Hostess Gift Ideas

Last Minute Gift Ideas » Hostess Gift Ideas

The majority of recipients enjoy it and it's easy to pick up on your way to the party or even out of your own wine rack at home. If you have time you can put a bow around it or throw it in a gift bag but if you can't, a plain bottle is perfectly acceptable.

Maybe wine isn't appropriate though. Maybe your hosts don't drink, they're underage, you don't drink, you're underage, it's a dry event, you prefer Pepsi, or you're just tired of bringing that same old bottle. So for you, here are some other last minute hostess gift ideas.

1. Spreaders.
   
   Anyone who hosts a gathering will eventually serve something that needs to be smeared, such as soft cheese, jam, or butter. Seasonal ones are especially cute. You can find them at a Hallmark store, grocery store, or Target. If you find something yummy and smearable while you're there, throw that in too.

2. Oil.
   
   Not Texas Tea-- flavored olive oils such as hazelnut or rosemary. They're nice to dip bread in or turn into a unique salad dressing. Pick this up at the grocery store that comes in a pretty bottle and tie a ribbon around it.

3. Plants.
   
   I don't usually like to give (or receive) flowers at a social gathering because the hostess has to drop everything and find a vase. Plants are definitely the way to go. Most grocery stores and even some hardware stores have a decent selection. Focus on finding the one with the cutest pot. Bonus if you can find a functional plant like rosemary or aloe.

4. Cocktail napkins with holder.
   
   Target is a good place to find this. I like their rattan / basket holders. Then find a package of cocktail napkins that suits the event. Seasonal, elegant, retro or funny, it's up to you .

   

5. Candle.
   
   Anything fragrant or attractive you can find quickly will do, but the best candles are soy. They "burn clean" (no soot in the air) and smell wonderful. Some grocery stores carry them now.

6. Stationery.
   
   It's a little random but it works. People do still write notes and it's nice to have a variety on hand.

7. Appetizer Plates.
   
   Have you seen these cute little plates? They're for appetizers or dessert. They don't have to match your host's dinnerware because they're used separately. They can be found at Target, Crate & Barrel, or sometimes a card shop like Hallmark. They usually come in a set of 4 in a box, ready to be gifted.

8. Dishtowels.
   
   This is cute for a ladies lunch or brunch gathering. About 3 tied together with a pretty ribbon should do it. Target is your friend here again, or pick them up at places like Williams-Sonoma or Restoration Hardware.

9. Hand lotion.
   
   Some thick lavender lotion is always nice for the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. Easily found at the drugstore, probably already wrapped in a cute little bag.

10. Picture Frame.
    
    This works well for a host or hostess you don't know especially well and is a smart thing to keep stocked in your closet. A small neutral frame wrapped nicely is a good choice.
    

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