A ROUNDUP OF THOUGHTFUL HOSTESS GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The holiday season is officially in full swing and I, for one, couldn’t be more excited to host! It really is the most wonderful time of the year and I always look forward to getting together with family, friends and neighbors. Just as important as the get togethers themselves, though, are the little gifts to bring along for the hostess and I’m always adding to my list of go-to’s to bring along with me. A bottle of wine is always appreciated, but I like to try and bring something along that can be enjoyed after everyone leaves and that is just for the hostess. Homemade anything is ALWAYS appreciated (a loaf of bread or a chocolate chip cake, especially!) and feels so much more special because of the time and effort put into it. Here is a little roundup of some other great ideas I use/have used in the past:

–Dress up an orchid! Orchids are relatively inexpensive and super easy to find. Swap the ugly died sticks and mini hair clips for bamboo stakes and raffia ribbon and stick the whole thing in a terra cotta pot from the hardware store and you have a gorgeous gift that will last long after the party is over! Find all the links to this here.

–A homemade loaf of bread wrapped in a pretty tea towel. This is the EASIEST, no fuss recipe EVER…when is a warm, fresh from the oven loaf of bread never not appreciated? And these are gorgeous tea towels; I’ve bought a few sets of these for this very gifting purpose.

–A bottle of wine, tied up in velvet ribbon, with a chic opener.

–A homemade chocolate chip cake. I bring this everywhere and even gift it to people from our church, our neighbors, even the ladies in the office at my children’s school. It’s so easy to make that me ten year old can do it! I like to buy the bakery boxes from Hobby Lobby and tie it with beautiful, deep red grosgrain ribbon for a festive touch! Get my recipe and see how to make it here.

–A bag of really good coffee and dry muffin or pancake mix. I got this idea years ago from Ina, who said this was her go-to hostess gift to bring to dinner parties with the intention to be enjoyed the next morning and I love it!

–A bread dipping kit. This has rave reviews and is right at $20, but you can always buy a good, smaller bottle of vinegar, olive oil and a bottle of gourmet Tuscan seasoning and dress them up with pretty ribbon!

–A pack of mini, unscented votives. This is such a great and unexpected gift idea because I don’t know anyone who hosts during the holidays who doesn’t have candles going! This is a great price for a 48 pack.

–A chic vase. These are absolutely STUNNING and would love as lovely with a handful of fresh greenery as they would blooms. LOVE!!!

–A mini basket/bag of charcuterie items. Jarred pickles, olives, crackers, bread sticks, uncured salami, a bag of clementines are such a great idea because they can be served at the party or enjoyed long after guests head home!

–Wood salt and pepper mill set. Such a great price and so beautiful in person!

–Marble salt and pepper cellars. For the perpetual hostess who loves her guests helping themselves, this is such a pretty set to keep out during get togethers.

–A wicker wine basket with a bottle or two of their favorite vino. I found one of these at a thrift shop and use it all the time! It’s such an old fashioned touch to my table and I always get compliments on it! Etsy has so many to pick from; I love this one.

What are some of your favorite, go-to hostess gift ideas?