It’s early December, and if you’re like many of us, your calendar is filling up with people to see and places to be.

And speaking of places to be … we salute the hosts and hostesses of the holiday season – those generous souls who invite us into their homes for food, drink, and all-around merriment.To thank them, we think it’s only appropriate to give them a little something to show how much we appreciate the hospitality.

For starters, may we recommend a Reindeer Antler Bottle Opener? Besides being just plain cool looking, these openers have a story. Naturally shed by the reindeer, the antlers are collected by the Sami, semi-nomadic reindeer herders of the northernmost regions of Europe. The antlers are then used to create decorative (and functional) objects, like this striking opener. Pair it with a six-pack of craft-brewed winter ale, and any party will reach a new level of festive when you arrive.

Reindeer Antler Bottle Opener

Another can’t-go-wrong option: a lovely scented candle. Because not all scented candles are created equal, we put several though a rigorous sniff test to decide which are gift-worthy. The Voyage de Mer candle made the final cut. Its clean, sea-inspired scent is a great way to freshen up a room, plus it burns for 85 hours.

Voyage de Mer Scented Candle

You will certainly win a repeat invitation if you show up bearing exclusive handcrafted stoneware cups. Made by a Portland ceramicist, the cups are crafted in the Japanese style of yunomi (cups used for informal tea drinking), and are designed to fit comfortably in one’s hand. What better way for a host or hostess to relax after the big gathering than with a soothing hot drink warming their palms?

 Stoneware Cup

For more host and hostess-friendly items, visit our gift boutiques, and Pinterest gift boards:

Gifts for Under $100: Jadite and Glassware

Gifts for Under $100: Handy, Helpful and Fun

Cheers!