Hostess Gift Ideas

Whenever we're invited to stay at a friend's place, it's always TADA! to be a gracious guest. That means being helpful around the house, being considerate (especially when sharing spaces like the bathroom), and expressing appreciation. And one way to do that is with a hostess gift!

Here is one that I assembled. It has a set of six placemats, a bottle of dish soap and handsoap. These items are useful in any home, but it's also a nice touch to think of your host's lifestyle. The friends who I gave this to cook and entertain a lot. 

Instead of putting the items in a gift bag, I packaged them like a gift basket. I painted an empty clementine crate (blah to TADA!) and added "Merci Beaucoup" (Thank you very much in French) in brush lettering. You can't see it but at the base, there's shredded paper so that the items don't move around. And I enclosed a handwritten card, too.

Guess what?! My friends loved the gift and used them at breakfast the very next day. TADA!

Here are a few more ideas whether you're visiting for dinner are staying a few days:

If you like to pickle or make preserves, a jar of your handiwork will impress them. This is roasted garlic in olive oil that can be used for pasta or salad.

Homemade granola that can be enjoyed with yogurt, oatmeal, and on top of baked goods.

Baked goods -- whether from your kitchen or a favorite bakery in your town.

A candle (store-bought or handmade) that will bring scent and warmth to a home.

I hope these ideas are helpful! What about you? What hostess gifts do you like to give?