A touch of your home to hers.
I’ve always been a fan of homemade hostess gifts. I love to give them and receive them. They seem to exemplify what holiday gatherings are about: sharing these special times with those who are important to you. During the holiday season, I want to say more than just “thank you”. I want to share a part of me and my family with those who have so thoughtfully included us in their holiday plans. So, as soon as my holiday speaking tour ends, I set aside a few days to make some homemade treats and pair them with a stylish accent that creates a sentimental and unique hostess gift. Here are my TOP 10 HOMEMADE & STYLISH HOSTESS GIFTS OF THE SEASON.
1. VANILLA BEAN SUGAR
Vanilla Bean Sugar: A wonderful homemade treat for any hostess. Present in an air tight canister and it will last up to a year. Use the same way you’d use regular sugar. Great for baking holiday treats, sprinkling on pancakes and waking up your morning coffee.
3. THE GIFT OF LIGHT
Buying votives in bulk is certainly economical and pairing it with a crystal cup or festive light box makes it special. I love the flicker holes in this piece. A hostess gift that will shine long after the party.
4. ADORN YOUR TREE AND YOUR BOTTLE
Bringing a bottle of sparkly or vino as a hostess gift is always appreciated. Adding an ornament around the bottle neck is a great way to add a festive flair and a memorable token.
5. DISH OUT THE CANDY
This is definitely one of those gifts I like receiving. After dinner, I like to bring out all the different candies, cookies and chocolate bark to the table and hear who likes what, and WOW…who made this? It’s a gift that the whole family enjoys. Er, mostly me. When I give candy, I always present it in a candy dish. These sea salt caramels are divine.
6. AND ONE FOR THE LITTLE LADY
I always love seeing the children at our soirées. After all, little girls are fabulous hostesses in the making. A darling treat box with a bon bon inside is a nice way to share in the gift of style.
7. HOT COCOA TO GO
Some hostess gifts give the idea of time and relaxation and this is one of them. Simply take a sizeable mug, add a homemade packet of spiced hot cocoa, mini marshmallows and a mini bottle of Kahlua.
8. INFUSED OILS
This is one of those wonderful treats that somehow you never find time to make yourself, but you LOVE having in your home. It’s really very easy to make. My favorite is Rosemary Infused Olive Oil. Pair it with a simple dipping bowl, and you’ve got a gourmet hostess gift worthy of the pickiest of chefs.
9. GIVE A TREAT TO SOMEONE FURRY
Bring a hostess gift to the family dog and you’ve got a friend forever! Try baking homemade dog biscuits and present in this air-tight canister.
10. STICKY BUNS FOR THE MORNING AFTER
The next morning a hostess is starving, tired and probably a little hungover. Could there be any better cure than homemade Caramel Apple Sticky Buns served on a festive platter?
