Hello, dear friends. I don't know about you, but this short week seemed to whiz by for me. I've got a big weekend ahead, and I look forward to telling you all about it next week.
'Tis the season of happy hours and houseguests. Years ago, I had a friend who had a hostess gift closet. She was ready at a moment's notice to be a welcomed guest with an exquisitely wrapped token in hand.
Here is a list of some of my favorite hostess gifts.
A cheese tray is always a good idea if the hostess loves to entertain.
A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to a party and asked to bring an appetizer. The Mister was out of town, and I went into a full panic. I ran out and bought a cute nut tray with separate compartments and then dashed to Whole Foods and bought an assortment of gourmet nuts and dark chocolate covered almonds. It was a hit! I walked out hands-free because I gifted the tray to my hostess.
An added note: it's much easier to make an Irish Exit while hands-free.
I'm nuts for this tray!
If you don't want to go to the trouble of filling a nut tray, just give a gourmet package of assorted nuts or candy.
If you don't want to go to the trouble of filling a nut tray, just give a gourmet package of assorted nuts or candy.
If you are visiting someone's cottage, you can buy one of these glass containers and fill it with candy for the kiddos.
My advice is to leave instructions to not open it until you are long gone. Who wants to be around a bunch of sugared-up hyper kids?
My advice is to leave instructions to not open it until you are long gone. Who wants to be around a bunch of sugared-up hyper kids?
You can always bring a little treat for the fur baby.
You'd rather have Fido chewing on a bone than your new designer purse.
You'd rather have Fido chewing on a bone than your new designer purse.
Sweet-smelling soaps, anyone?
For the hostess who loves to bake.
Top-notch hand creams are also a nice thought.
How about a cute wine glass for the hostess along with some clever cocktail napkins?
Amazon
Amazon
I am always browsing the kitchen towel section in stores.
Don't tell the Mister, but I have a drawer full.
Instead of a gift bag, I like to wrap a pretty kitchen towel around a bottle of wine.
I brought this one to a party several weeks ago.
Amazon
A few years and states ago, my neighbor renovated her kitchen in my favorite color combo - blue and white. I bought a ceramic basket like this one and filled it with blue kitchen towels and gave it to her at her Kitchen Coming-Out party.
I got a text from my pal a few weeks ago. She sent me a photo of the basket that still resides on her counter. She told me every time she looks at it, she thinks of me. That could be a good or bad thing.
I brought this one to a party several weeks ago.
A few years and states ago, my neighbor renovated her kitchen in my favorite color combo - blue and white. I bought a ceramic basket like this one and filled it with blue kitchen towels and gave it to her at her Kitchen Coming-Out party.
I got a text from my pal a few weeks ago. She sent me a photo of the basket that still resides on her counter. She told me every time she looks at it, she thinks of me. That could be a good or bad thing.
This is a great trio if you are a house guest.
Tell the hostess that the chips are on her.
Tell the hostess that the chips are on her.
If you're the designated dessert supplier to the party?
Stonewall Kitchen products always make a nice gift.
She may get the hint that you would appreciate some freshly-baked muffins in the AM.
If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know that I enjoy giving pretty pitchers as a memento. If the Mister is driving to the party, I like to throw some flowers into it. I've learned from experience that a vase of flowers and driving do not mix.
By the way, I have a couple of the above pitchers and keep them on the table filled with water and sliced lemons during dinner parties.
Did your hostess just have a new pool put in?
How about a fun float?
Btw... yes that is me.
Weight Watchers is amazing.
Another idea for the hostess is a cute beach bag.
And you can fill it with fun things like a water bottle.
A newly-released novel is also a fun beach bag stuffer.
If your hostess is the consummate entertainer, one of these gorgeous coffee table books or cookbooks is sure to make her boat float.
If all else fails, you can always give your host a guest book for her powder room. There's a pretty good chance that she doesn't already own one.
I'd love to hear your ideas.
What is the best hostess gift that you either gave or received?
Until next time...
Home & Garden Thursday
Creative Inspirations
Wonderful Wednesday
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