There’s so much advice about how to be the “hostess with the mostest”… but how about how to be the “guest who’s the best”?! When you’re invited to a party or dinner, it’s easy to just bring a bottle of wine or flowers (and there’s nothing wrong with the tried and true!), but this season, why not step it up a notch? With a little imagination, you can bring a huge smile to the face of your host or hostess and make a lasting impression. Here are a few of our favourite suggestions:
Tea. Tea has become SO popular! Grab a beautiful tin of your favourite blend from one of the designer tea shops, or simply put together a basket with a selection of small packages. There are quality teas at health food and grocery stores. Want to go all out? Add a couple of china tea mugs to your gift.
Salt and Pepper Shakers. Seriously! Gift stores have the cutest ideas! I’ve seen penguins, tabby cats, interlocking sets, vintage set… when you find a store that sells them, pick up a few sets to have on hand. They are usually very reasonably priced.
Coasters. You can never have too many! I found gorgeous high end coasters at a warehouse sale last year and gave them to all my friends as hostess gifts. They were a huge hit! It’s another case of when you see them, stock up!
Recipe in a Jar! Layer all the ingredients for your favourite cookie or muffin recipe in a beautiful jar, label and decorate it for the season – and of course include the recipe!
Incense and Burner. I recently gave this as a housewarming gift with great success! Health and “green” stores carry beautiful wooden incense burners and a great selection of incense. I like Nag Champa. It’s very popular and suits both feminine and masculine tastes.
Chocolate Covered Fruit. You can buy chocolate covered strawberries and green apples, already beautifully prepared and boxed – or make them yourself. So much more interesting than the standard box of chocolates!
Aloe Plant. It’s beautiful and useful! You’ll find them at most nurseries or the grocery store. Put it in a pretty pot and wrap in cellophane and ribbons. Include information about the many uses for aloe. Aloe is a great healing plant; its stems are wonderful for sunburn, rash, insect bites, cuts and much more. Google it – you’ll be amazed!
Wine Glasses. A pair of fun, patterned or colourful wine glasses is a perfect gift. You’ll find a great selection at discount label stores.
Apron. Again, there are so many to choose from! There are aprons with half or full coverage, playful or serious, flowers, stripes, even aprons with fun messages on them. And don’t forget, there are great aprons for the host as well – including for barbecuing.
Vase. Bring flowers IN a vase! The hostess won’t need to take time away from guests to find a vase and arrange the bouquet. And of course, the vase is reusable again and again.
Salad Dressing Bottles. More and more people make their own healthy salad dressings these days – and there are lovely sealed bottles for preparation and storage. Bring a beautiful empty bottle, wrapped for the season, or even better, bring one with your favourite homemade dressing inside!
Hand Cream. Having a party usually means lot of housework and preparation. Treat your hostess to an indulgent hand cream.
Napkin Rings. If you know your hostess’s taste and décor, this makes a thoughtful and practical gift.
Recipe Book. If your hostess loves to cook or bake, bring her a recipe book. Go to Google to learn what’s popular this season.
What’s the best gift you can bring your host or hostess? Gratitude! Entertaining is a lot of work. Tell your hostess how much you appreciate the effort, offer to help clean up and leave with a big hug! Wherever you go this holiday season, travel safely and enjoy!
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