Thoughtful host gifts for the tasteful entertainer

Charcuterie box from Charcuterie Box MNL | Photos by Claire Salonga and JT Fernandez

There’s always that one friend who seems to live for the pleasure of bringing people together—who can turn an ordinary weekday into tapas night, stretch a Sunday brunch into a full-day affair, and whose home wraps you in warmth and ease the moment you step through the door. They are the Tasteful Entertainer: the consummate host who always finds a reason to gather, nourish, and celebrate.

And for someone who gives so generously of their time, space, and presence, a thoughtful host gift is your way of saying thank you for creating a space we all love returning to.

But what do you give someone who already seems to have everything? The best gifts aren’t necessarily the biggest or most extravagant—they elevate rituals, honor craft, and bring beauty and usefulness to the art of hosting. From artisan-made pantry treasures to heirloom-worthy tools, here are inspired ideas to make any gathering feel a little more special.

For the cook who loves flavor: Artisanal salts

For the friend who cooks with their senses—tasting, smelling, adjusting—an artisanal Filipino salt like asin tibuok is more than an ingredient. Handcrafted in Bohol using centuries-old methods, this smoky, mineral-rich salt transforms simple dishes into something extraordinary.

Gift it to the host who treasures their mise en place, who sprinkles finishing salts like fairy dust, or who lights up sharing the story behind a local ingredient or a global find.

For the host who appreciates ceremony at the table: Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil in gold-foil bottles

There’s something undeniably elegant about a bottle of extra virgin olive oil wrapped in gold foil—like Ardoino Fructus from Bacchus Epicerie or curated Italian oils from Roscioli (when in Rome). These oils aren’t just for cooking; they’re meant for drizzling at the table, dipping bread, or finishing pasta with a whisper of fruitiness.

For the entertainer who sets the table with intention—linen napkins, candles, shallow olive oil bowls—this gift feels luxurious yet functional, elevating daily meals into small rituals of elegance.

For the wine lover who hosts with grace: Laguiole wine opener

A premium Laguiole wine opener transforms the act of opening a bottle into a moment of confidence and grace. Stainless steel mechanisms paired with handles in olive wood, ebony, horn, or resin, accented with brass bolsters and the signature bee emblem, make this a tool of understated artistry.

I used to feel intimidated opening a bottle with a manual corkscrew, but the right tool gave me confidence, and now, I actually enjoy it. Perfect for the host who opens wine with quiet ease, it’s a keepsake that elevates uncorking wine into a small ritual of elegance.

For the one who loves a personalized touch: Engraved charcuterie board

Some hosts instinctively craft grazing boards—the sweep of paper-thin salami Milano and prosciutto, the curation of cheeses from soft Brie to aged Gouda, hard Manchego or Parmigiano, and a touch of funky blue. Add grapes, dried apricots, a drizzle of honey, crackers, and chocolates, and suddenly the table looks editorial.

A personalized charcuterie board, engraved with initials or a simple monogram, becomes a sentimental yet practical addition to their entertaining arsenal. Versatile, it can serve as a riser or trivet for hot dishes. Pair it with artisanal jam or honey, and you’ve created a complete, indulgent experience.

For the collector who enjoys a mindful glass: Coravin system

For the host with a wine library rather than a rack, a Coravin allows a glass to be poured without uncorking the bottle, preserving the rest for months. Ideal for someone who appreciates subtlety—or simply enjoys a quiet glass at day’s end—this tool gives freedom to explore bottles without pressure. It’s a thoughtful luxury that honors their palate while making entertaining effortless.

Charcuterie box from Charcuterie Box MNL

For the busy host who loves no-fuss gatherings: Ready-made charcuterie or grazing set

Not all gatherings require elaborate prep. Sometimes, the best evenings are spontaneous—friends drop by, music plays softly, and snacks appear as if by magic. Many hosts delegate assembling grazing boards or pre-order ready-made sets—part of the quiet mastery of entertaining.

A pre-assembled charcuterie set, like those from Charcuterie Box MNL, is perfect for the host who values ease. It buys them time, letting the focus remain on unwinding, laughing, and connecting with friends.

The Great Food gourmet bottled dips and spreads

For the effortless gourmand: Bottled dips and spreads

Bottled dips—tapenade, pesto, green goddess, or truffle-infused selections like Truffle de Bola from The Great Food—are small but thoughtful gifts. Served as dips or tossed with pasta, they save time without compromising flavor.

These staples offer peace of mind: something to serve when friends unexpectedly drop by or linger until late. They are last-minute heroes, practical yet elegant, and always appreciated.

For the home that feels like a sanctuary: A sculptural plant

I trust the curation of Wonderplants. All you need is a spot and a little TLC. Some plants do more than decorate—they shape atmosphere. Think sculptural yucca, the sweep of a monstera, or the architectural elegance of a fiddle leaf fig: living art that warms, softens, and elevates any space.

A gift that blends aesthetics and wellness, it calms every glance, enlivens every corner, and even purifies the air—making the home feel intentional, cared for, and welcoming.

For the meaningful minimalist: A good luck doorbell

A handcrafted bell at the entryway adds charm and intention. Each soft chime is symbolic—a gesture of blessing for a home that has welcomed you time and again.

For the Host who curates atmosphere: A thoughtful record

If the host enjoys music and has a record player, a vinyl record they truly love is a meaningful gift. Because music is intentional, a carefully chosen album adds atmosphere, sets the tone, and complements the art of their gatherings.

For the stylish traveler who hosts on the go: Matador waterproof pill case

Sleek, discreet, and practical, this pill case keeps health essentials organized—whether traveling or managing a busy schedule. A small token that says, I care, especially for hosts who balance hospitality with movement and wellness.

Thoughtful gifts don’t just fill a space—they elevate it. For the Tasteful Entertainer—the friend who gives so much of themselves so others can feel at ease and connect everyone together—a well-chosen gift becomes more than an object. It becomes part of the ritual, part of the joy, and part of why gatherings feel a little more special every time.