess Salad Plate
For a host/hostess, hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be an exciting and daunting experience. But it’s your duty to make it as easy as possible on yourself. To do that, you need two things: an air of confidence and the right tools.
- Confidence: You have seen (and cooked) your fair share of Thanksgiving dinners, so you know what you’re doing!
- Tools: It takes a few things for any successful cooking adventure—a good recipe book, fresh ingredients and a solid work space are all essential in any kitchen environment. No matter if you’re hosting for 10 or 20 people this year; these must-have items will ensure a successful holiday meal.
Best Host/Hostess Salad Plates
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Pottery Barn | Elegant porcelain salad plates featuring a colorful turkey design for a festive touch. |
| Crate & Barrel | Classic white salad plates made of durable stoneware, featuring a simple yet elegant design that complements any table setting. |
| Mikasa | Modern and sophisticated salad plates featuring a beautiful autumn leaf pattern, made of high-quality bone china. |
| Kate Spade | Chic and playful salad plates made of porcelain, featuring a colorful watercolor floral design that adds a pop of color to your table. |
| Williams Sonoma | Rustic and charming salad plates made of earthenware, featuring a harvest pumpkin design that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. |
Personalized Wine Labels
If your host/hostess is a wine connoisseur, consider giving them a custom set of personalized wine labels. These are an excellent way to make their Thanksgiving dinner extra special.
Personalized with their name, date and type of wine (Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon), these personalized labels will make their favorite bottle stand out from the crowd.
Your hosts can apply these easy-to-apply stickers directly onto bottles in under one minute—no glue or tools required!
Whether it’s for a birthday or a holiday, our guide on DIY gift ideas for every occasion will help you create personalized gifts that your loved ones will cherish.
Candle Holder Serving Tray
If you’re looking for a gift that will be used by your host and hostess, look no further than the candle holder serving tray.
This versatile piece of kitchenware can be used in many different ways. Use it to serve appetizers or desserts on Thanksgiving dinner, or use it as a trivet for hot dishes or for holding candles at Thanksgiving dinner. It’s perfect for serving individual salads too!
Beautiful Cheese Board
A beautiful cheese board will make an elegant and useful gift for your host or hostess. It can be used to serve cheese, crackers and fruit at a party or holiday gathering, but it also makes a lovely accent piece on the kitchen counter with seasonal fruits or nuts displayed in its compartments.
For example, you could include dried cherries in one section of your guest’s new cheese board and add pistachios to another. Your guest will have plenty of options for entertaining guests or just enjoying a snack while they watch TV!
Want to wow your friends and family with unique, handmade gifts? Take a look at our guide on handmade gifts to find inspiration for your next project.
Beautiful Hand-Painted Wood Serving Tray
A beautiful, hand-painted wood serving tray is a thoughtful gift for the host who wants to make their table extra special this Thanksgiving.
The tray is made from solid birch plywood and handcrafted in the USA by a husband and wife team. It’s been finished with non-toxic, water-based paint that’s safe for both food and kids!
The tray features an elegant contemporary design, perfect for serving desserts or appetizers at your holiday celebration. It also makes a great centerpiece when not in use.
Fall Leaf Napkin Rings or Napkins
This set of napkin rings is a great way to add a little fall charm to your table setting. The handmade, hand painted leaf designs are sure to please and the set includes 12 leaves in 4 different colors!
Handcrafted by artisans who take pride in their work, these are not mass manufactured at a factory but rather each piece is lovingly painted with care. A perfect gift for the host/hostess that appreciates craftsmanship and creativity!
Want to get your kids involved in DIY gift-making? Check out our guide on easy DIY gift ideas for kids to find fun and creative projects for all ages.
Best Fall Leaf Napkin Rings and Napkins
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Crate & Barrel | Elegant and understated fall leaf napkin rings in brushed gold, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your table. |
| Williams Sonoma | Beautiful embroidered linen napkins featuring a delicate autumn leaves design, available in a range of warm and rich hues. |
| Pottery Barn | Rustic and charming fall leaf napkin rings in antique bronze, featuring intricate detailing and a vintage-inspired look. |
| Pier 1 | Bold and modern fall leaf napkins in vibrant shades of red and gold, made of high-quality cotton and perfect for adding a pop of color to your table. |
| Bed Bath & Beyond | Classic and versatile fall leaf napkin rings in silver or gold, featuring a sleek and minimalist design that complements any table setting. |
Hand-Painted Wood Chip and Dip Serving Tray
Your host/hostess will love this hand-painted wood chip and dip serving tray ($29). It’s the perfect size for holding chips and dips, and it has a lip around the edge to catch crumbs without making a mess. The wood is from an eco-friendly source, so you can feel good about giving it as a gift.
This beautiful tray comes in several colors: cherry, espresso, gray, white wash (which is how I chose to paint mine), or natural. You’ll get two coats of protective sealer with your order so no paint chipping off onto your guests’ clothes!
Looking to add a personalized touch to your DIY gifts? Take a look at our guide on personalized DIY gifts and find inspiration for unique, customized presents.
Best Hand-Painted Wood Serving Trays
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| The Little Market | Beautiful hand-painted wood serving trays made by artisans in Morocco, featuring intricate geometric patterns and bold colors. |
| Pottery Barn | Rustic and charming hand-painted wood serving tray featuring a festive fall design, perfect for serving appetizers and drinks on Thanksgiving. |
| West Elm | Sleek and modern hand-painted wood serving tray featuring a simple yet elegant design, made of sustainably sourced acacia wood. |
| Pier 1 | Colorful and whimsical hand-painted wood serving tray featuring a vibrant floral pattern, perfect for adding a pop of color to your table. |
| World Market | Hand-painted wood serving tray featuring a beautiful peacock design, made of mango wood and perfect for serving drinks and snacks. |
Spode Thanksgiving Dinner Plates
- Spode is a leading brand of fine bone china, making it the perfect choice for any host/hostess.
- Since 1770, Spode has been producing its fine bone china in Stoke-on-Trent, England.
- The classic patterns are inspired by nature and the seasons, so no matter what pattern you choose for your table setting, you’re sure to make an impression on your guests with these beautiful plates!
Lenox Holiday Fruit and Basket Serving Bowls
This set of two fruit bowls is a great way to add some color to your table. The vibrant red bowl features a hand-painted basket design and will make any fruit look extra festive.
Conclusion
Did you find the perfect gift for the host of your Thanksgiving dinner? We hope so! If not, don’t worry—we have more ideas in store. In the meantime, we wish you a happy holiday season filled with joy, laughter and good food.
Further Reading
If you enjoyed reading about host/hostess gift ideas for Thanksgiving, you may find the following articles helpful:
Town & Country Magazine’s Best Thanksgiving Hostess Gift Ideas: Check out these gift ideas that go beyond the standard bottle of wine or bunch of flowers.
House Beautiful’s Thanksgiving Gift Ideas: From candles to cocktail mixers, these gift ideas will make any host/hostess feel appreciated.
Good Housekeeping’s Thanksgiving Gifts: These thoughtful gift ideas will help you show your gratitude to your Thanksgiving host/hostess in style.
FAQs
What are some good host/hostess gifts for Thanksgiving?
Some good host/hostess gifts for Thanksgiving include a beautiful serving dish, a seasonal candle, a gourmet food basket, or a festive wreath.
What is an appropriate amount to spend on a host/hostess gift for Thanksgiving?
An appropriate amount to spend on a host/hostess gift for Thanksgiving depends on your budget and the nature of your relationship with the host/hostess. Typically, a small gift such as a candle or a bottle of wine is appropriate, but if you are staying overnight or have a close relationship with the host/hostess, you may want to consider a more substantial gift.
Should I bring a gift even if the host/hostess says not to?
Yes, it is always appreciated when guests bring a gift even if the host/hostess says not to. It shows that you appreciate their efforts in hosting and that you recognize the hard work that goes into planning a holiday dinner.
Can I bring a homemade gift to a Thanksgiving dinner?
Yes, a homemade gift can be a thoughtful and meaningful way to show your appreciation to your host/hostess. Just be sure to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences and make something that is practical and appropriate for the occasion.
Is it okay to give a Thanksgiving gift after the event?
Yes, it is still appropriate to give a Thanksgiving gift after the event, but try to do so as soon as possible. A note or phone call to express your appreciation is also a good idea if you are unable to give a gift in person.
Hey there, I’m Hellen James, and I’m here to help you find the perfect gift for all your favorite people. I have been working in the retail industry for a little over ten years now, and I’ve seen a lot of people struggle to find the right gifts for their loved ones.
