by Kristen Wile

This time of year,  you’ve likely got a packed calendar of holiday events. If you’re not one to attend a celebration empty-handed — or if you’re gifting to someone who loves to entertain — we’ve collected some of our favorite items from shops around town to have proudly in hand when you show up to your next soirée.

Cocktail napkins, Laura Park Designs. Laura Park is a Charlotte artist who had the idea of turning her paintings into fabrics and prints, creating beautiful, colorful table decor and bedding. Pick up a pack of cocktail napkins in your host’s favorite color scheme at the Myers Park storefront.

Laura Park sells beautiful table setting supplies in Myers Park. Kristen Wile/UP

Gardener first aid kit, Paper Skyscraper. Heading to a house that is home to a green thumb? Keep that thumb in good shape with a kit that includes greenery themed band-aids, tweezers, and a tick remover. $8.95.

Handpainted olive oil jugs, Zia Pia Imports. These canisters of olive oil contain extra virgin olive oil made with ogliarola and coratina olives that’s fit for both cooking and dressing or dipping. What makes them even more special is the beautiful ceramic containers, which make this necessary kitchen ingredient a countertop statement piece, too. $50.

Seed pack, The Patio Farmer. Another gift for the green thumb, this seed pack from The Patio Farmer features 10 packets that span seasons. Give the gift that keeps growing all year round. $8.

Etched wine glasses, Moxie Mercantile. Let your host show their city pride with a stemless wine glass featuring a detailed map of Charlotte. This Plaza Midwood shop is a great stop for the blank spaces on your list, featuring everything from vintage glassware to homemade home goods. $20.

Candles from The Culture Shop. Photo courtesy

Beeswax pillar candles, The Culture Shop. These pale yellow, handmade candles will make for a fitting centerpiece for those who love a natural table scape. Grab a wine-shaped gift bag while you’re at the shop to gift them in. $27.

Stunning Spreads by Chrissie Nelson Rotko. The Charlotte food blogger behind Off the Eaten Path published her first cookbook during the pandemic. Featuring recipes meant to be enjoyed by many, the book is a natural fit for someone who loves to entertain. $24.99.

Honey gift set, Cloister Honey. Stopping somewhere for tea? Order a gift set from Charlotte’s own Cloister Honey. Options include the hive favorite — six three-ounce jars in flavors from salted to bourbon honey — or a tea lovers, which includes honeycomb. You can also customize your own collection. $37.

Reusable paper towels, Ekologicall. For your eco-friendly friends, shop at this Charlotte business looking to help the city become more sustainable. These Swedish cloths take the place of paper towels in your kitchen, and can be rinsed, dried, and reused. At the end of their usable life, they can be composted. $7.

Be sure to check out our other 2022 holiday gift guides:

For the cocktail lover
For the home cook
For the lover of local
For the wine lover