You’ve been invited to a New Year’s Eve party and you’ve been told to not bring a thing. But we all know what that means. Here’s our last-minute gift guide for that special host or hostess, to give them something they’ll remember before and after the fact.
Every party needs some sparkle and glitter and this gift is the perfect surprise to your host or hostess. Pop this little toy out at the stoke of midnight for a colourful (and shiny) start to the new year. Metallic and white mix confetti bomb, from Cherry On Top, $11.95, cherryontop.com.au
This recipe is easily doubled, so it’s an easy host or hostess gift. Macadamia, cranberry and white chocolate florentines
Add some extra sparkle to the party this New Year’s Eve with this pair of Lismore tumblers from Waterford Crystal. The perfect gift for that someone special. Waterford Crystal Lismore straight tumblers, for set of two, $219, waterfordcrystal.com.au
For the cheese connoisseur in your life this gift is sure to impress. Plus, it’ll make sure you get first preference to your favourite wheel. Forma soft cheese knife, from Georg Jensen at David Jones, $45, davidjones.com.au
Make an entrance this New Year’s Eve because nothing says celebration like Champagne, especially when it’s in a magnum. That’s a whole lot of bubbles to ring in the new year. Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial 1.5L, from Dan Murphy’s, $155, danmurphy.com.au
Start your host’s year with the relaxing and calming scents of this lavender and lovage candle from Joe Malone. It’ll make that hangover just that little bit easier to handle the next day. Lavender and lovage home candle, from Joe Malone London, $85, joemalone.com.au
These solid marble coasters by Williams-Sonoma are surely the right way to lay the foundations for a great year ahead. Plus, they’ll ensure you don’t end up that guest that ruins their Grandmother’s antique coffee table. Marble coasters, from Williams-Sonoma, for set of 4 – $26, williamssonoma.com.au
Give a gift they’ll actually use (or eat). Lavender salt is a homemade luxury they can sprinkle on food for months to come. Lavender salt
Lift the game this New Year’s Eve with this beer foamer that’ll get you and your host as close to as having a schooner at the pub without having to leave the comfort of your own home. Designed by Norm Architect DK for Menu, this handy tool for the lover of the fine brews, will give a denser head for a full flavoured drink. Beer foamer, by Norm Architect DK for Menu, available at Top 3 by Design, $99, top3bydesign.com.au
For the serious drinker and budding mixologist give the gift that comes with a side of 1950s glamour. With a solid marble base and gold-finished bar tools it’s the perfection foundation cocktail hour at their house in the new year. Deco barware collection in gold and marble, from West Elm, $199, westelm.com.au
New Year’s Eve is all about looking back at the past and projecting into the future, so it’s only fitting that you give your host or hostess, who’s slaved away all day, something to treasure in 2016. With a cellaring age of up to 2045 give this to the hostess with the mostest for a truly special gift. Naturally, make sure you set a date for it to be opened (in your presence) in the new year or beyond. St Henri 2012 shiraz, from Penfolds, $100, penfolds.com.au
Some memories are best kept offline. Record those ‘sacred’ moments on analog film with this instant camera by FujiFilm. Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera, by FujiFilm at JB Hi-Fi, $99, jbhifi.com.au
“This recipe makes a celebrated appearance on our holiday table every Christmas. My mum, Cooee, always made rum balls at Christmas time but unfortunately never wrote down the recipe. The ones here are a little more sophisticated than her originals, what with their chocolate coating and cherry centre, but they are absolutely delicious,” says cook and author Belinda Jeffery. Cooee’s rum balls
