TRULY GIFTED: A GUIDE FOR THE HOSTESS

For the hostess with the mostess, the mantra is always be prepared for the unexpected. Friends bring friends, things spill, people get hungry for snacks, and the like. Here are some gifties for those that like to have intimate gatherings, or the masses over for merriment. Tis' the season to party with a reason.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler

If it is marbleized, I like it. These incredibly bright Trousdale tidbit plates from Jonathan Adler are great for hors d'oeuvres time. Every year they come out with even better patterns.

Photo courtesy of Tiffany

You will be so over toothpicks once you upgrade to tiny silver cocktail forks. They just make everything look delicious, even if Glorious Food was not on hand. The inimitable Elsa Peretti-designed Padova forks from Tiffany come in a set of six.

Photo courtesy of Waterford

The coup is the way to go for champers. Waterford's brilliant new Mixology cut crystal set of 4 glasses come in the most tantalizing colors wtih names to match-  talon red, neon lime green, circon purple and argon blue. Amazing.

 Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Clear glassware is another soignee option. Antropologie's Frosted Panes Coupe has subtle sophistication.

Photo courtesy of DwellStudio

Highball and lowball glasses with the golden touch from DwellStudio have glamour and style for an added glow.

 Photo courtesy of Bloomingdales

A good pitcher is a mainstay of every bar. Cobalt blue captivates in Diane Von Furstenberg's Twirl Pitcher that resembles Venetian glassware for a far steeper cost.

Photo courtesy of Target

Get things shaking with the Altuzarra collab Neiman Marcus did for Target. This vintage-inspired cocktail shaker rocks.

Photo courtesy of Asprey

If you need a little refresher course on what makes a perfect Martini, Manhattan, or Old Fashioned, Asprey has created the Tell Me How Cocktail Shaker with the recipes included for a subtle reminder.

 Photo courtesy of Mecox Gardens

Keep ice cool in a sleekly tapered lacquer ice bucket with loads of style. Mecox Gardens carries them in 4 cool colors.

Photo courtesy of Global Views

The combination of teal leather and nickel on Global Views ice bucket adds a pop of color and texture.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder

Create a makeshift bar on a tray, or serving stations. This C. Wonder red lacquer version has a jaunty white trim.

Photo courtesy of Serena and Lily

Pedestal trays, such as this glossy teal one from Serena and Lily  provide additional surface area for hors d'oeuvres.

Photo courtesy of New York Mouth

Want to ensure you get the invite for impromptu gatherings? Send a Cocktail Hour Every Month subscription from New York Mouth complete with NY-made delicacies. Then you can enjoy the spoils.

Photo courtesy of Havens Kitchen

Havens Kitchen is one of the coolest places around, where you can shop, take cooking classes, get your daily coffee and have private dinner parties. They have just launched their e-commerce site, so you can send their gourmet goodies far and wide.

 Photo courtesy of Mark and Graham

Gotta have one of these on hand at all times- Mark and Graham's Anchor Bottle Opener is shore thing for the sailor and all-around water-loving friend.

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Pay homage to the great outdoors with delicate lookingTwig Bar tools from West Elm.

Photo courtesy of Gracious Style

If you know a dog lover, and who isn't, Kim Seybert's Best in Show Cocktail Napkins from Gracious Style are sure to amuse. They show six breeds. The bulldog is very true to life.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Funny drinking quotes on August Morgan's cocktail napkins make party guests instantly at ease providing great conversation starters. Available through Anthropologie.

 Photo courtesy of Della Terasi

Every party girl needs a great clutch. The recently launched bespoke label Della Terasi creates stunning custom clutches and clothing from the finest interior fabrics, like Fortuny and boldly colored ikats. Their Envelope Clutch is lined in metallic leather providing a stealth luxe detail.  Select the fabric and shape on their website, that includes their super chic resort wear fashion line.

 Photo courtesy of Asha by ADM

I can't resist showing a little bling this time of year. Give some sparkly baubles like these Elizabeth pave stunners from Asha or give in to the temptation to wear them yourself.

MAKE YOUR MARK: MEET MARK AND GRAHAM

Monogram madness has taken hold. After seeing a return to all things initialed and personalized over the past several years, the smart people behind Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn have just launched a new sister brand, Mark and Graham. Good design is at the core of the new brand, where a simple, clean, pared-down aesthetic rules. The make -it-your-own craze, combined with the plethora of great fonts, pretty packaging and an easy to use website will make holiday gift buying snappy.  Just think, you can check the wedding/shower/hostess gifts off your running list. Covering the gamut with staple entertaining items like elegant glassware and zippy napkins to cozy throws and log holders, most items can be monogrammed with an array of font and monogram styles. On your mark, get set shop, and get a head start on that list. Here are some stylish items that caught my eye:

 With easy to carry loop handles, a monogrammed glass Ice Bucket is a a go-to wedding gift.

Pretty script initials on a Mouth blown Classic Tall Glass Pitcher makes mixing a house drink that much more special.

Stock up for your Derby Juleps now with nickel-plated brass Hexagonal Mint Julep Cups that come in a set of 2. Or, use them to store makeup brushes in style.

Trays make the best gifts, especially this acrylic monogrammed version with cut out handles. For acrylic, the price is great.

In either silver or gold plate, everyone needs a  Classic Oval Signet Ring with their initial on it.

Feeling like getting gifty in advance? A peppy preppy Striped Domed Paperweight in glass is sharp choice for stockings, work friends and those that love their papers in order.

By far some of the cutest mats I have ever seen, scallop-edged Good Morning! Placemats are great to wake up to. They give a reason to rise and shine and sit at the table. Available in a set of 4.

Festive and fun, candy colored ribbon edged Typographer's Cotton Napkins in sateen are available in sets of 4 or 8.

With lime green, magenta and orange borders, natural linen Cocktail Napkins with monograms will get the party started.

A double band of colored grosgrain ribbon makes the edge of monogrammed Guest Towels stylish.

Get and give cozy. Monogrammed Cashmere Blanket with a contrast edge will be a staple this winter.

Their lined Everyday Leather Tote with monogram is generous size for toting stuff hither and yon. Choose from red, porcelain blue, white, brown and gray.