2024 Gift Guide
Our 2024 Picks
Curate Hospitality’s 2024 Gift Guide is your go-to resource for presents tailored to party hosts, private chefs, foodies, and experiential enthusiasts. Drawing from our expertise - hosting and brokering over hundreds of private dinners and brand activations - we’ve curated a collection of standout gifts and “must-haves” that will allow you to host and gift with ease this holiday season!
Designed with hospitality insight, our selections prioritize quality, creativity, and practicality. Whether you’re buying for a seasoned entertainer, a culinary enthusiast, or someone new to hosting, our guide is packed with gift ideas to make their 2024 extraordinary. You should know, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Explore the 2024 Gift Guide and find gifts that reflect the art of hospitality.
Click the “Down Arrow” to learn why these items made the cut!
for the cookbook lover & home chef
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for the cookbook lover & home chef 〰️
curate client spoltlight
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curate client spoltlight |
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Looking for a meaningful gift this holiday season? Favorite by Nanette Smalley is everything you’re searching for. This beautifully crafted cookbook, authored by a storied private chef, is packed with recipes that are approachable yet elevated—perfect for foodies, home chefs, and anyone who loves hosting unforgettable meals.
What makes Favorite so special is the collaboration and care behind it. Nanette’s lifelong dream of creating a cookbook came to life with the help of Curate. We partnered with her to expand her brand and develop a supplemental revenue stream, tapping into Buffalo’s abundant creative and culinary talent. From sourcing chefs to provision ingredients and test recipes to securing an affordable, professional kitchen, we guided every step of the process. Our in-house videographer added a professional polish, capturing stunning visuals to enhance the book's appeal.
The recipes themselves reflect Nanette’s passion for using fresh, simple ingredients that shine. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or planning an impressive holiday spread, Favorite offers dishes that blend comfort and sophistication—perfect for any occasion. And because it was developed right here in Buffalo, it carries the spirit of our city: resourceful, collaborative, and endlessly creative.
For Buffalo readers, this cookbook is more than just recipes—it’s a celebration of local talent and the power of community. Giving Favorite as a gift not only shares delicious meals but also supports a local chef’s dream and showcases Buffalo as a hub for innovative, high-quality projects.
This holiday season, share the gift of inspiration, connection, and incredible food. With Favorite, you’re not just giving a cookbook—you’re supporting local business, celebrating Buffalo’s creativity, and contributing to a story of hard work and collaboration. It’s the perfect addition to your 2024 holiday shopping list!
for the bites & boards enthusiasts
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for the bites & boards enthusiasts 〰️
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Perfect for food passing and table displays, it’s a versatile olive wood board. These boards have become our go-to for their ability to effortlessly adapt to any setting—a true “hi/lo” find.
We’ve seen their versatility proven time and again, from elevated presentations at Patina 250, our fine dining partner, to laid-back, rustic vibes at our farm dinners. They scale beautifully, whether showcasing artisanal cheeses and charcuterie at a refined event or serving freshly baked bread at a countryside gathering.
The natural grain of olive wood brings warmth and character to any spread, and its durability means it’s as functional as it is beautiful. It’s the kind of piece that works equally well for an elegant dinner party or a casual backyard hangout, making it a staple in our entertaining toolkit.
What we love most about these boards is how they blend approachability with sophistication—the hallmark of what we call “hi/lo.” They’re a simple, practical choice that adds visual impact and a sense of intention to any table. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, olive wood boards are the perfect foundation for making food the centerpiece of your experience.
for the premium party on a budget
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for the premium party on a budget 〰️
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Wine - LINK: https://amzn.to/4f8ckYD
Flutes - LINK: https://amzn.to/4g7gKAd
Pint - LINK: https://amzn.to/3D1y7Uo
Tossware products are an absolute favorite for us—and not just because they look great. These are truly premium “disposables” that are also reusable, dishwasher-safe, and perfect for any occasion. If you’re not ready to invest in a full new set of glasses for one party, Tossware is your versatile go-to.
We use these for our “Last Glass” program, part of our sommelier package in partnership with Winkler & Samuels (www.winklerandsamuels.com). Here’s how it works: during multi-course wine tastings, we use traditional glassware to match the elevated experience. But when our part of the evening wraps and the party wants to keep going, we transition to Tossware for that final pour. These glasses provide a premium option—so the vibe stays classy, not compromised.
What makes Tossware even better is that it’s sturdy and sophisticated, far from flimsy single-use products. The clean design feels just right for everything from wine to cocktails to sparkling water. And since they’re reusable, they align with our sustainability goals while still delivering on quality.
Tossware is all about striking the perfect balance of practicality and polish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or just want a stylish backup for your glassware, these are the perfect choice to keep the experience riding high!much as its eco-friendly perks is how sleek and stylish it is. It’s one of those little things that catches people’s attention—we always get questions about it at events. It’s super easy to charge, lasts a long time, and is just plain fun to use. Whether we’re lighting candles or setting the mood for a dinner party, this lighter does it all without creating unnecessary waste. AND we have had too many times where we show up to a house with a lighter operating on fumes - my last minute planners…you feel me!
For us, it’s about more than just convenience. It’s a small change that makes a big difference, and we love how it blends practicality with sustainability and good design. If you’re looking to upgrade from single-use lighters, this is the way to go. Stylish, functional, and good for the planet—what’s not to love?
Pair this with a candle from www.nakedupnorth.com and you got yourself a gift!
Wine glasses - LINK: https://amzn.to/4f8ckYD
Flutes - LINK: https://amzn.to/4g7gKAd
Pint glasses - LINK: https://amzn.to/3D1y7Uo
for the sustainably chic host
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for the sustainably chic host 〰️
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We’re all about finding simple ways to reduce waste, and this rechargeable lighter has become a total game-changer for us. Unlike disposable Bic lighters that get tossed out and add to landfills, this one is reusable, rechargeable, and fits perfectly with our sustainability goals.
But honestly, what we love just as much as its eco-friendly perks is how sleek and stylish it is. It’s one of those little things that catches people’s attention—we always get questions about it at events. It’s super easy to charge, lasts a long time, and is just plain fun to use. Whether we’re lighting candles or setting the mood for a dinner party, this lighter does it all without creating unnecessary waste. AND we have had too many times where we show up to a house with a lighter operating on fumes - my last minute planners…you feel me!
For us, it’s about more than just convenience. It’s a small change that makes a big difference, and we love how it blends practicality with sustainability and good design. If you’re looking to upgrade from single-use lighters, this is the way to go. Stylish, functional, and good for the planet—what’s not to love?
Pair this with a candle from www.nakedupnorth.com and you got yourself a gift!
for the Low Maintenance Host Seeking Ambiance
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for the Low Maintenance Host Seeking Ambiance 〰️
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These candle holders are an absolute must-have for any event. We use them in all of our decor packages because they’re the perfect mix of style and function. Katherine Giacobbe, who curated our tablescapes, hand-selected these pieces based on our experience with hundreds of private dinners and brand activations.
She wanted something that would catch the eye, add warmth, and be versatile enough for any occasion—and these do exactly that.The amber color is not only a striking match for our brand’s logo, but we love how it fits into our “hi/lo” approach. Whether you're using them to add a pop of bright orange to a bold tablescape or creating a more intimate, moody vibe with darker decor, these holders do it all. The ribbed texture is another detail we love. It catches the light in such a beautiful way, creating depth and warmth that just sets the mood perfectly.
But here’s the real magic: these aren’t just for candles. We’ve used them as flower vases in a pinch, either to complement a larger centerpiece or create a sleek, low-profile arrangement. They’re so versatile and practical, which makes them an easy go-to for any host looking to elevate their space.
If you're looking to set the perfect mood at your next gathering, these Amber Votive Candle Holders are the way to go. They’re simple, stylish, and always impress.
for the host and entertainer
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for the host and entertainer 〰️
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If there’s one book that has completely reshaped how we think about bringing people together, it’s Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering. A valued friend of ours—and a frequent user of our services—recommended it to us, and we haven’t looked back since.
This book dives into the heart of what makes gatherings meaningful, whether they’re intimate dinners, large events, or anything in between. Priya Parker articulates the nuances of creating intentional experiences in a way that feels both inspiring and actionable. It’s not just about getting people in the same room; it’s about creating spaces where connections are genuine, and the time together feels purposeful.
For us, The Art of Gathering has been more than just a read—it’s been a guide. It’s helped us articulate our own approach to curating experiences and shaped how we adapt our methods for every event we create. From the way we design spaces to how we foster meaningful interactions, this book has become a cornerstone of how we think about hospitality.
Whether you’re hosting a party, leading a team, or simply looking for fresh inspiration on how to make gatherings more impactful, this book is an absolute must-read. It’s one of those rare finds that’s equal parts philosophy and practical advice, and we’re so glad it found its way into our world. Trust us—it’ll change the way you gather, too.
for the private chef
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for the private chef 〰️
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The Cambro GoBox might not look flashy, but trust us—it’s a total game-changer for anyone who loves to entertain or host events. We rely on these for everything, and once you use one, you’ll see why it’s a must-have.
This lightweight, insulated transport box is perfect for keeping food hot or cold, whether you’re prepping for a backyard party, a formal dinner, or even a picnic. What sets the GoBox apart is how effortlessly it blends professional-grade functionality with everyday practicality. We’ve seen it in action at upscale events and farm dinners alike—it’s the definition of versatility.
Durable, easy to carry, and stackable, it makes transporting dishes stress-free while ensuring your food arrives just the way you intended. Whether you’re passing hors d'oeuvres at a cocktail party or serving a rustic feast in the great outdoors, the GoBox lets you focus on the experience without worrying about logistics.
For us, the Cambro GoBox is more than just a tool—it’s a secret weapon that’s earned its spot in our lineup of hosting essentials. If you’re serious about entertaining, this is the piece you didn’t know you needed.
for the practical & prepared
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for the practical & prepared 〰️
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Let’s talk about the fire blanket—a super practical, low-profile safety essential that everyone should have in their kitchen. It’s compact, easy to store, and can be a lifesaver (literally) in the event of a small fire. Plus, it makes for an unexpected yet thoughtful holiday gift.
Now, here’s a funny story. The first time ours got wet (dish soap mishap), I thought, “Oh, I’ll just unfold it to dry it out.” Big mistake. Turns out, fire blankets are made of fiberglass, and let me tell you—fiberglass and hands don’t mix. Eek! Lesson learned, and now I know better. But despite that little mishap, we love having one on hand, and you can bet I won’t be trying to unfold it again.
What we really appreciate about the fire blanket is how easy it is to stash away without taking up a ton of space. It fits neatly into a cabinet or drawer, ready to go if you ever need it (hopefully you won’t). It’s a simple, practical addition to any home—and once you gift it, people will wonder how they went without one.
A fire blanket isn’t just a great safety tool; it’s a thoughtful way to show you care. And, bonus: it’s a fun story starter for anyone who’s not quite sure what fiberglass is.
This year’s guide has chef approved tools, vibe setting dinner party essentials, favorite books and go to resources. The curated list includes items and giftables that we have battle-tested and still use often. They have also made it through our “hi/lo” test. Our experiences are tailored and to be successful we need to energy-match the guests/clients - that said we seek versatility - things that can hang with us no matter what the event brings! Our experiences are elevated but approachable…stilettos and slippers…you will find that these items can flex.
These are all easy amazon finds perfect for the last minute gifters - able to arrive before the office holiday gathering or your family’s white elephant party.
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