Hostess Gift Ideas soYou Never Show Up at a Holiday Party Empty-Handed
The leaves are changing, the evenings are getting cooler, the stores are already filling every available shelf with holiday gear. We’re rapidly moving into holiday mode. Instead of scrambling at the last minute to find something to take to the party, stock up on the perfect gifts now and you will be stress-free as you glide between your various events. These creative and thoughtful gifts won’t break the bank, but will still win you points with the hostess. Trust me, you’ll be invited back.
The Go-To Classic: A Bottle of Wine
It may sound great and easy in theory, but buying a gift bottle of wine can be a bit daunting especially if you can’t remember your host’s favorite type. Here are some sure-fire ways to approach the wine aisle.
- A bottle that’s tied to a memory or story you shared together: A location, a year, or even the design on the bottle can serve as inspiration.
- A bottle you love: Introduce your host to something that you’ve enjoyed before.
- A bottle the wine store person says is good: Tried and true, this is always a safe fallback plan.
- A bottle to match the meal or cuisine being served: If you know the cuisine, you’re a step ahead. Attending a French-themed dinner party? A French wine would certainly fit the bill.
Wine Accessories and Books
As a hostess, it’s always fun to pull out unique (even if a bit kitschy) wine accessories when having people over. It’s also a gift that can be used more than once. If your hostess is a real oenophile, coffee table wine texts will be much appreciated.
- Wineglass charms
- Wine chiller wand
- Decanter/aerator
- Exploring Wine by Steven Kolpan
World Traveler: A Region-Themed Gift Basket
Did your host just come back from a dreamy Tuscan getaway? Or maybe she just has an affinity for everything-French? Let her relive the vacation — real or imagined — with a basket of goodies. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Italy: A bottle of Chianti Classico, soppressata, chocolate-dipped biscotti and a postcard of the gorgeous Tuscan foothills
- France: A bottle of Champagne, a round of creamy French cheese and a single, elegant macaron from your favorite bakery
- Spain: A funky and refreshing Basque cider or a bold, luscious Spanish red and a tapas or pintxos cookbook
- California: A big, bold Napa Cabernet and the great wine reference book like American Wine by Jancis Robinson
Put Your Pinterest Board to Use: Make Something Crafty with Corks
If you need an outlet for your creativity one lazy Sunday afternoon, turn that pile of corks you’ve been saving into something useful. Not only will you clear up some space in your kitchen, you’ll have cute trinkets ready to add to your hostess gifts.
- Serving tray: Use super or hot glue to secure corks into the bottom of a shallow serving tray.
- Holiday ornaments: Turn your corks into wreaths, angels, snowmen, or stars. The options are limitless.
- Push-pin board: Similar to the serving tray, glue several corks together inside a small frame of your choosing.
