Summer is almost here and if you are lucky enough to be invited to a friend’s home in Martha’s Vineyard, the Hamptons, the Berkshires or Newport, RI – be a kind and considerate guest and don’t go empty-handed. Here are my top 5 hostess gifts for summer 2011. They are all inexpensive, chic and scream ORIGINAL!
1. Vintage soda crates circa 1960 -1970 – Your friends will think this is great for making the rounds with a couple of bottles of beer and soda. $24 from Pottery Barn
Vintage soda crates
2. Antique Brooklyn Map Marble Coasters – I got a set of these from a friend recently and love them. They are functional and cute and you can get a set that reflects other major cities. You can find these online for $30/set.
Brooklyn Map Marble Coasters
3. Jacque Torres Chocolate – They call him Mr. Chocolate for a reason. He’s based in Brooklyn, New York but thanks to the internet you can get his delectable goodies online. My favorites are those addictive chocolate covered pretzels and his hot chocolate is the bomb.
Jacque Torres Chocolate Covered Pretzels
4. Something for the kids! (But no more 1000 piece puzzles!) I love these monogrammed beach towels from Pottery Barn Kids. They are $24 and if you order soon you can get free shipping.
Monogrammed Beach Towel
5. A beautiful plant for the garden. One friend gave us a butterfly plant. It’s very hardy, requires little care and actually does attract butterflies! I’m also a big fan of tomato plants. You can get these at your local garden center but I go to the Home Depot. If the plants die, you can bring them back (with a valid receipt) and get a refund.
Butterfly Plant
Do you have any special or unique hostess gifts that you’ve given or received?
These are great reminders…as well as ideas. To answer your question specific to hosting (anywhere) I’ve received a Mikasa mini basket candy dish–friends came over during a small gathering and one presented this gift and I’ve given Lenox Old Country Rose bud vase…cute and sentimental. My mom had some of my sister’s friend stay over who were visiting from Chicago and they presented my mom with a cute set of brass candlestick holders from Crate & Barrel.
I think I like that Mikasi candy dish …. I never have anything to put candy in (except my mouth that is). Thanks for reading and sharing.