Be the Best Guest

Just like that, the holidays—with all their gatherings and get-togethers - are almost here. Don’t panic. A trip to The Shops at Hudson Yards will save the day.

Posted on: December 17, 2019

It has been a fast and furious shopping season, which means you can be forgiven for still being in need of a host gift or two. Good thing Hudson Yards has interesting options for every circumstance.

IF YOU’RE ATTENDING A CHRISMUKKAH PARTY

There will be something for everyone if you pair Hanukkah-themed chocolate covered strawberries and gelt from Dylan’s Candy Bar with a Christmas Tree Box from Neuhaus.

IF YOU’RE TRYING TO LURE YOUR FAVORITE OUT-OF-TOWN FAMILY FOR A VISIT

Few things in New York are as irresistible as black and whites from the master, William Greenberg Desserts. But the killer move: Buy tickets to the soon-to-open Edge to sweeten the pot with the promise of bragging rights back home.

IF IT’S YOUR TURN TO HOST

Two words: Spanish night. 1. It feeds a crowd. 2. It’s unexpected. 3. And it’s easy: You can get everything you need at Mercado LIttle Spain - from paella essentials - pan, rice, saffron, etc. - to a churro maker, i.e. a DIY dessert classic.

IF YOU’RE SPENDING YOUR FIRST HOLIDAY WITH THE IN-LAWS

Idle time is the enemy: Questions get asked, things get awkward. So bring activities. The Wolfum Alexander Travel Backgammon Game Set from Neiman Marcus can follow you from room to room and a 1,000 piece Pop Culture Puzzle, available at PiQ, will spark nostalgic conversation and tactically distract.

IF YOU’RE SLEEPING OVER—OR, MORE IMPORTANTLY, WAKING UP— IN A COFFEE DESERT

This is no time to be deferential. Gift the Blue Bottle Pour Over Kit + Origins Coffee Set when you arrive and—the key move—offer to show then how to use it the next morning. Caffeine fix solved.

IF YOU’VE BEEN INVITED TO A SKI HOUSE

Snow or no snow, you can set the mood with a winter-scented candle from Banana Republic. Likewise, don’t hesitate to break out Citarella Wine & Spirit’s Fort Hamilton Rye Whiskey Gift Box for hot toddy’s or spiked hot chocolates whether you’re après ski or not.

IF YOU’VE BEEN INVITED TO A DESTINATION HOLIDAY

Show your gratitude with colorful fouta cotton towels from Vilebrequin, featuring the brand’s iconic turtles in tone-on-tone jacquard patterns. For the littles, pick up some mini towel tunics at Heidi Klein. Finally, the Body Shop’s Aloe Soothing Moisture Lotion with SPF 15 is sure to come in handy.