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My All-Time Favorite Hostess Gifts - With A Personal Touch!

by on ‎12-02-2013 05:27 PM

We’ve all been there: jumping into the holiday season with a calendar full of fabulous hang-outs, brunches and parties; wracking our brains for just the right hostess gift.


Now is the perfect time to plan ahead. Of course, you can never go wrong with a bottle of wine. But I’m a sucker for a hostess gift that shows I went the extra mile and added a personal touch with one particular hostess in mind.


This tradition (okay…obsession) started for me years and years ago. I was giving a dinner party, and though it wasn’t my very first, I was still a little nervous. My close friend gave me a beautiful monogrammed candle as a hostess gift. To this day, it stands out in my memory not just because I loved it, but because she took the time to put some extra thought and effort into the choice and presentation…and it showed!


Ever since, I’ve made it a point to pay it forward to all the lucky hostesses in my life. Here are the hostess gifts I’ll be bringing to my holiday parties this year…PLUS that special something that makes them each stand out.


1) Mally Liquid Lipsticks


Mally Liquid Lipstick Collection


These are my favorite kind of hostess gifts, because I buy plenty then break up the sets for all the fabulous ladies in my life! But the real secret is in the bonus gift. I’ve paired them with an organza bag filled with Italian chocolates. Or a vintage compact I picked up in a flea market. Or I nestle them in a micro-mini clutch, perfect for slipping into your gym bag or evening bag.


My perfect finishing touch: A hand-written tag saying “Kisses! From Tara” tied on with a beautiful ribbon.


 


2) Cheryl’s Cookies


Cheryl's Cookies


This may be hard to believe, but I think Cheryl’s Cookies might actually bump the traditional bottle of wine out of first place for the perfect hostess gift. At least, if the reaction I get when I show up bearing a yummy batch of Cheryl’s Cookies is any indication!


Packaging and a personal note are key here, too. I usually go with something like, “Sweets for the sweetest hostess I know.” Or, “C is for Completely Charming!” And because Cheryl’s Cookies come individually wrapped, they’re perfect for arranging in almost any vessel you can think of. I’ve piled them in a skinny wine tote, in a customized Christmas stocking…even in a festive, ribbon-wrapped take-out container for a yummy and unexpected surprise!


 


3) Temp-tations Old World Cookie Jar with Cheryl’s Cookies


Temp-tations Cookie Jar


Of course, for the temp-tationistas in your life, there’s the ultimate cookie container – a beautiful temp-tations cookie jar chock full of Cheryl’s cookies!


Teaming up with Cheryl was such a dream come true. I’ve been filling all sorts of temp-tations pieces with her delicious treats for years. So it was great to bring that tradition to others this year.


But personalization is key here. Know your Nista and what patterns and colors she collects. It makes a huge difference!


 


4) Temp-tations Candle


Temp-tations Candle


When I think of all the hard work that goes into planning and executing the perfect event…What hostess doesn’t deserve a little R&R afterward? 


That’s why I love giving a gift that encourages some pampering for the hard-working hostess. Like this candle, paired with a favorite book or maybe a selection of favorite teas or coffee beans.


Just tie it all up with a ribbon and add a note that says, “Me time!” It’s the perfect Instant After-Party Recovery Kit!


 


5) Temp-tations Old World Bread Basket


Temp-tations Bread Basket


What I love about this bread basket is that the gifting possibilities are endless! Want to perk up that classic bottle of wine? Wrap it in our cloth napkin and nestle it in the bread basket tied with a festive bow. You can also fill the basket with a great bottle of infused olive oil and a fresh loaf of bread for a gift that just begs to be shared. Or pack the dry ingredients for your favorite quick bread recipe in a decorative canning jar, along with a hand-written recipe card, for a gift with a cozy kitchen feel.


 


So, bring on the holiday parties! We’re ready for them! I can’t wait to give back to my favorite hostesses this year. And I can’t wait to hear from my favorite Nistas! What are your go-to hostess gifts?


 


XO,


Tara