This Season's Best Hostess Gift Ideas

It’s that time of year when calendars fill up with festive dinners, cozy get-togethers, and social gatherings…and when a thoughtful gesture for the host or hostess is a must. Finding the perfect holiday hostess gift, something that feels both personal and stylish, can be a challenge but Elizabeth Bloom, owner of Home Grown, makes it effortless. Her boutique is a treasure trove of home decor accents, serving essentials, classic gifts, and trend-forward finds that make the perfect gift for any dinner party or holiday season celebration. From small details that elevate a table setting to last-minute ideas that still feel special, Liz has curated a collection that proves the best hostess gift is always a mix of style, practicality, and attention to detail.

I asked Liz questions about her own personal style, how she goes about curating her beautiful store and what she brings for others who are hosting. I also got an inside peek at her life including her daily routine and enviable travels plans!

Q & A:

Where do you live?
We live in Bryn Mawr, about a mile West from the town of Gladwyne. We love it there. I grew up in Penn Valley and thought Bryn Mawr was soooo far away. It’s truly the perfect location for us. 35 minutes from the city, 5 minutes from Home Grown. We couldn’t ask for more.

What’s your favorite morning beverage?
A good cup of coffee with a splash of Calafia Farms Organic Almond Creamer, Vanilla flavor. I am dairy free… or try to be…

How long have you had Home Grown and what led you to open the store?
We are turning 30(!!) this upcoming April. I can’t believe it. I’ve always worked in retail, always loved the creativity of it, the art of the sale, the fact that every day is different. While in college, a friend and I had a summer craft booth on State Street, Madison’s pedestrian mall. That’s when I realized I wanted to do this for a living and every job I took after that was in order to gain knowledge and insight to eventually make that happen. We opened in Manayunk when I was 25 years old, moved to Haverford when I was 30. I truly had nothing to lose.

How would you describe your style?
My style includes a lot of denim, black and warm neutrals. I tend to wear cashmere, linen textures and neutral classics. Timeless, textured, modern. As a redhead, I’ve never been comfortable wearing color or bold patterns, which is such a bummer because I love how they look on other people. I do go for it with block printed summer dresses, but that’s it.

Where do you shop most? 
Depends on the occasion! Barbara Ellick Jewelry — For when I want to treat myself… all too frequently! Boyd’s — For my most special pieces. Gilbert & Evans — Summer dresses. Massimo Dutti and Madewell for my everyday stuff.

What five things are currently in your cart?
L’Agence – Clementine Eyelet Embroidered Blazer, Mother Jeans – The Hustler Roller Sneak, Madewell – Cloudsoft Drop Shoulder Crewneck Sweater in Heather Oatmeal, One Grey Day – Sloane Cashmere Pullover Sweater in Black, Bottega Veneta – Mini Loop Camera Bag in Black

What does a typical day look like for you?
One or two mornings a week, I start my day with a 45 min strength training routine. My work day starts at 9am with a good cup of coffee, in front of my home computer. (I try to spend as little time as possible at the store on the computer…I prefer to be on the sales floor.) I work until about 10:30am, shower and head to the store. I stay until 5:30pm with the rest of my staff and head home around 6pm. I get undressed, relax, read, make dinner and we watch some tv before turning in around 10:30pm.

How do you approach what you select to carry at Home Grown?
In today’s day and age, there’s no shortage of pretty things out there, but at Home Grown we look for what is genuine and enduring, with craftsmanship. Every piece we carry is edited, intentional and chosen to bring real beauty to a space. No matter how big or small the object, we believe in elevating your home, not cluttering it with mediocrity.

Most people’s taste in fashion and interiors are similar. Does your interior style and your fashion style align or are they different?
They definitely align. I shop for my wardrobe the same way I buy for Home Grown — with a careful eye and appreciation for quality over quantity. Less is more; I don’t chase fast fashion and I hope what I wear, no matter how simple, feels as elevated and intentional as the pieces we carry at the shop.

What is the one piece in your wardrobe that you wear most often?
Hands down my L’Agence Janelle Jean Jacket. It’s not really a jacket, it’s a thin, denim shirt. I wear it with absolutely everything, year round.

Favorite place to travel?  What is the next trip you have planned?
I love visiting the smaller European Islands for their effortless pace and authenticity. They’re more casual and less touristy, with a sense of place that feels genuine. The food is typically simple and exceptional, with an abundance of seafood. Ischia, Italy is one of my favorites. We’re headed to Argentina this upcoming February. It will be the trip of a lifetime. We’ll visit Buenos Aires, Bariloche and Patagonia and we’re really looking forward to it.

Where are you spending the holidays this year? 
We head to Park City, Utah on Christmas day every holiday season for a week of skiing, family and friends. It is our happy place and we love being out West.

What are your favorite things to bring to people’s houses when they are hosting and why?
I love bringing small, elevated pieces — the things people don’t realize they need until the moment they do. These items always make the perfect hostess gift: beautiful serving utensils, chic cheese accessories, quality dripless candles or great cocktail forks and spoons — thoughtful details that quietly make home entertaining feel more polished and effortless.