At some point, we’ve all been there: running out the door to a dinner party, rummaging through drawers in search of a last-minute gift that feels thoughtful. That’s where the beauty of a Host Closet comes in. It’s a little corner of your home filled with intention, a place where generosity meets preparation, and where your signature style is always within reach.

At Joshua Smith Home & Design we believe the art of giving isn’t just about the gift itself, but about the experience and the thoughtfulness behind it. A host closet can elevate your gifting game and ensure that you’re always prepared with a beautifully presented offering. Here are some ideas to help you create your own host closet, stocked with gifts that make every gathering feel even more special.

Let There Be Scent

There’s something inherently luxurious about a beautifully scented candle. The warm glow and subtle fragrance instantly elevate a room’s atmosphere. Keep a few artisanal candles in your host closet. Choose vessels with minimalist style or striking packaging, depending on your aesthetic.

Beyond candles, consider reed diffusers for long-lasting scent and luxury body care items for a touch of indulgence. One of Josh’s go-to gifts is the Salt & Stone Body Wash, it’s clean, elevated, and has the kind of modern, gender-neutral scent that appeals to almost everyone. It's a simple yet luxurious self-care essential he loves sharing with friends and clients alike.
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Foodie Favorites That Feel Special

Few gifts strike the balance between luxurious and useful quite like a beautifully packaged bottle of artisanal olive oil. It’s something almost everyone uses, yet when chosen with care, it becomes so much more than a pantry staple - it becomes an experience.

Look for oils that are cold-pressed, single-origin, and thoughtfully packaged. Think dark glass or ceramic bottles with minimal, design-forward labels that feel as elevated as the contents inside.

To elevate the gift even further, pair the olive oil with:

• Artisan jam in seasonal or unexpected flavors
• A hand-thrown dipping bowl
• A natural linen tea towel
• Or a handwritten recipe card with your favorite dressing or marinade

When stocked in your host closet, this kind of gift hits all the right notes: useful, beautiful, and delightfully unexpected.
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Green Gifts That Bring Life

For the host with a green thumb, or someone who simply loves to bring the outdoors in, consider gifting a stylish garden tool set or a living plant in an aged terracotta pot from Italy. The patina of antique-style terracotta adds character and warmth, while the plant offers a living reminder of your thoughtfulness.

Josh loves the Garden Tools Book Box Set by Santa Barbara Design Studio for it's clever packaging which features the cheeky phrase “You Grow Girl” right on the front. It’s playful, polished, and perfectly suited for anyone who loves a touch of humor. Because it comes ready to gift in a well-designed box, there’s no need for extra wrapping.
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Entertaining Essentials in Small Packages

A beautifully designed set of cheese knives or spreaders is one of those things your host might not buy for themselves but will use and appreciate time and again. They’re practical, stylish, and easy to tuck into a linen pouch or small box. Pair them with the gourmet items above for a gift that feels complete and considered.

For Josh, the GAURI KOHLI luxury cheese knives are a personal favorite to keep stocked in his host closet. With handles crafted from rose quartz or agate, they serve as a subtle nod to his long-standing love of crystals and the energy they bring into a home.
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Books That Offer More Than Words

Books are always a good idea, especially when they offer beauty, inspiration, or a moment of calm. Josh keeps a few of his personal favorites on hand to give away regularly, including:

• How to Be More Tree
• Dog Songs by Mary Oliver

These compact, poetic titles are light, accessible, and deeply moving - the kind of books you can return to again and again, like old friends.
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Details That Make the Gift

A host closet isn’t just about the gift, it’s about how you give it. Beautiful wrapping can turn even the simplest object into something memorable.

Keep a stash of elevated packaging on hand: woven ribbons, textured paper, kraft boxes, and gift tags. And don’t forget your own personal stationery. Josh includes a handwritten note on custom cards, adding that final, thoughtful detail that makes the gift feel truly bespoke.
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Style Meets Practicality

Your host closet should reflect the way you live and the way you love to give. Organize it by category: scents, food, books, tools, and keep it visually tidy with trays, baskets, or labeled boxes. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, rustic, or collected, let the space itself feel intentional.

The goal isn’t to stockpile, it’s to have a few special things on hand that you truly love to give. Because the best gifts don’t just check a box...they create a moment.

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