Gift Guide: For The Hostess

Looking for a gift for the hostess on your list? This time of year you should always arrive with something to leave under the tree. I was so so excited when Matchbook Magazine announced they now have a boutique that sources everything featured in their issues! Check it out HERE. Lots of great ideas (at all price points) for the hostess or really anyone on your list.

A few of my picks:

Photos: Eddie Ross, Matchbook Magazine

Fall Hostess Gift

Doesn't this photo make you think of crisp fall days? I love the idea of making a batch of Apple Pie Spice and bringing it as a hostess gift. It can be used for pies, baked apples, muffins or even oatmeal! Find the recipe HERE and of course package the gift in a WECK JAR.

Photos: My Baking Addition and Weck

For the Hostess

Who wouldn't love a beautiful bottle of herb infused olive oil or vinegar? The perfect DIY gift to bring as a hostess gift. Find the instructions HERE.

Photos: Pinterest, Kitchen Crush

Summer Hostess Gift

This time of year I, like many of you, am often a guest at someone's home in Nantucket, Fairfield County, Maine, etc. While I often bring assorted wines, or other gifts, it is also nice to bring something you made. For me this is a nice jar of pesto! Everyone loves it, it can stay in the fridge of freezer, and can make an instant summer meal with pasta.

For elegant packaging, I use WECK JARS. I love the clean lines and that your hostess can use it again once she (or he) has devoured the pesto! 

And a few recipes for different kinds of pesto

CLASSIC PESTO

ASPARAGUS PESTO

SPINACH PESTO

And what hostess wouldn't enjoy pesto to make summer dishes like this one?

Photos: Knife Loves a Spoon, Homesprout Typepad, A Chow Life

Hip Summer Hostess Gift

This weekend I am off to Nantucket to spend time with friends in their stunning house on the ocean in Wauwinet. Yahoo! 

I already have some hostess gifts packed, but am loving these color blocked baguette boards by LOSTINE.

These are the perfect gift when you are a guest at someone's beach house for the weekend. Cheers to summer!

Privet House for Target

Privet House is one of my favorite spots to visit when I am home visiting my mum in Litchfield County, CT. (They also have a store in Greenwich).

The stylish duo behind these shops are Richard Lambertson and Suzanne Cassano. Right?? Don't you want to have a martini with them? HERE is a fun interview with them.

They have a fantastic selection of home goods, bar ware and hostess gifts. But the most exciting thing is that they are part of the new line THE SHOPS AT TARGET and will be in stores  across the country next week. Here are a few items for entertaining that you will find on May 6th. Luh-ve!

For the Guest Bath

Elegant monogrammed soaps are the perfect finishing touch for your powder room when you are expecting company. You can find them HERE. Or wrap a box as a hostess gift. 

Cheers to Malbec

Malbec is my favorite wine during the winter months. I love love love the flavor and you can get a great bottle for a very reasonable price. ALAMOS is one of my top choices and for $10 a bottle at Trader Joe's how can you beat it? Bring a bottle as a hostess gift or serve it at your next dinner party.

Image: Tiny White Daisies and Wine.com, BDV

For Your Table

Sandra of H.P. Designs wrote to me about her custom placemats. After looking at her collection and seeing that they are sold at some of my favorite stores, I had to share them on the blog. You can find them HERE

Top photo: House Beautiful

Message in a Bottle

Ok...maybe it is actually Message ON a bottle. I love these wines from SWANSON VINEYARDS which would be perfect for the cocktail reception at a wedding. Or bring a case when you are a guest for the weekend. 

The Swanson name has been recognized primarily for frozen food products (as in the famous TV dinners). Twenty-five years ago, the Swanson family ventured into the world of wine and were one of the earliest producers of Napa Valley Merlot. Today, while its wines are extraordinary, the mission of Swanson Vineyards is straightforward: to celebrate the simple pleasures in life, made better with wine.

For the Hostess

Wondering what to bring the hostess or friend who has everything? I am loving the line of napkins, hand towels, etc by Iomoi for MATOUK. Whether you pick a monogram or monkeys, they are guaranteed to be well received!