Are we really having less sex?
Are we really having less sex?

Kate Demolder

Real Weddings: Iseult and Michael tie the knot in Smock Alley Theatre
Real Weddings: Iseult and Michael tie the knot in Smock Alley Theatre

Shayna Sappington

How to quit social media comparison for good
How to quit social media comparison for good

Niamh Ennis

Weekend Guide: 12 of the best events happening around Ireland
Weekend Guide: 12 of the best events happening around Ireland

Sarah Gill

How to handle the co-worker who brings everyone down
How to handle the co-worker who brings everyone down

Victoria Stokes

Majken Bech Bailey on her life in food
Majken Bech Bailey on her life in food

Holly O'Neill

A new Netflix series about the Guinness family is in the works
A new Netflix series about the Guinness family is in the works

Sarah Finnan

Why the music of Sinéad O’Connor will stay with us forever
Why the music of Sinéad O’Connor will stay with us forever

Jan Brierton

My Life in Culture: Artist Jess Kelly
My Life in Culture: Artist Jess Kelly

Sarah Finnan

This enchanting home on Lough Derg is on the market for €950,000
This enchanting home on Lough Derg is on the market for €950,000

Sarah Finnan

Image / Editorial

10 gifts for a party host that are so much better than a bottle of wine


By Edaein OConnell
03rd Dec 2019

gifts for a party host

10 gifts for a party host that are so much better than a bottle of wine

gifts for a party host

It’s the time of year when dinner parties and get-togethers are in full swing – but what do you get the host? We have found 10 gifts for a party host that are much better than the usual bottle of wine


The Christmas period is primetime for social gatherings at people’s houses. There is nothing better than being in the comfort of a home, enjoying drinks and food with friends and family – all without the crowds of pubs and restaurants.

But what do you buy the host? The go-to gift is often wine, but we think it’s overdone. Besides, the host will have so much wine by the end of the evening that they could open a vineyard.

Personal

When thinking of gifts, a mix of both personal and general options is ideal. Scented candles, diffusers, hand creams and soaps will always be a winner, as are flowers and Christmas ornaments. A coffee-table book is a wonderful gift and we love the simple wine guide from Amazon (listed below).

Looking for something a little different? Consider a print or illustration which can be hung on a wall. While this may seem expensive, a print can be purchased on Etsy for very little. Similarly, a journal or diary for the new year provides a personal touch and is one of the most useful presents that can be bought.

And if all else fails, a gift of a trusty cheeseboard will never be frowned upon.

Rathbornes 1488 Dublin dusk smoked oud & ozone candle, €36 at Brown Thomas

A Winter Jar of Joy, €60 at Appasionata

Waterford Crystal elegance wine glass pinot noir set of 2, €65 at Arnotts

2020 Year of Growth daily planner and gratitude journal, €37.70 at Etsy

Avoca No.4 Tea Rose Beauty Cracker, €12.95 at Avoca

Simple: A Totally Approachable Guide from a World-Class Sommelier, €20.66 at Amazon

Set of 3 Mix and Match illustrations and prints, €36.68 at Etsy

Christmas wreath with bells, €12 at Newbridge Silverware

Frankincense and precious myrrh diffuser, €16.95 at Carriag Donn

Cheese & cracker selection, €38 at Sheridans


Read more: 15 of the best wellness gifts, handpicked by Pilates teacher Audrey O’Connor

Read more: #IMAGEReads: 5 literary stocking fillers you’ll love this December

Read more: 7 of the best celebrity Christmas trees 2019 (so far)