It is that time of the year again, with holiday festivities, parties, celebrations, and group get-togethers. You may find yourself having been invited to a Thanksgiving party or get-together, but might not know what to bring to the host, and a great guest is never empty-handed. It can be difficult to think of what to bring as a gift to say “thank you for inviting me” so we have come up with some gift ideas that would be suitable for a dinner party invitation or Thanksgiving dinner.  Bring something that will leave a lasting impression or make you the new favorite at the very minimum.

 

Desk decor: Whether your host is an art fanatic or has a career in the art world, desk and table decor are an easy way to pick up something artsy but also practical. Paperweights, desk clocks, and catchall trays all make for useful gifts.

Koishi Wood Paperweights. $38 Courtesy of store.moma.org.

 

 

Something sweet: For the autumn and winter seasons, something indulgent is always nice to receive. Laduree has a great selection of macarons, and the packaging is beautiful enough to appreciate. With a recent collaboration with artist Marina Abramovic, Laduree is great for the art lover in your life.

 

photo // courtesy of Laduree, prices vary

 

 

Unique gifts from a current museum exhibition: It is always nice to receive something unique, especially for an art lover. Take a peek into a museum gift shop and you may find gifts like this Louis Bourgeois Eye Mask or a Bluetooth Travel Speaker, both of which you can find at MoMA’s Design Store.

Louise Bourgeois Eye Mask. $30. Courtesy of store.moma.org

 

 

Candles: Italian painter, sculptor, and engraver Piero Fornasetti’s candles will make you the new favorite among your friends. You can never go wrong with his stunning candles which have enchanting designs, smell incredible and have a long burning time. You can find them on net-a-porter.

 

 

Fancy kitchen and homeware: An always reliable gift for a dinner party host will involve the kitchen. Kitchenware and homeware pieces by Alessi and Seletti are bound to be great conversation starters and will surely be used. The illy Art Collection of mugs and spoons can be found on illy.com. Seletti plates are also an alternative and can be purchased found here.

Robert Wilson Espresso Cup – illy Art Collection 25th Anniversary. $40. Courtesy illy.com

 

 

Coffee table book: For the average art lover, having a nice coffee table book is a good home essential. Whether to decorate the home or to have and browse, you can never go wrong. We are particular to Donald Robertson’s colorful new book which you can purchase here.

 

photo // Donald: The Book, $85, courtesy of Assouline

 

 

A print from one of their favorite artists or museums. This is an easy but always appreciated option. Knowing the kind of art that the host likes, most museum’s have fantastic gift shops. We enjoy MOCA’s selection of limited prints, in particular this Doug Aitken print.

 

Doug Aitken: Decrease the Mass and Run Like Hell, Limited Edition, $1,900 courtesy of MOCA

top image // courtesy of Assouline.com