Floor-length for the Season: Evening Gowns for Galas, Awards and Black Tie
Long evening gowns for the gala and black-tie season, from Costarellos, Jenny Packham, Elie Saab and Valentino, grouped by colour, with the clutch and sandals to finish.
Fashion /
Arriving With Something: Gifts for the Host, From Candles to Crystal
Gifts to take to a dinner or a weekend away: candles from Trudon and Aerin, glassware from Cabana, Lalique and Baccarat, Creed fragrance, and small leather and silver pieces.
By Taiwo AdedayoEvery piece here has been chosen by our editors. We may earn a commission on some products.
The season of dinners and weekends away starts in October, and each invitation needs something to hand over at the door. These are the host gifts we would take, from £24.90 to £385, all in stock now.
The safe choice
Candles
A candle suits almost every host. Trudon’s Figuerie is the classic 9.5oz size, £105.64, and Aerin’s Uzes Tuberose is £70.74.
Choose a scent you would burn at home yourself, and add a box of Trudon’s scented matches, £24.90, so the gift is complete on arrival.
Something to keep 
Candle holders
Reflections Copenhagen’s Brooklyn holder is handcrafted from plum-coloured crystal on a faceted base, inspired by Art Deco. £240.
Astier de Villatte’s Peggy candlestick is ceramic, made by hand in its Paris workshop and stamped with the initials of the artisan. £190.
Scent for the house
Creed and Aerin
Creed’s Eladaria is a floral perfume built on rose, peony and lily of the valley, with musk and vanilla beneath. 1oz, £233.92.
For the house itself, Aerin’s Uzes Tuberose diffuser set matches the candle. £127.34.
How to give a host gift
Bring something that does not need attention on the night: a candle or glassware can be put aside, while flowers need a vase just as dinner is served. If you bring wine, say it is for another day. For a weekend stay, spend a little more, and choose something the house will keep using, such as glasses or a candle holder. A written note afterwards is part of the gift.
Watch: choosing a host gift
Every gift in this story
See more in Gifts & Home and Fragrance.
Shop the Edit
Gifts & Home
Shop now →
The Journal
Keep Reading
Jewellery With a Past: How to Buy Pre-owned and Vintage Pieces Well
Pre-owned and vintage jewellery from Givenchy, Saint Laurent, Monet, Van Cleef & Arpels and William May, with what to check before you buy: hallmarks, carat marks, condition and fit.
Shoes for the Christmas Party: Velvet, Satin, Crystal and Metallic
Christmas party shoes in the four materials that suit December: velvet, satin, crystal and metallic leather, in heels from Manolo Blahnik, Aquazzura and Alaïa and flats from The Row, Valentino and Jimmy Choo.
