Hostess With the Mostest

The champagne has been drunk, the gifts have been unwrapped and all that is left to do is put away those sparkly lights and tinsel that remain throughout my house from the holidays! What a great season it's been. The 2013 year was pretty remarkable but I have so much anticipation for what 2014 will bring! I'm going into the New Year feeling incredibly blessed. I'm not setting any specific goals for myself. I'm going to take this year as it comes, but I'm determined for a few personal changes, career challenges and some more traveling! What's on your resolution list?

Just because the holiday season has ended, doesn't mean the festivities and celebrations have to stop as well! I recently received a text message from a good friend of mine, wondering what she should bring as a hostess gift to a friend of hers who was throwing a little festive New Year's soirée. It got me thinking about the THREE parties I have coming up this month and the fun, creative hostess gifts I should have lined up as well!

Choosing a creative hostess gift can be tricky, especially if the host/hostess has spent months planning and days preparing. You want to get them something thoughtful, useful, creative...and something that truly resonates that you appreciate their effort! Here are a few of my favorite things to wrap up and bring:

                        

Fill a small stationary box with these adorable Sugar Paper LA 'Cheers' coasters and a pretty Sugar Paper LA  note set that the hostess can use while entertaining, as well as after the event to send out 'Thank you's' or a little note to her guests. 

These beautiful West Elm glass bottles with personalized wood stoppers are a fantastic and practical gift. The host can easily fill these bottles with wine, liqueur, cooking oils, coffee beans...anything!  

For the host who enjoys spirits, Whiskey Stones, along with the host's favorite bottle of whiskey or white wine, are a unique gift that allows for the host or hostess to enjoy after their guests have departed. These stones can be thrown in the freezer and are easily accessible when a glass of scotch, whiskey or white wine needs to be chilled without being watered down.

A pretty awesome welcome mat will make any host or hostess feel cool!

                   

And in a pinch, instead of the typical bottle of wine wrapped with ribbon, elect for a beautiful candle and a wrapped bouquet of local florals. There is just something lovely about the ambiance these two items bring to a home. 

Cheers!