Thoughtful gifting
Little things for the friend who loves to host
A playful board, clever glasses and a little polish for the drinks corner. Thoughtful gifts for relaxed evenings with friends.
You know the friend: there is always another chair to pull up and something good to nibble. A thoughtful hosting gift fits the way they welcome people, whether that means a cheese-and-chat evening or mixing a favourite drink. Start with the sort of gathering they enjoy rather than buying equipment they may never use.
01
For the cheese-and-chat host
The ‘You Talkin’ To Brie?’ board brings a little wordplay to the table. It is made from textured tempered glass and measures about 34.7 × 24.7cm. The product page says it cannot be shipped overseas, so keep that in mind if the gift is travelling beyond the UK.
02
For the person who enjoys making drinks
BarCraft’s palm-leaf cocktail shaker has a brass finish, a 500ml capacity and an integral strainer lid. It is handwash-only. Choose it for someone who enjoys shaken drinks; it can suit an alcohol-free recipe too, provided the recipe is suitable for shaking.
03
For a cupboard with limited room
Fred’s Babushkups nest together when stored and bring a little character to the table. The three glasses have different capacities, rather than being a matching set of equal-sized tumblers. That is worth knowing if your host prefers every place setting to look identical.
04
For the relaxed drinks corner
Fred Noted Coasters come as a pack of six with different slogans. They are made from thick paper stock, so treat them as a playful party detail rather than washable ceramic coasters. A small addition for a host whose sense of humour you know well.
A little drinks-corner pairing
Choose the BarCraft shaker and Noted Coasters for a host who likes a playful table. At the time of writing, the two came to £20.98 before delivery. Drinks, glassware and ingredients are separate; add a favourite recipe written in your own card.
A couple of little questions
What can I give a host who does not drink alcohol?
A serving board or glasses can work just as well for snacks and soft drinks. Choose for their taste and routines, without assuming alcohol is part of the occasion.
Should everything match?
Only if that is their style. A shared colour or material can make a small gift feel considered while leaving room for the pieces they already love.
Put the pairing together
Current prices. Products sold separately.