As if the anxiety of getting to the Hamptons, Hudson Valley, Berkshires, Jersey Shore or a plethora of other destinations for a weekend away from one’s normal life isn’t enough, there’s the added agita of the hostess gift. And there are about as many philosophies of gifting as there are gifts. Some arrive with said offering, others gather intel and send a thoughtful something afterwards.
But should said offering be a gift for the home, or something personal for the host? We took an informal poll, and most hosts we interviewed said that decorative objects should be discouraged. “They think they have the ‘perfect’ addition for my home and they always get it wrong,’” revealed a frequent Hamptons host who asked to remain anonymous. “Host gifts should be for the host, not the house,” noted another.
This revelation threw our gifting strategy into a tailspin. No artisanal candles or coasters or ceramic something by a local maker who discovered pottery during Covid? Apparently not. Luckily there were a few (and we suspect there are more) who would still welcome all of the above.
Those options are included below, as well as a couple more spendy selections for family or friends who you may visit on the regular. BOOZE CRUISE: Ruinart Blanc de Blancs This gorgeous bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs (a truly delicious creation from the oldest champagne house in the world) is shown as an example for the overall better-than-you’d-buy-yourself booze category. If your hos.