Gifts for the Hostess: Fun Gifts

Serving Pieces
Bring the spirit of Portuguese hospitality to the table, with a gift of Williams-Sonoma’s new tile-inspired serving pieces. Designed after 17-century Portuguese tile, these handcrafted earthenware pieces will add delightful color to any tabletop. With ethnic prints infusing fashion, there’s no reason why your host’s table can’t be “fashionably” set! The added bonus, all pieces are microwave and dishwasher safe. Platter 19 ¼” x 13 ¼”, $159; tile serving bowl with 4 ¼-qt. capacity, $139; tile appetizer plates $49 for 4; 877-812-6235, www.williams-sonoma.com.

Home Decor
Moss in New York City (with a freshly opened outpost in Los Angeles as of August 2007), is no question the chicest boutique shopping for brilliant home décor. It’s a favorite resource for hostess presents that are at once artistic, beautiful, functional…and uniquely unexpected. Moss’ stoneware wine cooler in terracotta by designer Arian Brekveld ($85) and colorful glass Pastillo bowls by Orrefors ($45 each; available in lime, bronze, plum, steele blue) are just two ways in which your gift will be the talk of the party. The Web site alone is an easy way to get dozens of ideas for anyone on your list. 866-888-6677; www.mossonline.com.

Elizabeth W
If only there were a way to give your hostess the gift of a good night’s sleep…well, it’s not Mission Impossible: just leave it to me to find it! New from Elizabeth W is the Twilight Kit Sleep Well, which includes an under-pillow lavender liner to tuck under her pillow, a silk eye pillow filled with lavender and a CD with soothing piano music. Your host will thank you for the sweet dreams (and I’ll accept shoulder massages later). The eye pillow comes in a choice of six colors; $75; 800-781-6126, www.elizabethw.com.

Personalized Stamp
For the always-organized friend who throws the most fabulous fetes on the planet, the one way to assure a perfect present is to get personal. Try this customized elegant monogram and address stamp by PSA Essentials, and watch her correspondence get that much more original. The ink cartridge allows for 10,000 – 14,000 impressions…now, that’s a LOT of potential parties! Stamps & Embossers, Product #51570; 888-808-3463, www.FineStationery.com.