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The Philotree

What to Bring the Host on New Year's Eve

· 2 min read

Midnight Orchard candle in golden evening light

Showing up empty-handed on New Year's Eve doesn't feel right, but what do you bring? Wine is the default, and the host ends up with ten bottles they didn't choose. Flowers need a vase at the exact moment they're busiest. A candle is a quieter, easier gift, and it's still there long after the party.

Why a candle makes a good host gift

  • No work for the host. They don't have to find a vase, chill it or open it in front of everyone.
  • It lasts. A 150 g soy candle gives them 35 to 40 hours, well into January.
  • It's personal without being awkward. It works whether the host is a close friend or someone you've met twice.

Which scent to bring

Think about the host and their home.

  • For a late, loud party: Midnight Orchard. Oud, mulberry and amber. It's warm and deep, and it suits the hours after midnight.
  • For a dinner party: Blushing Bloom. Bright citrus, jasmine and rose. Fresh and welcoming.
  • For a calm, small gathering: Himalayan Mist. Lavender, sage and cedar.
  • For a friend who's just moved in: Linen Grove. Clean and light, a good one for a new place.

If they're hosting a big group or you want to bring something more generous, the Discovery Set gives them all four.

How to give it

Hand it over at the door and tell them to keep it for later. The worst thing you can do is expect a host to light a new candle mid-party. A short note helps: "For January 1st, when the house is quiet again."

A few more ideas to pair with it

  • A good box of matches
  • Something sweet for the next morning
  • A handwritten card, which people remember far longer than the gift

Order before the rush

Deliveries slow down in the last week of December. Order a candle or two in early December and keep one aside. You'll almost certainly need it for some party or other.

See all our gift ideas

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