HOSTESS BASKETS

When people go out of their way to feed and entertain you, show your gratitude with a little something for the host or hostess.

A bottle of wine is always a welcome offering, but a unique gift basket is a present your hosts won’t soon forget. From small and homemade to more extravagant, gift baskets can be tailored to fit any budget.

Start by selecting a theme. Think about whom you’re gifting the basket to, the theme of the event, and how much you’d like to spend. Next, choosing a “basket” for your gift is just as important as its contents. Think outside the box (literally) when deciding on the container, and select something that becomes part of the gift. Finally, filling the basket should be fun and thoughtful. I love showcasing local products and including items that are on the top of my favorite-things list.

1. TEA FOR ONE

Fill a small picnic basket with items for a beautiful tea party for one. A teapot filled with fresh flowers, a vintage teacup and spoon, tea cookies, lemon curd, jam, honey, and a personalized calligraphy tag will make for a lovely and relaxing afternoon for your hostess the day after the party.

2. BARBECUE WITH THE BOYS

I love this lantern chock-full of chic barbecue favorites. A canteen, Turkish-T towel, soda, candle, and s’mores kit make for a fun evening with the guys.

3. BREAKFAST IN BED

After a long evening of cleaning dishes, your hostess will appreciate breakfast in bed the following morning. A basket full of coffee, pancakes and syrup, fresh-squeezed orange juice, fruit, muffins, and champagne for mimosas should do the trick!