be their best guest
We all know what it takes to be a gracious hostess, from the fun stuff – meal planning, specialty grocery shopping (wine and cheese and more wine and cheese), buying fresh flowers, arranging outings tailored to your guests’ interests – to the less glamorous stuff – the cleaning, the organizing, the laundry (ugh). It’s always worth the effort to share time with family and friends, but it’s no small endeavor. So do you put as much thought into what it take to *be* a great guest? Start the visit off right: acknowledge your hosts’ effort and thoughtfulness, and reciprocate with hostess gifts that are charming and meaningful.
1. Everyone needs a change dish. Or a jewelry dish. Or a pretty place for their keys. But rarely is this something one buys for themselves, and the cheerful pop of color will be a reminder of your warm times together.
2. Potpourri is one of life’s simplest little luxuries, made even better in a dish adorned with a sweet little bird.
3. Whether a house number, an area code, or a custom monogram, embroidered linen cocktail napkins will be enjoyed for years to come.
4. With the holidays coming up, hostess gifts can be a bit more whimsical, and with a nod to the season, and it doesn’t get much more whimsical than a glittery reindeer bust. Just the kind of silly fun the season calls for.
5. Instead of (or, better, in addition to!) a bottle of wine, bring a bottle of vodka (we love Tito’s Handmade Vodka), a set of Moscow Mule mugs and mixers, and embroidered cocktail napkins.
6. Why not add an antique-y mercury glass ornament to dress up that bottle of wine (or vodka)? Everyone loves extra sparkles.
7. Endlessly practical, a handy tray is made more special with its quatrefoil shape and minty faux shagreen.
8. You can never be too cozy, so you can never have too many blankets. Ours is cashmere blend double-faced woven throw that has great hand.
9. On a tree or arranged in a vignette, there is something so sweet and peaceful about these ornaments; they evoke tradition and a smile.
10. For a nod to the traditional bouquet, but with a modern-retro take, give a brass bouquet. It’s luxe, will last, and works in about any décor.
11. See number 8 – really, you can never have too many blankets! Here is a lighter-weight cashmere blend in a plain weave.
But what if you’re *not* a gifted gift-giver? Not to worry: we are! We have you covered this season, and year-round. Whatever the occasion, whomever the recipient, with Ivy Lane Living’s Gift Concierge you will always give the most thoughtful, most perfect gift. Every detail is handled, right down to the hand-written note. Contact us to get started, and enjoy the holidays.
Need more ideas? Our online shop is live! As a special for Stylebook readers, use the code STYLEBOOK and get free shipping for your online order through Saturday, November 27.
- About the studio
Alex Deringer and Courtney Cox combine their formal training in design and fashion with their renowned sense of style in Ivy Lane, a full-service interior design firm that curates casually elegant family dwellings that are elevated by a unique spark. Whether an entire house renovation or a one-room makeover, Alex and Courtney’s extensive experience and collaborative dynamic inform a successful design philosophy: thoroughly understand the client’s lifestyle, bring a thoughtful spatial perspective, and enliven the space with the freshest aesthetic interest.
309C Cameron Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
studio@ivylaneliving.com
703.566.6582
