The Host's Table: Western Gifts for the House That Keeps the Door Open
The porch light is on. Trucks are parked down both sides of the drive, and somebody's dog has decided it lives here now. Inside there is brisket on the counter, a pot of beans that has been going since noon, and a host who will not let you leave without a plate for the road.
Every family has a house like this. The one where the door stays open and the coffee is always on. This holiday season, bring something back to the people who keep it that way.
Why host gifts are hard
The people who host everyone usually have everything. They are also the last people on earth to buy something nice for themselves. The trick is to give them something they will use when company comes, and think of you when they do.
A good host gift does one of three things. It makes the next gathering easier. It makes the house look more like the people who live in it. Or it gives the host a small, private pleasure after everybody has gone home.
For the bar
The bar cart is where the evening loosens up. Give it something to talk about.
- The Barrel Whiskey Decanter Set turns a pour into a small ceremony.
- The Bison Engraved Crystal Decanter is a handsome square of crystal for the good bottle they save for guests.
Pair either one with a bottle they like, and you have a gift that gets opened, and used, the same night.
For the kitchen
Hosts cook. A lot. A serious set of knives says you have noticed.
- The Texas Chefs Seven-Knife Damascus Set comes with a leather roll, which makes it as good a gift for the camp cook as for the home kitchen.
A note: knives are for buyers 18 and older, and good steel wants good habits. Hand wash, dry right away and keep them out of the dishwasher.
If they already own good knives, look at the decanters or the rug instead. Nobody needs two sets.
For the floor and the walls
The fastest way to change a room is to change what is underfoot or what hangs on the wall.
- The Brindle Cowhide Rug, Jumbo anchors a living room or a den. Because it is a natural hide, no two are exactly alike.
- The Y'all Print is a welcome sign for people who do not need a welcome sign.
For the entry table
Every house that keeps the door open has a table by that door, piled with keys, sunglasses and somebody else's phone charger.
- The Leather Valet Box Trio gives all of it a place to land.
Matching the gift to the host
- The pitmaster: the knife set, and a promise to come back for leftovers.
- The one with the bar cart: either decanter, plus a bottle they would not buy for themselves.
- The one who just moved in: the cowhide rug or the print. A new house needs personality fast.
- The one who runs the whole operation: the valet box, so everything has a place when the crowd thins out.
Plan a little ahead
Host gifts work any time of year, but the holidays are when the door swings open widest. Order early enough that you are not wrapping in the truck in the driveway. Every piece comes from the maker who made it, so read the details on each product page before you plan around a date.
How to give a host gift well
- Bring it in person. A host gift means more when it comes through the front door with you.
- Do not expect it opened that night. The host is busy. Say something simple and set it aside.
- Add a note. A few lines about a good night at their table will outlast the gift.
- Think about the house, not just the person. A host gift should make the next gathering easier or more fun.
- Offer to help clean up. Not a gift, exactly. But it will be remembered.
Wrapping it up
Hosts notice details because they spend all year sweating them. Brown kraft paper, a length of twine and a sprig of cedar or rosemary look right on nearly everything on this list. If you cannot decide, a Rowel Co. gift card lets them choose for themselves.
See the whole lineup in our gifts for the host collection, or start with the holiday gift guide for everyone else on your list.
Some houses feed half the county. Bring something for the people who keep the porch light on.