When it comes to a hostess gift both of us always like to take something a little unexpected, something that says thank you for having me. By deviating from the standard bottle of wine or candle, the hostess knows you’ve put some thought into it. Fortunately for us, there is an amazing little store that is perfect for just this occasion – The Home & Garden Shop, Troy Michigan. (see picture – right.)
If someone is having you over, they obviously like to entertain, so simple serving pieces coupled with our favorite PPD napkins (choose a pattern that is specific to the hostess) is a fun offering. You can place in a box and wrap (check out our wrapping video) or just slip a simple grosgrain ribbon around (also check out our wrapping video) along with a simple note.
When it comes to hostess gifts, consider adding small serving forks … it can be a bit harder to find pretty ones, but they are always a hit!
See some of our click it and ship it options below ( we wanted to make it easy for you)
Serving Pieces:
(Silver hammered tray $37, Gold oval platter $29, Tree branch fork – set of 4 $25, Smaller silver tray $25, Gold twig fork – set of 4 $36, Bird napkins $11, Owl napkins $11, Sheep napkins $11, Goose napkins $11)
Bowls:
Small serving bowls are great hostess gifts. Nuts, candy, dips (just about everything) look more appetizing when served in beautiful way. (Feel free to add something fun to go along with.)
(Dauville dip bowl – gold $17, Dauville dip bowl – silver $17, LSA host bowl – silver $26 (special deal), LSA host bowl – gold $40)
Trader Joes! A great place to go for hostess add-on’s. Try Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pretzels and both varieties of almonds (Truffled Marcona Almonds and Roasted & Salted Marcona Almonds with Rosemary). Delicious and addictive.
(Food items available at your local Trader Joe’s: Chocolate peanut butter pretzels $4, Truffle Almonds $7, Rosemary Almonds $7)
Ann’s Favorite:
One of my favorite things to give for any occasion is an apron. The lady across the street from me, Scoobeedoo (who serves as a second grandmother to my children—they named her that) always has an apron on. Whenever I would see her in her apron walking across the the road with a plate full of cookies, I couldn’t help but smile.
Not only does an apron protect what you are wearing; it can carry ingredients from the fridge to the counter and it can serve as a hand dryer. I honestly believe food tastes better when served in a cute apron! Anthropologie always has an excellent of aprons. Most have a vintage feel and they almost always have a pocket (which I love.)
( Aprons: Jackie $36, Nathalie $32, Naomi $36)
Christine’s Favorite:
One of my favorites hostess gifts is a fresh rosemary (or whatever herb) topiary or plant. I love to entertain and I love fresh flowers, however, sometimes combining the two can be a bit challenging. Unless you have someone helping you, cutting fresh stems on the diagonal, finding the right vase and filling it with water can be a challenge when guests are arriving and you are scooting around doing last-minute things.
When I hosted a birthday party for my friend, Kelly, one of her guests brought me a beautiful rosemary topiary. So pretty and functional. I love cooking with rosemary! Even better, I just took it and placed it on my kitchen sill and got back to the usual pre-party craziness. When she gave it to me, I remember thinking, “Now that’s a great and thoughtful idea!”
(Stargazer Live Rosemary Plants – above, set of 2- $19)
Tip:
ICE ICE BABY! You can never have enough! Be a great guest and deliver a couple bags to the hostess’ front porch a few hours before the party. They will love you forever.
