Summer Hostess Gifts

It's August and summer is going at full-throttle right now. I was away for nearly the entire month of July and as awesome as it was, I'm so happy to be home. I have lots of parties, events and BBQs coming up. Most of the time, if I'm going to someone's home, I bring some sort of vice like alcohol or dessert (I’m truly a dessert enthusiast). But if it’s been a while, I like to bring a hostess gift. Since I'm currently looking for two hostess gifts, I thought I'd share my search with you (#mutitasking). Here are some of my favorites.

Oh, and if you're one of the people I'm bringing a hostess gift to, can you please pretend you didn't read this and act really surprised? 

ENGLISH BULLDOG TEA TOWEL- BEST IN SHORE

Best in Shore is one of my favorite places to buy gifts. Everything is hand stamped by the  amazing Jillian Clemmons and a percentage of each purchase benefits animal rescues. I love these bulldog tea towels, which are available in blue and red. If you aren't a bully lover, there are other breeds available as well. 

MILKSHAKE DIAGRAM GLASSES

Does your milkshake bring all the boys to the yard? ( Sorry, I can't help myself.) If it does, bring these glasses and ingredients to your next party. For something extra special, check out these recipes for boozy milkshakes from one of my favorite websites, The Kitchn.

MICHAEL ARAM ROCK JIGGER

I was recently at the new Michael Aram store in Los Angeles (there's a post about it coming soon) and seeing his entire collection (or most of it) in one place completely wowed me. I wanted everything. That being said, most Michael Aram collectables are on the pricey side. But this rock jigger is only $25. It's one of those things that most hosts don't have, but will be really happy to receive. Seriously, who has a jigger? I think we all need one. 

SHAKE YOUR COCKTAIL FEATHERS DRINK FLOAT SET

My friend, stylist and blogger, Ali Levine (check out the interview I did with her), just had a pool built at her house. I couldn't wait to buy her a giant swan pool float to celebrate, but after checking out her Insta, I realized she already had one, so I'm buying her these mini-drink floats instead. I can't think of a better way to accessorize a cocktail. 

WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU TRAY

I saw this tray at one of my favorite boutiques in LA, Pickett Fences on Larchmont. I snapped a pic of it, which got a  whole lot of social media love. Unfortunately, PF doesn't sell it online, but luckily Amazon does. Bring it and you will be more interesting at parties. 

JONATHAN ADLER PEACE STUDDED CANDLE

I actually received this Jonathan Adler candle as a housewarming present. It smells delicious and has lots of staying power. Pro tip: I typically light just two of the three wicks because it's on the strong side. Trust me on this, my living room has cathedral height ceilings. When you're finished with the candle, leave it in the freezer for 20 minutes and scoop out the extra wax with a spoon. Voila! Use the gorgeous box to store things like coasters, cocktail napkins or even jewelry. 

KATE SPADE NEW YORK 'PORTLAND PLACE' PICTURE FRAME

Kate Spade's home collection is really pretty and can work with a variety of decors. Add a extra special surprise to this gift by printing out your favorite Insta and putting it in the frame. Watch for an extra smile as your host unwraps this gift. 

THRESHOLD STRIPE THROW BLANKET

I love this 100% cotton throw from Target. It's really luxurious looking and perfect to bring to someone's beach house. 

ANTHROPOLOGIE LATTE BOWLS

If you're having a party, you can't have too many bowls. This Anthropologie Latte Bowl set comes in a variety of color combos. It's a practical, but pretty gift that your host will really appreciate every time they have people over.