This Budget Buy From All-Clad Is the Perfect Holiday Host Gift

If you’re invited to a holiday party this year, I have two pieces of advice for you. The first: Bring a thoughtful but unobtrusive gift for the host. (Nobody wants to search for a vase big enough for a giant flower arrangement as they’re mixing drinks and arranging appetizers.) The second: That gift should be a set of these luxe kitchen towels made by All-Clad.

These are the most giftable kitchen towels I’ve reviewed, and I can confidently assure you they’ll be well received—I know firsthand because I have given a set, to great success. They’re also one of the only gifts your host will likely use every day, all year-round.

All-Clad Dual Kitchen Towel Set

$36

$35 at Amazon View on All-clad.com View on Perigold.com

Why They're a Great Gift 

All-Clad makes top-of-the-line cookware, and its sterling reputation is well deserved. Seeing that brand name on this set of three towels is sure to pique your giftee’s interest. They’ll be even more impressed when they use them. I was! It’s the most innovative set of towels in my review, thanks to its dual-sided design. One side is made from a flat weave, ideal for drying dishes. The other side is thick terry cloth loops, perfect for drying hands. Each towel is a generously oversized 17 by 30 inches and has a hanging loop. In other words, it’s made with the same attention to detail as All-Clad’s pots and pans.

These towels aren’t just a pretty purchase from a big-name brand, though. In my tests, they had an absorbency rate of over 85%. They’re thick enough to be used as stand-ins for pot holders or oven mitts. And unlike a bottle of wine, these towels will be used and appreciated for years to come.

Other Host and Hostess Gifts They'll Love

• Whenever I host, I realize something: I don't own nearly enough serving platters. Be the guest who swoops in to save the day with a stackable set of pretty, functional platters from Williams Sonoma. They'll work with any style or decor and will be duly appreciated.
• Your host shouldn't have to play bartender all night. Arrive with this sleek electric wine opener, and you'll be everyone's favorite guest.
• Of course, edible gifts are a sure win. Our whole team melts over the adorable chocolate mice from L.A. Burdick. Hit a home run with an essential gift box from the Rhode Island-based chocolatier that includes chocolate penguin and mice, assorted bonbons, and cookies.

Why We’re the Experts

• Rochelle Bilow is an editor at Serious Eats.
• She wrote our kitchen towels review and has gifted a set of the All-Clad Dual Kitchen Towels.
• She thinks that the towels’ bright red “Chili” color is the best one for holiday gifts.