Hostess gift ideas from Missy Mahjong
Updated: Sep 20
Every Southern lady loves to host a home party. Every Southern guest wants to bring a little something special as a thank you. It is the culture here, y’all.
Originally from Chicago’s Gold Coast, I always met friends at restaurants in the city. I have never even seen inside most of my friends’ apartments. It just doesn’t happen. Also, as city people, we just don’t have any space for extra stuff in our tiny urban dwellings. Hostess gifting just wasn't on my radar... until I moved South.
Since I have lived in Nashville, I have learned the true art of hostess gift. I have an arsenal of little trinkets to show my gratitude. Known locally as “Nashville’s game gal,” I like to bring a signature game themed gift. As always, it isn’t about the “thing.” The gift reflects a token of thanks… and a little something to remind them of me!
I don’t make any money off these suggestions. These items are truly my personal favorites. Feel free to use these exact ideas or help you brainstorm about what will be your signature hostess gift.
Missy Mahjong hostess gift ideas:
Game gal party starters:
I love a great game. I personally feel that an activity makes a better gift than an expensive bottle of liquor. These games are beautiful display pieces that can be used by any gender and any age. When gifting, I like to always stick to the classics. If they already have a set they love, I am not offended if they regift these. I want to pass on the beauty of a more playful life.
Faux leather Yahtzy: $95 printworksmarket.com
Backgammon game: $175 printworksmarket.com
A slice of home:
Everyone serves game snacks… and whether it’s a charcuterie board, baked Brie or a spread, everyone needs serving knives. Platters and plates are nice, but they can be too cumbersome to store. Also… giving the gift of cheese spreaders reminds everyone that I’m a Wisconsin gal. Every time they use these serving pieces that can think of Missy in Dairyland!
Set of cheese knives for the board: $70 tuckernuck.com
Tiny… and luxurious
My favorite signature luxury gift is the Dior nail creme. Every game lover needs to take a little extra time on their hand and nail care. My favorite manicure gift is $34 nail crème from Dior that has been around since 1963. With a history this long, they are clearly doing something right. Only available online, this is a tiny must have that everyone needs tucked inside their cosmetic case. Buy directly from the Dior website and splurge on the $5 gift packaging. Dior's packaging is gorgeous and the $5 upgrade transforms this tiny miracle crème ready to deliver to any hostess.
Dior Nail Crème: $34 Dior.com
Themed… and disposable
I know, I know… I have a lot of favorite items that I have already told you about. In fact, these are the items I was raving about on my podcast interview with Bloom Bright with Kelly and on my post about styling the game table.
Hester and Cook is a company based out of Nashville, but sells its paper placemats and table décor coast to coast. My go to for any party hostess, these disposable placemats are great gifts for theme or holiday. These are always useful, beautiful and something that nobody can say they have too many of. My favorite thing about these elevated paper party gifts? These are all disposable. Your hostess doesn’t have to worry about storing another bulky gift.
Hester and Cook paper placemats: $33 Hesterandcook.com
Sharing is caring
I love a gift made by friends and shared with friends. How can I support a friend’s business over and over? Buy the items as gifts and be their marketing queen and a good friend. Giuliana prosecco, Pastabilities pasta, Queen of the Tiles mahjong cards, Brittany Fuson stationary and my Music City mahjong bird bam needlepoint are all some of my favorite signature gifts to give. These companies are all owned by friends of mine. I always remember those people that supported my beef business and bought cases of my pasta sauce and boxes of my cookbooks to give as gifts. I want to be that now for my friends.
Does it smell like me?
Okay… the candle has been the annoying gift of memes and mocked by an SNL skit. I love candles personally, but the scents I like are specific for my homes. So I often buy three for me… and one to gift.
Let me tell you a short story… When I moved to Nashville, I thought I’d be buying a home with southern style and a deep front porch. Ha. My realtor asked if I wanted the white modern… or a white modern in 2023. Yep, given the choices, I took the white modern. To give my home character, I layered chocolates and tans in decor (yes, my home looks like a foamy cappuccino inside). I added velvet drapery to the floor to ceiling windows and a plush patterned stair runner. To give the home a distinctive “Nashville scent,” I found a candle with a deep signature scent.
I always burn the Waylon Jennings candle from Ranger Station. The candle scent is described as “outlaw country, leather and ramblin’ spirit.” When friends come for game night and love the vibe of my home, I always make a mental note. They are often the people I will send a candle to or bring one over. They can remember my Nashville home long after they leave the living room.
Waylon Jennings Candle: $45, Rangerstation.co
I hope my Missy Mahjong hostess gifts inspire you to have your own signature trinkets and treasures to share. I’m still adapting to the southern culture, but I am learning quickly about the art of gift giving. If you have something else I should consider as a gift, please drop me an email and share your tips: missymahjong@gmail.com
Stay up to date on the Missy Mahjong strategies for a more playful and purposeful life with the free NEWSletter.
