It’s the Holidays! Let’s Honor the Host and Hostess

What would the holidays be without those who generously welcome us into their homes and remind us of the importance of celebrating together? Whatever is happening in the world or for us personally, traditions punctuate the chaos with the warm embrace of connection, offering a respite and reset. In this last installment in our Gift Guide series for 2024, we are excited to share some great ideas to honor those hosts and hostesses in our lives, those magical fairies who create beautiful spaces, dinners and gatherings so that the rest of us can remember once again the best of what it means to be human: connection, giving and receiving, the soul nourishment of shared stories and meals…and of course, how to navigate family dramas and be forgiving. 🙂

In our previous Gift Guides For Her and For Him, we curated robust lists of great options to make your gift-giving easy. From inspiring and memorable experiences to unique swag, we covered a lot of bases that happened to also support our myriad of wonderful Shop Small businesses of the Hudson Valley. We hope this last list of treasures will also make your shopping experience a little easier so you can get to the more important things.

FOR THE HOME

Hort and Pott |  Learn More + Shop Here

Indulge in the artistry of the season with Hort and Pott’s signature handwoven holiday wreathsm sustainably foraged from the serene landscapes of the Catskills and Poconos. Founded by Todd Carr and Carter Harrington, creators and purveyors of bespoke botanically inspired objects, garden elements and uncommon goods for elevated living, this an awesome destination for gifting you’ll want to know about! Insider Tip: Grab their holiday wreaths before they sell out!

Lost Quarry | Learn More + Shop Online 


This exquisite hand-made textured vessel by Lost Quarry makes for a truly unique and thoughtful host/hostess gift. Each piece is carefully hand-dipped in layers of rich, textured glaze, ensuring that no two are alike. A one-of-a-kind objet d’art that adds both elegance and artistry to any home.

Green Cottage | High Falls NY | Learn More + Shop Online 

Flowers are always a fabulous gift for the host. When in High Falls, stop by the shop to experience their whimsical collection of wrought iron and stone garden statuary, bird baths, and a beautiful array of artisan gifts, unique ornaments and jewelry by David Urso and others.

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FOR LASTING MEMORIES

House of Brinson | Notebooks and Pads: Shop Online

By nature a host/hostess is an organized person. Whether they’re creating a to-do list, planning the menu, whipping up a guest list or just daily thoughts, keeping those notes in a beautiful notebook just makes it feel more special and intentional. There are many to choose from on their website and these A5 sized notebook have numbered pages and an index page so you can go back to previous thought more easily. Sweet!

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Homestedt | Meet the Animals: Shop Online

Give the gift of adorable with these holiday ornaments! As a couple who grew up in Sweden and England, the team at Homestedt takes the holidays pretty seriously.  These felt ornaments aren’t only cute and characterful, they’re also biodegradable, fair trade, and unbreakable. From festive sloths to gardening rabbits, there’s something for everyone. Click on the link above and “Meet the Felt Animals.”

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Hudson Valley Seed Co | Learn More + Shop Online 

What a great way to say thank you! These gorgeous, economical packets are gifts that will keep on giving. Heirloom, non-GMO, organic seeds, gardening tools, beautiful greeting cards and so much more by this lovely local company, which also celebrates the work of Hudson Valley artists.

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FOR THE KITCHEN

Olga Joan | Learn More + Shop Online

You will be in his or her thoughts each time they wrap themselves in this modern apron–a sweet addition to any kitchen (other colors available.) Or check out the rest of the Olga Joan line, known for functional, modern, handcrafted home goods that draw from a Scandinavian ethos paired with the spirit of Japanese wabi-sabi.

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Kingston Social | Kingston NY |  Learn More Here  

A modern-day general store with chic gifts for all ages, goods for the home, plus great books, kitchen and entertaining items. There’s also a cafe, and don’t miss their Pinkwater Gallery on site.

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Solstad House | Beacon NY |  Learn More + Shop Online  

Kitchen, decor, apparel, things for the kids and pets- all with an emphasis on small batch and sustainability.

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The Ridge | New Paltz NY |  Learn More + Shop Online 

Celebrate the season with a special gift from the Ridge Tea Shop. Explore our hand-blended teas, fragrant spices, fresh herbs, elegant teaware sets, and more, all set in the cozy ambiance of our charming café. Perfect for the tea lover on your list!

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FOR THE TABLE

Ej Bon Bons | Woodstock NY |  Learn More + Shop Online  

Show-stopping confections handmade with the finest ingredients. Each artful chocolate bonbon is crafted with their own story and flavor profile, offering a delicious taste adventure.

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Bread Alone | Woodstock, Boiceville and Kingston NY | Learn More Here

Share this tasty treat with a fabuloua local cause! This winter Bread Alone is giving back to the mountains we all love with their Gingerbread Mountain cookies. Hand-decorated with royal icing, these cookies are as unique as the natural landscapes that inspire them—no two are alike! Available now for a limited time in our Woodstock, Boiceville, and Rhinebeck cafes. For every bag sold, Bread Alone will donate $2 to support The @CatskillCenter mission to protect and foster the environmental, cultural, and economic well-being of the region.

Hammertown | Rhinebeck NY |  Learn More + Shop Online

A refined, beautiful collection of gifts, furniture, home decor, ornaments, vintage items, candles, and other must-haves. We love this candle ornament!

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Hudson Beach Glass | Mini Salt + Pepper Shakers: Shop Online

Spice things up with these beautifully crafted glass salt and pepper shakers made of Pyrex glass ready to elevate the mood of any soiree!

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Perch Objects | Learn More + Shop Online

Peruse their site for a beautiful collection of hand-made objects for the home—all proudly created in the Hudson Valley. We love this flower-top vase– the perfect holiday gift from Perch Object.

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Happy Gifting!

Explore our Directory for anything you’re looking for, whether you’re living, visiting, or working in the Hudson Valley!

Featured photo of Hort and Pott