With the holiday season just around the corner, you may find yourself running around to various parties, get-togethers and festive holiday gatherings. Rule # 1 don’t show up empty handed! Bringing something small to help your hostess entertain, or something thoughtful to show your appreciation for their hospitality, is always a good idea. Hazelview Properties is here to help cross some items off your gift list with our Top 8 hostess gifts for this holiday season.
Homemade Baked Goods
Gifts that show that you put in a little time and effort always make an impression. Bringing some delicious homemade baked goods is a great way to show your appreciation for your host/hostess. It doesn’t have to be complicated, this recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies takes only 20 minutes of prep time. Your host will love the crispy edges and chewy middles, and your gift can even be added to the dessert table if your host is short on treats.
Wine
Wine is a classic hostess gift option, but it can create some uncertainty on the part of the giver. If dinner is being served, your hostess may have already selected wines that will pair well with her entrees. If you’re surprising your hostess with wine, remember that it is a gift, and your hostess is under no obligation to open it right away. Learn more about wine present etiquette here. The bottom line is, if you are giving wine as a surprise gift, don’t stress about which wine to choose, simply choose something you think your host will enjoy. That being said, if you have been asked to bring wine, be sure to inquire with your hostess about the menu she plans to prepare before you buy. With that in mind, you can then ask your local wine store clerk for assistance in finding the perfect wine to compliment the meal.
Flowers/Holiday Plant
If you are showing up with flowers during the busy holiday season, you may want to avoid the gift wrapped bouquet and give some flowers in a vase (see last section below) instead. Your busy hostess will appreciate not needing to take the time to find a suitable container for your gift. If you want to avoid this situation entirely, a great option during the holidays is a potted poinsettia. They are classic, vibrant and bring a touch of holiday cheer. Best of all, no one expects to keep a poinsettia alive for the whole year, so there is no pressure on your hostess to take good care of it!
Simple serving ware
A thoughtful gift for your hostess this year is simple serving ware. Look for items like decorative cheese knives or salad serving utensils. Chances are your hostess can put them to good use right away!
Mini DIY terrarium
An impressive gift to show your hostess how much you appreciate them is a mini DIY terrarium. This gift idea shows that you took a little time out of your day to create something beautiful for them. They are also very easy to make. Choose an open or closed glass container, add a little gravel, moss, soil and some charcoal (to prevent mold) and some low maintenance plants like cacti or air plants. A terrarium is the perfect decorative gift that will last as long as your hostess wants it too.
Decorative cutting board/ Homemade Trivet
Giving your hostess something homemade and useful is a great idea, especially if they can use it right away! A DIY decorative cutting board or homemade trivet/potholder is perhaps the perfect combination of thoughtful and useful, and the fact that you took the time to make it yourself makes it all the better.
Stylish Apron
A gift that your hostess can open and use immediately is always a hit but don’t pressure her to use it right away. A stylish apron can come in handy to protect your hostess’ fancy party clothes. If you have basic sewing skills, this video will show how you can make your own half-apron in literally one minute!
Flowers and Vase
As we mentioned above, if you are bringing flowers as a gift for your hostess, especially during the hectic holiday season, it’s a good idea to include a vase as part of the gift. A vase will save your hostess the time and trouble it takes to find a suitable container to place your gift in. You can usually pick one up at the florist, easily repurpose a jar, or create your own DIY vase for that personal touch.
Happy Holidays from Hazelview Properties! We hope these hostess gift ideas help to take some of the guess work out of what to bring to your next holiday gathering. For more information on Hazelview Properties for rent across Canada, please visit our website.