Timeless Pieces for Hosts Who Turn Gatherings into Art

Every great entertainer knows that beauty lies in the details — the curve of a serving board, the flicker of candlelight, the texture of linen against the table. The 2025 CG Hunter Gift Guide celebrates these details through gifts that enhance the rituals of hosting and gathering. These are the pieces that move gracefully from intimate dinners to festive celebrations, designed for those who believe every meal deserves intention and artistry.

From handcrafted wood serveware to glass vases that shimmer in the candlelight, this year’s collection blends practicality with sculptural form. Each item carries CG Hunter’s signature blend of natural materials, craftsmanship, and quiet sophistication — perfect for the entertainer who already seems to have everything.

Gifts That Celebrate the Art of Hosting

For those who make entertaining look effortless, presentation is everything. Beautiful serveware transforms the simplest gatherings into something extraordinary.

Wooden & Aluminum Serveware

Our Decorative Aluminum Serving Tray is the perfect starting point — a piece that feels both refined and versatile. With its creamy brushed finish, it pairs seamlessly with modern, traditional, or rustic interiors. Use it for cocktails, appetizers, or even as a centerpiece base layered with candles and greenery. Pair it with one of our handcrafted boards, such as the Charlotte Wood Round Serving Board or the Charlotte Wood Cheese Board, both made from warm mango wood that showcases distinctive natural grain. For entertainers who love versatility, the Charlotte Wooden Oblong Serving Board Set includes multiple sizes that can be styled together for layered serving spreads. The clean silhouettes make them perfect for charcuterie, bread service, or even as the foundation for dessert displays. The Charlotte Serving Tray, Serving Tray with Handles, and Charlotte Serving Bowl extend the look with pieces designed for both everyday meals and special occasions. The 14" Mango Wood Bowl makes an elegant salad or fruit display, while the Charlotte Wood Oblong Serving Boards (available in large and extra-large sizes) create the kind of presentation that turns a casual dinner into an experience. Each piece brings balance, texture, and craftsmanship to the table — a blend of functional artistry any host will treasure.

Gifts That Set the Mood

The true entertainer knows that ambiance is as essential as food and conversation. Lighting, scent, and reflection turn a gathering into a memory.

Candlelight, Lanterns, and Glow

The Charlotte Candleholders are a CG Hunter signature — a trio of antique brass pieces that elevate any setting. Their slender shapes and soft metallic sheen add a touch of glow to a dining table or mantel. Group them in multiples to create a rhythmic play of light during dinner, or let them stand alone for quiet sophistication. For entertainers who favor an organic aesthetic, the Clear Glass and Rattan Candleholder offers a natural counterpoint to polished metal. The woven rattan detail and glass form blend rustic warmth with modern simplicity, perfect for cozy gatherings that stretch into the evening. The Charlotte Outdoor Lantern is ideal for extending that same atmosphere outdoors. Its clean lines and warm metal finish allow hosts to create continuity between the patio and the dining room — a seamless transition from sunset to candlelight. For a more tonal and sculptural effect, the Tapered Candleholders — available in Dark Grey Wood, Grey Wood, Natural Wood, and White Wood — make a thoughtful gift that feels handmade yet timeless. Each piece’s matte finish highlights its natural grain, making it as beautiful by day as it is when illuminated.

Gifts for the Tabletop Curator

Entertaining begins with the table — a canvas of linen, glass, and wood. For those who love to set the scene, linens and accent pieces make unforgettable gifts.

The Art of Layering Linens

CG Hunter’s textiles combine soft texture with effortless elegance. The Natural Wheat Napkins are a year-round staple that pair beautifully with any table setting. For pattern lovers, Striped Napkins in Yellow and Ivory or Black and Ivory bring understated charm. The Floral Napkins in Eggplant and Grey Roses make a dramatic statement and coordinate seamlessly with the Eggplant and Grey Roses Tablecloth — a pairing that brings depth and romance to any meal. For a lighter palette, the Floral Napkins in Blush Lilies and Grey and Green Lilies add a painterly touch that feels elegant and modern. They pair beautifully with the Natural Linen Tablecloth, Ivory and Berries Tablecloth, or Floral Tablecloth to create an adaptable, collected look that can shift from casual brunch to formal dinner with ease.

Accents and Centerpieces

Every entertainer knows the importance of a beautiful centerpiece — something that draws the eye without dominating conversation. The Hammered Glass Vase in Smoke provides a timeless focal point. Its soft, dappled finish catches light from candles and windows alike. For something more sculptural, the Charlotte Aluminum Vase and Charlotte Pitcher Vase merge contemporary lines with the tactile quality of hand-finished metal. The Warm Grey Aluminum Vase and 8.5" Warm Grey Aluminum Vase with Handle bring understated color and weight, grounding floral or branch arrangements with quiet elegance. For smaller spaces or layered compositions, the Assorted Blue and Green Glass Bud Vases are an inspired choice. Their subtle hues complement any tablescape, whether used individually or in clusters. Pair them with the Assorted Yellow and Peach Glass Bud Vases or the Etched Borosilicate Glass Bud Vases for a soft interplay of light and tone. The Etched Glass Candleholders and Etched Borosilicate Glass Bud Vases in Smoke add texture and craftsmanship to any tabletop — ideal for entertainers who love to mix finishes and materials.

Gifts That Embrace Minimalism and Craft

For entertainers who believe less is more, consider sculptural pieces that invite calm and balance. The Warm Grey Aluminum Vase and Etched Glass Tall Vases both offer sleek forms that double as functional art. They look equally at home holding greenery or standing empty on a sideboard. The Etched Glass Candleholders are another essential — perfect for those who love mood lighting but prefer a subtler aesthetic. These pieces encourage hosts to create intimate, minimal tablescapes where every object has purpose and beauty.

Gifts for Slow Living and Everyday Rituals

Not every entertainer is defined by lavish gatherings. For those who find joy in slower moments — a breakfast shared, a simple dinner at home — choose pieces that enrich the quiet rituals of everyday life. The Charlotte Wood Oblong Serving Boards in Large and X-Large sizes are perfect for this purpose. They serve beautifully as grazing boards but also as styling surfaces for vases, candles, or collected objects. The Charlotte Serving Bowl and 14" Mango Wood Bowl bring warmth to small gatherings, reminding us that a well-made bowl can make even weeknight meals feel special. Paired with soft linens and a flickering candle, these simple pieces help transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

For the Host Who Has Everything

When your favorite entertainer already owns the essentials, choose gifts that inspire creativity. A mix of textures and tones can refresh any space — and CG Hunter’s collection is designed for layering. The Etched Borosilicate Glass Bud Vases paired with the Charlotte Wood Round Serving Board make a thoughtful combination of utility and beauty. Add the Charlotte Outdoor Lantern for glow that carries through the evening. You can also create personalized pairings: For the Entertainer: Decorative Aluminum Serving Tray + Charlotte Candleholders + Floral Napkins. For the Naturalist: Warm Grey Aluminum Vase + Natural Linen Tablecloth + Yellow and Peach Bud Vases. For the Modernist: Etched Glass Tall Vase + Tapered Wood Candleholders + Charlotte Wood Oblong Serving Board. Each pairing feels curated — more like a design story than a simple gift.

How to Present the Perfect Gift

Presentation matters. Wrap a serving board in a linen tablecloth or napkin, tie it with jute or velvet ribbon, and tuck in a sprig of evergreen. For glass or candleholders, nest them in tissue and place inside a reusable basket or tray for a gift that feels both generous and sustainable. The wrapping should echo the materials inside — natural, tactile, and timeless.

The Meaning of Giving Beautifully

The best gifts remind us that home is more than a space — it’s a feeling. CG Hunter’s 2025 Gifts for the Entertainer collection captures that sentiment through objects that celebrate connection, craftsmanship, and comfort. These pieces aren’t just things to give; they’re invitations to gather, share, and create new traditions. Whether it’s a luminous candleholder casting light over the dinner table or a serving board that holds a favorite meal, each design carries the quiet luxury of thoughtfulness.

Explore the full holiday collection in our Holiday Shoppe to find gifts that balance beauty and purpose. Follow @CGHunterHome on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for styling inspiration and new ideas for the season ahead. Get the written preview of all the trends on our Substack.