Gifts that'll get you invited back
15 vintage homeware ideas for host gifts (or, keep them for yourself).
Sources: eBay, Etsy, House & Garden (1971)
My kind of hosting (which I do, maybe, twice a year) falls somewhere between coordinated chaos (read: toddler in the house) and 70s insouciance: bare feet, shared dishes, meandering in from the balcony, and bringing out the courses as they’re ready.
For me, the best guest gifts fit that vibe: thoughtful, but not overthought. For a dinner, I’ll usually bring a bottle of something—on my list for next time is Forthave Spirits Marseille Amaro, which Ilana Glazer has raved about—but for a housewarming or overnight stay, it’s fun to find something more special.
Below are 15 examples of types of gifts, plus a curated vintage pick for each category to help get you started. It helps to stock up on these gifts in advance and pull them out when the occasion calls for it.
1. Serving Utensils
In general, stuff for picking up food with is usually a safe bet.
recently guest-authored a post for in which she recommended vintage Mariposa salad servers like the ones below (here’s another option from the brand). Cocktail picks like this midcentury teak set also work well.2. Bud Vase
Flowers are fleeting, but bud vases are forever. This cobalt blue vase is from Etsy, but you can easily find options like these from your local secondhand store or flea market.
3. Napkin Rings
Napkin rings are underrated but add a special touch to the table. Here’s a vintage midcentury set from Japan on Etsy.
4. Napkin Holder
Napkin holders can double as letter holders. I love the sculptural design of this lucite one by an Italian architect.
5. Cloth Napkin Set
Are you sensing a theme here? For a masterclass on sourcing vintage table linens, check out
’s recent round-up on :I found this set searching ‘deadstock vintage cloth napkins’ on Etsy.
6. Recipe Box
This is one of those don’t-know-you-need-it-’til-you-have-it gifts. My sister-in-law got me a beautiful floral tin one from Rifle Paper Co. years ago and I’m still stuffing it with wishful-thinking recipes. Here’s a copper one from Etsy.
7. Coffee Carafe
Bonus points if you bring some local beans with it. Here’s a classic midcentury modern option.
8. Mug Set
You can’t go wrong with vintage Marimekko. This playful pair of mugs is sure to put a smile on your host’s face.
9. Citrus Juicer
I love jadeite, I love juicing, and I love this charming jadeite citrus juicer from Etsy.
10. Photo Frame
I used to spend $$ on picture frames from Crate & Barrel, only to realize that most thrift stores have high-quality crystal photo frames for a few bucks. This textured one by Waterford is just missing a beautiful memory.
11. Tea Towels
Vintage tea towels are often sturdier than their modern counterparts and can range from punchy to ethereal, depending on your pick. Here’s a fun striped set from Etsy.
12. Coasters
You really can never have too many coasters, especially if they’re as beautiful as this Anchor Hocking midcentury set.
13. Egg Cups
Okay, hear me out: you’re going to a housewarming brunch and you bring the hosts these adorable robin’s egg blue (get it?) egg cups. Actually, that’s it. That’s all I have to say.
14. Serving Bowl
Tory Burch has a well-documented obsession with vintage ‘lettuce-ware,’ and for a certain kitschy-chic host, I can see the appeal. Not feeling bold enough for this 12-inch bowl? You could also try this midcentury teak footed set.
15. Board Game
Vintage board games bring the added element of an activity to an event. I love ones that come in old-school tins, like this Candy Land find.
P.S. On the topic of hosting and guest-ing, there seems to be Venn diagram overlap between warm-weather dinner party and summer vacation outfits.
from has some great tips on leveraging what’s already in your wardrobe to create the perfect looks for each:
I love all of these ideas! My go-to hostess gifts typically includes an upgraded hand soap, like the ones from Molton Brown. When I’m entertaining, I swap out the Myers for Molton Brown to kick up my hostess game a notch. To keep in brand with your post, I’d source a lovely soap dish to catch the drippings underneath the hand soap. Whilst in the topic of Amaro—you’d be surprised how many people appreciate a non alcoholic mocktail offering. St. Agrestis has Amaro and Phony Negroni which are easily prepared and are delish. A six pack of these and maybe a vintage book on the history of the cocktail might also be a good hostess gift.
I am a Vera fan girl/addict. The museum of art and design in NYC had an exhibition of her work a few years ago and it was amazing!