Posted by Aspen Kitchens
on October 19, 2026
You know the type. She's the one who says "just come over, I'll throw something together" and somehow there's a beautiful board, candles lit and something warm coming out of the oven. If that's you (or the woman you're shopping for), this list is for her.
These are the pieces that make hosting easier, prettier and a whole lot more fun. Here's what every hostess needs this holiday season.
The Board Everyone Gathers Around: Mango Wood Serving Board with Etched Charcuterie Spread
Every great party has a spot where everyone ends up standing, and it's usually around the board. The Mango Wood Serving Board with Etched Charcuterie Spread is big, beautiful and made for piling high with cheese, meats, fruit and crackers. The etched design makes it look styled even before you add a single thing.
Board Inspiration in Your Back Pocket: Wine and Cheese Board Deck by Meg Quinn
Not sure what to put on the board? The Wine and Cheese Board Deck by Meg Quinn is a deck of cards full of board ideas and wine pairings. Pull a card, follow the layout, and you've got a board that looks like it came from a caterer. It's also one of our favorite easy gifts to tuck into a hostess basket.
The Cutest Little Details: Christmas Metal Spreaders and Earthenware Spreaders
Spreaders are the jewelry of the charcuterie board. They're small, inexpensive and they make everything look finished. Our Christmas Metal Spreaders come in four festive styles, and the Earthenware Spreaders come in a whole lineup of charming designs. Mix and match them on the board, or grab a few for stocking stuffers and hostess gifts.
Napkins That Start the Conversation: "Drinks On Me" Witty Party Napkins
Fair warning: your guests will be reading these out loud to each other. The "Drinks On Me" Witty Party Napkins come in a bunch of styles, and every one of them is hysterical. They're the easiest way to get a party laughing, and they make a perfect little add-on gift for the friend with the best sense of humor.
Warm Bread All Night Long: Handmade Bread Warmer with Lid
Nothing says "welcome" like warm bread on the table. The Handmade Bread Warmer with Lid keeps rolls and bread warm through dinner, and it's so pretty it doubles as table decor. It comes in five designs, and it's one of those gifts most people have never seen before.
The Talking Point: Smithey Carbon Steel Oval Roaster
If you want something your guests will ask about, put a Smithey on the table. Every Smithey piece is handcrafted in Charleston, and it shows. The Smithey Carbon Steel Oval Roaster is perfect for roasting a chicken, a pan of vegetables or a big batch of holiday sides, and it goes straight from the oven to the table looking like an heirloom. It's a piece she'll use for decades and hand down someday.
Instantly Elevate Anything: Elegant Scallop Footed Trivet Riser
This is our secret styling weapon. The Elegant Scallop Footed Trivet Riser is the most elegant riser we've found. Set a cake, a cheese board or a hot dish on top and it instantly elevates your whole table. Adding height is the trick designers use to make a spread look abundant, and this one does it beautifully. It comes in small and large.
The Showstopper Appetizer: Caramelized Garlic Olive Oil and Smoked Balsamic
Want the easiest appetizer that tastes like you spent all day on it? This is it.
Pour a pool of Caramelized Garlic Infused Olive Oil by Olivelle onto a shallow plate. Drizzle in a little Smoked Dark Barrel Aged Balsamic and let it swirl. Sprinkle the top with Olivelle Herb & Garlic Dipper and Seasoning. Slice a baguette, brush the slices with a little of the olive oil, and toast them until golden and crisp.
That's it. Sweet, smoky, garlicky and completely addictive. Set it out and watch it disappear. Bonus: a bottle of oil, a bottle of balsamic and the seasoning tied together with a ribbon makes one of the best hostess gifts there is.
The Best Gifts for the Girl Who Loves to Host
Whether you’re shopping for the friend who hosts every holiday, your mom, your sister, or yourself, these are the gifts that see constant use. They show up at every Friendsgiving, Christmas Eve, and those spontaneous “just come over” nights all year long.
Stop by Aspen Kitchens at 5020 N Nevada Ave in Colorado Springs, or shop online at shop.aspenkitchens.com to find these hostess essentials and so much more.
