Seven hostess gifts for every personality

Stock up

Ashleigh Dempster and Amanda Blakley are experts in the art of hostessing. They founded The Society Global, an exclusive club that provides the best experiences in art, culture and entertainment. With the holiday season here, Ashleigh suggests keeping a few wrapped presents ready to go, so you never show up to a holiday dinner empty-handed. Here the ladies share their favourite holiday traditions, and top hostess gifts to bring to a party.

Favourite holiday tradition
“Escaping the winter!” — Amanda
“The seven-course Polish meal, complete with a toast at each course, that my mom makes every year.” —Ashleigh

Under the tree I hope to find . . .
“We’re not big Christmas people so the best gift for me is time off, spent with extended family.” —Amanda
“A healthy baby — my second child is due a few days before Christmas.” —Ashleigh

Notebooks, Laywines.com. Tea tin, Sloanetea.com. Iittala Origo mug, Williamashley.com.

For the bachelor

The flavoured toothpicks are made in limited batches of Northern white birch.

Lemon toothpicks, $21, Daneson.

For the homebody

These handmade gender-neutral slippers have suede soles.

Slippers, $66, Toast.

For the night owl

These black-on-black playing cards in a mock-croc box with suede lining are a perfect fit.

Cards, $60, Alexander Wang.

For the host with everything

This fab boom-box-shaped match holder is sure to delight.

Matchstrike holder, $42, Jonathan Adler.

For the tea drinker

Give the champagne of teas, in this pretty reusable tin.

Darjeeling 2nd flush tea, $22, Sloane Tea.

For the nostalgic

Give the gift of warmth with one of these Canadiana toques.

Toques, $35 each, Tuck Shop.

For the health nut

Guzzle this reviving coconut water to help you recover from last night’s party!

Waiola coconut water, $3, Holt Renfrew.