calm and serene on the surface and paddling like hell underneath. I grew up with that saying framed on the wall in our kitchen, as well as my mother being the shining example of the hostess with the mostess. No matter if it was one person or ten, with two weeks notice or ten minutes notice, she always effortlessly made each and every person feel welcome in our home. My mother also taught me never to show up empty handed when I go visit other people, and this time of year you have to get a little creative with hostess gifts as you are either giving more than usual or it has been awhile and your brain is starved for ideas.
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| Take something you love to share, it is a great way for your host to learn something about you- and ensure there is a snack you like! this year my choice (especially if the host has kids) is Trader Joe's Joe Joe's- think candy cane meets oreos. Yes a box of cookies sounds silly- but go try them...you can thank me later for the 5 pounds you will gain. |
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| Give a gift that gives back, check out buildanest.com or globalgoodspartners.org for a home accessory gift, scarf or piece of jewelry that helps support a good cause. |
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| Homemade baked goods are so much better and thoughtful than store bought! I love giving home made bread- it is something different that everyone can enjoy |
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| A rosemary topiary makes a wonderful gift for the host you don't know to well, much better than flowers because it will last long past your visit! |
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| Wine is always a good option (if you can tactfully make sure your host does in fact drink -trust me I have made the mistake of not checking and taking wine to an alcoholic-AWKWARD!) if you are going to give wine, don't show up just bare bottle in hand and remember that you are giving them a gift to save and enjoy later not a BYOB situation... buy something nicer than you would buy for yourself |
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| If you have a specialty that you make like jam, or salad dressing- when you share it with your host make sure you include everything they will need to enjoy it! |
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| If you are going the prefab gift pack route- pick one you would like to receive and pick one that is relevant. If you are staying for a weekend or extended stay- pick a breakfast pack and get up one morning to make it for your hosts! |
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| Just like the gift baskets, if going the candle route pick a scent you like and would want to receive, or go with a classic holiday scent like the Slatkin collection that has been around for years |
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Take a bit of local flavor... my family lives near an oyster mecca and score huge points when they show up at my door with a quart of oysters! I have a salad dressing that I am addicted to that is made locally and I love sharing it when I travel. Taking something local not only helps support your local community it is also a great way to share a bit of your world with your host.
Remember not to show up empty handed, but also make sure to put some thought and personalization into your gift- take the time and effort make sure your host knows you thought of them when you picked it out.
photos: Martha Stewart, Slatkin, Stonewall Kitchen, Trader Joe's, Global Goods Partner |
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