Say thanks to your summer host with these gifts

Trends may come and go, but good manners never go out of style. That's why your weekend getaway and vacation planning should include the choice of a fantastic, fashionably charming gift for every host and hostess who is kind enough to extend an invitation your way. You'll find the best and most stylish hostess gifts ranging from $25 to $100 right here in this week's issue of The Trend Report!

Mottahedeh at Parisjeweler.com

Beach house bound
Is there anything better than wiling away a weekend at someone else's beach house? If you're fortunate enough to nab an invitation, we suggest you commemorate the occasion with a special “beach-themed” keepsake to ornament and honor their home. Obvious (and lovely) themes include seashells, sea horses, sand castles or a sailing, yachting or nautical motif. Traditional china and porcelain companies such as Mottahedeh have exquisite lines of bowls, trays and boxes devoted to these motifs, so do opt for a little luxury (featured pieces range from $25 to $80) that will be treasured for years to come.

Trend tip: If your host or hostess is a sailing or yachting aficionado, a gift for the boat is a surefire winner.

Take note

Mrs. John L. Strong at Barneys.com

You'll earn favored guest status when you arrive bearing a chic gift from Mrs. John L. Strong. This stationer to the old-guard Social Register set is beloved by a long list of celebrity clients as well. Besides their gorgeous, hand-engraved note cards and personalized stationery niceties, the Mrs. Strong line also includes gold-stamped notebooks for every room in the home, from kitchen to butler's pantry to guest cottage to pool house. Not only are they incredibly useful, but they are a definite sign of your exquisite taste. And at only $27.50 per notebook, you can outfit one, two — or every room in the house!

Trend tip: While we're on the subject of stationery, don't forget to follow up your visit with a handwritten thank-you note!

John Derian at Bergdorfgoodman.com

Country manners
We love the look of vintage-inspired flora and fauna prints, which offer a little touch of nature with a very sophisticated edge. Should you be visiting a country home (or dropping in on those who aspire to a country manor) you can't go wrong with a lovely piece from John Derian Company. The designer — an avid collector of antique fruit, flower and animal prints — is single-handedly reviving the art of decoupage with his hand-finished pieces such as these gorgeous paperweights ($60), which would look wonderful on a desk or a tabletop.

Trend tip: Try to find out if your host or hostess collects objects of a certain “theme” and then choose your gift to add to his or her collection!

Matouk at Gracioushome.com

Guest privileges
Those who frequently entertain are sure to appreciate the thoughtful consideration behind a gift designed for the comfort of future guests. This is an especially smart choice when you don't know much about your host's personal decor preferences. Whether you choose an accessory for the guest bedroom, a set of canape plates and napkins or linens for the guest bedroom, opt for clean, classic neutrals that would be at home in any situation, such as a set of luxurious linen guest towels from Matouk ($20.50 per towel).

Trend tip: Don't rely on others to tell you about your host's tastes or favorite color ... after all, their gift may be stashed out of sight in the hall closet!

Williamyeoward.com

Raising the bar
What host or hostess wouldn't appreciate a luxe version of an everyday essential for the kitchen or dining room table? We love the versatility of gorgeously sculpted glass carafes such as those by William Yeoward (Country Collection, $65). On the table, they can be used for water, wine or a beverage of choice, and when not in service they make wonderful vases! Their purity of design and functionality is sure to be a big hit.

Trend tip: Any item that can be purchased in a “luxe” version tends to be a “hit” — think about items one would never buy for himself or herself, such as sterling silver cocktail picks (available at Tiffany’s) an elegant corkscrew or a hand-carved wooden cheese board.

Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more about Gordon, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America and across the world.

firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to http://www.firstview.com/ for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.

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