I always like to bring a little something when visiting someone at their home. During the summer and holidays I know there is a great chance that get togethers will be at places other than my own home. If you are like me I am sure you struggle a bit to find the perfect gift. Sometimes I see things in stores that would be the perfect gift, but seem to forget about it when I actually need it. So, I have been keeping notes of perfect hostess gifts to bring with me and I thought I would share them with you.

Something personalized to the interest of the host: 
• Staying at someones cabin or beach house – how about nail polish, a cute pair of flip flops and a beach towel.
• Backyard bbq – try a basket of different spices, rubs and a monogrammed apron
• For the wine lover – a monogrammed cheese tray with a knife is a classy touch or maybe monogrammed coasters
• For the fashionista or preppy girl – anything monogrammed, Lilly Pulizter Murfee Scarf, anything Lilly Pulizter or maybe monogrammed kitchen towels.
• For the baker: baking cups, sprinkles, box of cake mix and monogrammed kitchen towels.

 

Something Fragrant:
You can\’t go wrong with a fresh flower arrangement, but here are some of my other ideas.
• Potted orchid
• Basil, chive  or rosemary plant
• Candles- You don\’t just have to give a jar candle you can make a classy basket that contains different candle types and styles. This can even be a little basket with a few items. Think: votive or tealights and holders, decorative candles with something to set them on, matches, lighter, candle snuffer, jar candle.
• Reed Diffusers – you can give a fancy reed diffuser with extra reeds and scents.

Baked Goods
• Good Morning basket: coffee, tea, sugar, scones/ muffins/ coffee cakebutter, marmalade and jams.
•Mixes in a jar. Layer the dry ingredients for brownies, chocolate chip cookies, snicker doodle cookies etc. in a cute jar. Add a decorative ribbon along with a bamboo spoon and the recipe. 
• Homemade plus utensils: Pair a homemade pie with a pie server or mini loaves of bread with mini loaf pans. 

Paper Goods
• a variety of monogrammed or decorative stationary, a nice pen and a book of stamps.
• Napkin holder, napkins and spreader

Alcohol: 
While I may not drink it and like my mum usually just throw it away when I receive it I do know some wine drinkers. To help make you stand out from everyone else who may give the hostess wine I have come up with some lovely ideas.
• Monogrammed cheese tray and knife or monogrammed mingling plates.
• Wine basket which includes a bottle of wine, cocktail napkins, coasters, wine charms or a bottle stopper.
• Margarita mix with two margarita glasses  and coasters