My mother taught me to always show up for a dinner, lunch, brunch (or pretty much any occasion) with a little gift. “It doesn’t matter how small it is,” she used to say. “It’s the thought that counts.”
I’m always touched by a thoughtful hostess gift. A friend came over for brunch the other day and bought me a little box of homemade gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, because she knew I would love them! Candles always go down well in my household because I’m obsessed with sweet smells. The key to a wonderful hostess gift is to think specifically about what you friend might really love. Rather than a generic bottle of wine, or box of chocolates (unless your friend is a chocoholic,) think outside the box in terms of what might be a serious treat for your host.
Here are some ideas:
1: Beauty Treat: Who doesn’t love to get a skin care treat? Most women light up when you present them with a treat with which they can
pamper themselves. I’d steer away from facial products and stick to some lovely body care. I recommend the luxurious Foot Scrub and Foot Softening creme from me & the girls. These products are simply divine and always packaged beautifully. If you know the recipient is really into organic/natural skin care, you could also go with the gift set from this company too, which will give them a little taste of all the stand-out products.
2. Tea Tiger & Tea: I have given this gift to so many of my friends, and many of them say that once turned onto drinking green tea in this way, there was no turning back. The Tea Tiger is an awesome glass tea travel mug with a special filter for preparing green and Oolong teas. I would recommend the Three Treasures Oolong for someone who is new to green and Oolong teas. It has the most beautiful flavor and works wonderfully in the Tea Tiger. I am recommending Strand Tea for these purchases because it is a small family-run, eco friendly business that carries teas of exceptional quality.
Olive Oil and/or Aged Balsamic: A beautifully aged Balsamic or a Truffle Olive Oil ranks right up there for me. I found Bistro Blends
at my farmers market, and have been addicted every since. The Balsamics are like nothing you’ve ever tasted before, and the Truffle oil is insane. Thankfully, we can now all purchase them online, unless you live in Los Angeles, where you’ll find the stall at the Hollywood Farmers market.
Extraordinary Candle: A beautiful candle is always well-received, and frankly, you can’t have too many scented candles. Make sure that it is made from soy or coconut oil, and that it’s naturally scented. I love Pure Light candles because they are made from coconut oil, and leave a lingering scent long after you’ve snuffed it out!
Houseplant: Rather than give flowers, think about giving a lovely air-cleansing houseplant in a pretty planter. I have my living room full of the plants. A well-tended houseplant can last years and the recipient will think of you each time he/she waters it!
