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With the holiday party season officially upon us, many people are searching for that perfect hostess gift. Choosing a gift to bring to a party can be a real struggle for a lot of people because they feel limited by the need to find a gift that is special, yet not overly expensive.

In their quest for the perfect gift, people are drawn toward home accessories. I am often asked if home accessories are appropriate gifts by those who are concerned about making a selection that could clash with the host’s design style.

The beauty of decorative accessories is that they don’t always have to be an exact “match” in order to fit in with the existing décor, and they can be swapped out with the change of the seasons.

If you are going to a house party, consider bringing along some stylish home accents that will make your hostess feel pampered. There are endless possibilities that aren’t too expensive.

Here are a few items, arranged by general price, that are typically available in fine décor and specialty shops.

Less than $20

• Reindeer wine toppers: Spread holiday cheer with fun and whimsical pieces. Just pop on these wine toppers and you’ll make your hostess gift stand out.

• Tin angel wings: A unique gift option, these wings attach to any candle. I like the fact that they are also easy to mail so you can add them to holiday cards.

• Ornaments: Always a strong gift choice, ornaments offer a meaningful addition to a holiday celebration.

Less than $50

• Seda France candles: These soy-based candles are always a good choice if you are not familiar with your host’s design style and want to play it safe. The decorative packaging for these candles makes them easy gifts because they don’t need to be wrapped.

• Eye-catching coasters: Fun, functional and a great way to incorporate style into an interior while preserving tabletops, coasters are a practical gift for your host. Whether you choose stainless steel or graphic prints, coasters offer an easy way to bring texture and color to interiors, without a big commitment.

• Napkin holders: A striking napkin holder adds interest to a buffet line or dining table and can be a good option for adding color to a table.

Less than $75

• Decorative boxes: Small boxes conceal items like CDs in style and can give any surface a decorative touch. Prices vary depending on size and materials.

Less than $100

• A Fleur de Lis wine bucket: This black, etched glass piece is perfect for those seeking an elegant, yet masculine, host gift. Perfect for a study or the living room, it is a nice addition to any bar.

• Sea urchin-style caviar dishes: Fancy little serving plates with gold inlay can jazz up serving tables.   

More than $100

• Throw pillows: Holiday-themed throw pillows are a classic for the host who has it all. Another option: Cozy throw pillows constructed from refurbished fur coats such as mink, Persian lamb and black bear. Elaine Smith indoor/outdoor pillows also add style.
 

Jessica Dauray is owner of EOS Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with locations in Greensboro and Wilmington. Have questions for a Design Wise column? Contact Dauray at jess@elementsofstyleinc.com.