Hostess Gifts with the “Mostess”

Are you on the hunt for great hostess gifts this season? We can help! My team and I have gathered some “hostess gifts with the mostess” to share with you as party season gets underway.  Big or small, inexpensive or pricey, a hostess gift is always appropriate when you are invited to someone’s home.  “Never show up empty-handed” is my motto, so let’s get started.

A Gift with a Story, from Kelly

Principal Designer

I love these Capri Blue “Volcano” candles so much that I have given them as a hostess gift and a party “favor” many times. The glittering gold vessel is so pretty and the scent is amazing.  It’s a blend of tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons and limes on a backdrop of exotic mountain greenery. Perfect for the holidays, don’t you think? You can find them locally at Angelina,  202 S. Cook Street, Barrington.

This year I am ready to gift this candle to guests at my 33^rd annual “Boys’ Club” Christmas party. (Yes, I am dating myself!) We started as a mom’s group when all five of us had baby boys within a few months of each other – so many boys!

Two of us already had older daughters and then the two of us had baby girls the same day two years later. How amazing is that? All of the other families added a baby girl after us, and one had a baby boy many years later. These candles are a symbol of the friendship we have nurtured and the fun we have had throughout the years. Merry Christmas, Moms! I love you all.

Kelly Shares Her Favorite Florist

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread.” -John Muir

That lovely quote from John Muir, one of America’s premier naturalists, pretty much sums up why flowers are a great host or hostess gift. This exotic arrangement above comes from my favorite florist,  The Flower Studio in Continental Towers, Rolling Meadows.

I have relied on these talented people to create fresh arrangements as gifts and for special occasions for many years.  Their blooms are always fresh and gorgeous, as you can see. My family and friends know that at home, I almost always have fresh flowers on display. Here’s a tip: I usually request a simple container so that most of my dollars go towards the flowers.

A Little Pampering from Caren

Project Manager/Office Manager

I can’t send my hard-working hostesses on tropical get-aways, so I thought it would be nice to give them this “Just Breathe” spa gift set from Knackshops.   After all the company is gone, she can relax and rejuvenate with Herbivore Botanical’s “Coconut Soak” with organic coconut milk and vanilla. The little faux succulent and Paddywax’s Urban Concrete Amber & Smoke soy wax candle add ambiance while the natural sea sponge loofah can gently refresh her skin. Ahhh!

One More (Healthy) Idea from Caren

This healthy but indulgent latte from Clevr Blends is one of Oprah’s Favorite Things for 2021 and it may become one of mine, too! Just add a scoop of the probiotics and adaptogens (herbs or mushrooms thought to have health benefits) to your favorite latte and feel great about your morning cup of coffee. I can picture wrapping these up with a pretty mug for a fun and unusual hostess gift.

Catch These Throws from Ashley

Interior Designer

These fluffy throws from Pottery Barn  are a perfect thank-you for a host or hostess during the holiday season. They can cuddle up and relax after a successful holiday get-together with friends and family. The fabric is really soft, it’s easy to clean and the throws come in four colors. I may buy a couple for myself!

 

And a Techie Idea from Ashley

This is an unusual and on-target tech idea for a host or hostess. These portable bluetooth speakers from Pottery Barn allow them to bring their music anywhere while preparing for and entertaining guests. They also can be used to record videos, take selfies and answer the phone with a hands-free mic. That’s perfect for the busy host or hostess. After the party, these palm-sized speakers can easily be packed up for a much-needed get-away.

Hot Cocoa from Elizabeth

Interior Designer

After a day outside in the snow, I love to come inside and treat myself to a hot cup of cocoa with peppermint sticks and relax. It’s not only delicious, it gives me a warm, homey feeling that I like to share with friends and family who invite me over during the holidays. This gift set from Harry and David includes milk chocolate mix, candy cane peppermint cocoa mix and marshmallow candy stir sticks. Yum!

Add a Cute Mug for Your Cocoa, from Elizabeth

To complete the gift, add this cheerful mug from Crate and Barrel.  As they say, we eat (and drink) first with our eyes. Presentation improves flavor!

A “Smart” Phone Idea from Kathy

Office Business Manager

Here is a smart idea for the times we are living in – a portable UV cell phone sanitizer that can also be used for keys, wristwatches and step trackers. We are washing our hands a lot more these days, but who thinks about cleaning their cell phone? Most of us use these devices from morning until bedtime, so it only makes sense that they collect germs. In fact, I found a study that says Americans check their phones about 47 times per day on average. I think that’s probably a low estimate! There are dozens of these UV devices available online in a wide range of prices, but here is one I liked on Amazon. Think of this as giving your hostess the gift of good health in the coming year!

From All of Us at IEG to All of You

We wish you the gifts of the season – Peace, Joy and Hope. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!