If you are going to someone's home for dinner, and are already bringing some wine, should you bring a hostess gift as well? I think so. Even if it is something small. It is just a nice gesture to show how much you appreciate being invited. Contrary to what you might think, it does not have to be expensive. Many things can be purchased at the grocery store for a few dollars. Here are some suggestions:
*Small plant or potted flowers
*Wine stoppers
*Wine glass ornaments (I call them wine glass jewelry)
*Oven mitt
*Dishtowels
*Fancy paper cocktail napkins
*Coffee mug filled with tea or coffee
*Trivet
*Christmas ornament (or other seasonal item)
*Colorful Spatula (you can never have too many)
*Cheese knife
*Spreaders
*Key chain
*Potted herbs
*Stationary or note cards
*Scented Candles
*Local Interest Books
The best way to buy gifts, of course, is to catch them on sale. Pier 1 Imports, Target, and many other places often have items that are perfect for hostess gifts or holiday gift giving. Buy them on sale, and store them in a box in your closet. That way, if you are in a pinch, and do not have time to shop, you will have several to choose from.
Gifts For The Gourmet
If you have a friend or family member who loves to cook, they should be easy to buy for. Speaking with a small degree of authority, I say you can never have too many kitchen gadgets. When I walk into any kitchen specialty shop, I feel giddy, and my eyes glaze over. Much like my children act when they enter Toys R Us.
If you are buying for a friend who likes to cook, you have no doubt seen gourmet cooking and food baskets. Though they are beautiful, I think for the most part, they are too expensive. My recommendation is to go to a discount store (even the Dollar Store-horrors), and purchase some inexpensive baskets or other containers. Line the container with a new, pretty dishtowel, and fill it with whatever cooking or food choices you think are appropriate. That way you can tailor the basket to your friend's needs and personality. Your personal touch will mean more to the recipient than any pre-made basket full of goodies. The cooking utensils and cookware can be purchased at discount stores, or gourmet cooking stores, or online. You could spend as little as twenty dollars, or as much as you desire. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
For the Italian Food Lover:
Box of Arborio Rice
Small bottle Truffle Oil
Few heads of garlic
Hunk of Parmiagano Reggiano
Bottle of white wine
Italian cookbook
*This basket full of goods cost around $35.00 for me to put together.
For the Baker:
An unusual rolling pin
A colorful apron
Oven mits
Spatulas, whisks, wooden spoons
Vanilla Beans
Assorted gourmet candies for decorating cookies
Cookie Cutters
Baking cookbook
*This baking basket will certainly give your baker buddy a smile. Total cost-around $40.00.
For the Coffee Snob:
Why pay Starbucks to put together a basket for you? Just pick out several different coffee's, add some Biscotti, some gourmet chocolate, a pretty mug, and maybe the latest best seller, or magazine subscription.
For the Wine Lover:
Wine Magazine subscription
Coupon to a wine tasting
A bottle of wine, and a hunk of cheese to go with it
Assorted wine paraphernalia (opener, stopper, etc)
Wine glass charms
Paper or cloth cocktail napkins
For the New Cook, or Newlyweds
An all-purpose cookbook (like Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything.)
Assortment of spatulas, whisks, measuring cups and spoons, etc.
Oven mits
Cookie sheet
Anything Pyrex
Plastic containers and lids
Mini-crock pot
Coupon for cooking classes
For your beloved (hint, hint)
Decent bottle of Champagne (the best you can afford)
Two crystal champagne flutes
Godiva chocolate truffles
Lingerie Gift Certificate (or gift, if you are a good buyer)
Bubble bath, candles, bath salts, bath mitts
Diamonds (optional, but appreciated)
Gifts From The Kitchen
Even if you have a big budget for holiday gift giving (unlike myself), consider homemade gifts for your friends and family members. Most people are touched by the fact that you went to the trouble of making them something. And practically everybody loves gifts from the kitchen. When making food gifts, you will find it is not much more trouble to go ahead and make a big batch of cookies, candy, or whatever.
Adlen Robinson is a free lance food writer and columnist. Feel free to send her an email with your questions at [email protected].
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/2/183302