Recipe Mutiny: Thoughtful Entertaining Gifts & Gadgets for Your Thanksgiving Host

Friday, November 8, 2019

Thoughtful Entertaining Gifts & Gadgets for Your Thanksgiving Host

A bottle of wine is fine, no doubt, but check out these more thoughtful and on-theme gifts to bring a Thanksgiving host or hostess this year.

Thanksgiving is all about simple pleasures. We sit around with family and friends, open some wine or whiskey, eat ourselves into a state of delirium, and pray to god uncle Mark doesn’t start in about the “deep state.” Yes, this holiday is all about lazing. Unless you’re hosting, that is.

If you’re lucky enough to have someone take it all on—the planning, the shopping, the prepping, the cooking—then you’ve certainly got much to be thankful for. This is exactly why you should bring something special for the host or hostess in question to add to the merriment, and maybe take one thing off of their to-do or shopping list. Thanksgiving is not widely thought of as a gift-giving holiday, so showing up with a thoughtful something-or-other will go that much further. (It might even earn you a seat next to the mashed potatoes).

Etiquette note: if you’re bringing something like placemats, wine glasses, tablecloth or name cards it’s best to check in with the host or hostess and find out if you’re gift will fit into their larger plan. Ask them if you can handle place cards, for instance, or hint that you’re bringing something extra special to serve the turkey on. If you don’t, don’t be insulted if you’re gift doesn’t make an appearance until next year.

Belgian Linen Apron, $50 on Rough Linen

Rough Linen

This waiter’s apron from Rough Linen has a pencil slot and spacious pockets for your checklist. Most importantly? It’s resilient enough to fend off even the most spirited of gravy splatters.Buy Now

Washed Linen Tablecloth, $59.99 on H&M

H&M

H&M nailed fall with this stone-washed linen tablecloth. No need to be precious with it when you need to clean it either—use the delicate cycle, then tumble dry to make it even softer.Buy Now

Thankful Tree Centerpiece, $27.99 on Deseret Book

Wayfair

Update a tradition with this tabletop tree sculpture. Guests jot down what they’re thankful for on a fall paper leaf and add to the branches throughout the day.Buy Now

Funky Custom Placemats, (price varies) on Etsy

Etsy

This Etsy-based artists takes your color schemes and preferences and turns them into some of the coolest placements Thanksgiving has ever seen.Buy Now

Harvest Turkey Wreath, $33 on Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond

No, it’s definitely not real but who cares? Look at this thing! It’s your new favorite Thanksgiving tradition and you know it.Buy Now

Le Creuset Apple Pie Dish $40 Sur La Table

Sur La Table

This Le Creuset has a whimsical retro feel but all the fine craftsmanship of the iconic French cookware brand.Buy Now

Apple Cider Candle, $24 on Nordstrom

Brooklyn Candle Studio

If you’ve ever smelled hot apple cider mulling in a slow cooker, you know there’s just nothing better. This candle from Brooklyn Candle Studio comes damn close to the real thing. It’s infused with natural aromatics like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—also known as the autumn holy trinity.Buy Now

Copper Serving Platter (set of 3), $85.99 on Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond

A set of distressed copper serving platters perfect for piling mountains of moist turkey on.Buy Now

Handmade Pumpkin Place Card Holders, $3 Each on Etsy

Etsy

Look at me in the eyes and tell me these aren’t the cutest. And they are handmade from ceramic and wire so you’re not likely to find them at anyone else’s Friendsgiving.Buy Now

Copper Placemat, $11.95 on CB2

CB2

For a more modern Thanksgiving table, use these striking placemats from CB2. Bonus—they’re made from industrial powder-coated iron and can easily double as trivets for hot dishes.Buy Now

Ceramic Nesting Trays, $250 on Slash Objects

Slash Objects

A bit of a splurge for sure, but these ceramic nesting stones from Slash Objects are as versatile as they are eye-catching. Use them for a pre-dinner meat and cheese arrangement or to hold side dishes.Buy Now

Turkey Place Card Holder, $11.95 on Sur La Table

Sur La Table

These adorable place card holders from SLT come in sets of 10 and have plenty of space to jot down all your fabulous friends’ names.Buy Now

MAKO Wine Carafe & Decanter, $19.99 on Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond

You don’t have to spend a million bucks to make the table look like a million bucks. There’s nothing wrong with wine bottles but a carafe decanter hybrid like this one for under $20 adds a certain charm to the affair. Especially good if you cheaped out on the wine and don’t want people googling the labels.Buy Now