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12 Terrific Hostess Gifts

Written by Washingtonian Staff | Published on November 15, 2010
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With scents like grapefruit fig and mimosa and graphic Art Deco packaging, these soap bars smell great and are colorful enough to go without wrapping.  Claus Porto soap bars at Valerianne (111 Church St., Vienna; 703-242-1790), $20 each.
With scents like grapefruit fig and mimosa and graphic Art Deco packaging, these soap bars smell great and are colorful enough to go without wrapping. Claus Porto soap bars at Valerianne (111 Church St., Vienna; 703-242-1790), $20 each.

For your Cool New Co-Worker Photograph by Claus Porto

Help the maker of the night's seven from-scratch pies keep her party clothes clean in the kitchen with this speckled mosaic apron.  Anthropologie Daub and Dabble apron,  $32.
Help the maker of the night’s seven from-scratch pies keep her party clothes clean in the kitchen with this speckled mosaic apron. Anthropologie Daub and Dabble apron, $32.

For the Baker Photograph by Anthropologie

Sure, she spends more time primping than cooking. And dinner may have been delivered in aluminum trays because the kitchen is currently storing her shoe collection.  But that doesn't mean her fruit bowl shouldn't be as glam as she is.  Even if it's only s
Sure, she spends more time primping than cooking. And dinner may have been delivered in aluminum trays because the kitchen is currently storing her shoe collection. But that doesn’t mean her fruit bowl shouldn’t be as glam as she is. Even if it’s only s

For the Fashionista Photograph by Bloomingdales

Ramen Noodle chocolate? Sounds too cooky to taste terrible, especially to the adventurous eater.  Komforte Chockolates Bars, $3.49 each.
Ramen Noodle chocolate? Sounds too cooky to taste terrible, especially to the adventurous eater. Komforte Chockolates Bars, $3.49 each.

For the Foodie with a Sweet Tooth Photograph by Seattle Chocolates

Help your eco-friendly host cook even more locally by bringing the herb garden directly to her kitchen table. There's even built-in scissor storage for on-the-spot trims! Normann Copenhagen Herb Stand, $63.
Help your eco-friendly host cook even more locally by bringing the herb garden directly to her kitchen table. There’s even built-in scissor storage for on-the-spot trims! Normann Copenhagen Herb Stand, $63.

For the Tofurkey Maker Photograph by 2modern

She's consistently insisting she's just "whipped things together," but we all know she loves to play hostess.  For your umpteenth Thanksgiving at her place, these cheeky water pitchers will help her stick to her story.  Reform School refillable tap water
She’s consistently insisting she’s just “whipped things together,” but we all know she loves to play hostess. For your umpteenth Thanksgiving at her place, these cheeky water pitchers will help her stick to her story. Reform School refillable tap water

For the Perpetual Entertainer Photograph by Reform School

Know someone spending a little too much time in front of their computer? They broke away from Photoshop long enough to cook dinner, so why not gift them this retro reminder to "eat" more often? Roll & Tumble Eat Poster, $20.
Know someone spending a little too much time in front of their computer? They broke away from Photoshop long enough to cook dinner, so why not gift them this retro reminder to “eat” more often? Roll & Tumble Eat Poster, $20.

For the Typography Nerd Photograph by Felt & Wire

A humorous porcelain match holder and strike, because who doesn't  hate rummaging through junk drawers when you need a light? Jonathan Adler Pipe Match Strike, $42.
A humorous porcelain match holder and strike, because who doesn’t hate rummaging through junk drawers when you need a light? Jonathan Adler Pipe Match Strike, $42.

For the Cute Guy Upstairs Photograph by Jonathan Adler

Artisan salami, flavored with truffles, Barolo wine, and juniper berries, packaged in a rustic wooden box. Creminelli Salami Trio gift box, $75.
Artisan salami, flavored with truffles, Barolo wine, and juniper berries, packaged in a rustic wooden box. Creminelli Salami Trio gift box, $75.

For the Meat-Loving Father-in-Law Photograph by Dean & Deluca

Classic hot chocolate gets a spicy kick, and goes down especially smooth when paired with homemade vanilla marshmallows from Alexandria's Buzz Bakery (703- 600-2899). Maribelle New York Aztec hot chocolate, $25.
Classic hot chocolate gets a spicy kick, and goes down especially smooth when paired with homemade vanilla marshmallows from Alexandria’s Buzz Bakery (703- 600-2899). Maribelle New York Aztec hot chocolate, $25.

For the Kid-at-Heart Photograph by Maribelle

From breakups to big promotions, he's always there to talk.  Help him keep the coffee warm with a cheery red carafe. Oleg Palsby modern classic Thermal Carafe, $36.
From breakups to big promotions, he’s always there to talk. Help him keep the coffee warm with a cheery red carafe. Oleg Palsby modern classic Thermal Carafe, $36.

For the (Extended) Conversationalist Photograph by MoMA New York

These rubber utensils are easy to clean and read, can be quickly stored together, and even come in Thanksgiving colors.  Fall collapsible measuring cups and spoons, $19.95.
These rubber utensils are easy to clean and read, can be quickly stored together, and even come in Thanksgiving colors. Fall collapsible measuring cups and spoons, $19.95.

Perfect for Everyone Photograph by William Sonoma

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