Out Of The Blue

Chances are that right about now, you’ve had at least 1 holiday party invite come your way. ‘Tis the season, after all. The best thing about going to a holiday party is getting to have all the fun without any of the stress of hosting. But someone is hosting that party. Put yourself in their shoes. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a little something from a guest that shows their gratitude for the invitation and the good time? Now put yourself back in your own shoes. Wouldn’t it be nice to be such a great guest that you get asked back again, and hopefully soon? Enter the host/hostess gift, also known in less politically correct circles just as a hostess gift. Whichever circle you run in, a little gift of thanks is a lovely way to tell a person that you appreciate their great cooking, or their fantastic sangria making skills, or their karaoke machine, or maybe even all three (if you fit in the latter category, you’re probably at an Out of the Blue party). This post seeks to answer the burning question you never knew you had – what to get for the host or hostess with the most or mostest?

Idea # 1 – Breakfast

I know what you’re thinking: “I’ve been invited for dinner. Why would I bring breakfast?” But just think about it for a moment. If someone has graciously offered to host a holiday dinner, might that someone also enjoy waking up and having a delicious bit of breakfast waiting for them? I’m not suggesting you stick around all night so that you can cook eggs in the morning (although, if you do stick around all night, the least you can do is make eggs in the morning). Rather, consider bringing some nice fresh-baked muffins, cinnamon buns or scones from your favourite bakery or your own kitchen. Another good idea is to pick up some local jam or honey for your host’s morning toast.

Idea #2 – Post-dinner drinks

In some families, this means brandy. In mine, it means coffee or tea. Pick up some nice seasonal loose-leaf tea to be right on trend or go a bit out of your way and go for some locally roasted coffee. I like to swing by The Tallest Poppy on Main Street to purchase The Tallest Poppy blend, roasted in town by Black Pearl Coffee. Bonus -  you might as well stay and enjoy lunch while you’re running this errand.

Idea # 3 – Booze

Everyone thinks to bring wine. Why not head to the LC and think outside the box (or bottle)? A great gift idea is craft beer. Small, artisan breweries are now offering all kinds of interesting and even seasonal brews. Half Pints’ Isolator beer pairs well with brie – and what says holiday party more than brie? Or, go for a beer brewed in my new hometown. Mill Street’s Coffee Porter is made with real coffee beans in every batch, and is available at your local LC. This gift has the added benefit of making you look super hip. Really – I informally polled 3 people I know and they all agreed they would find you super hip.

Idea # 4 – Get Saucy

If you’ve got some talent of your own in the kitchen, consider making a tasty condiment for your host to keep and use over the next few weeks. Some of my favourites include onion jam, cranberry relish and infused olive oil. Or, if you’re short on time, run over to your nearest speciality food shop and pick up some flavoured balsamic reduction. Buy some for yourself while you’re at it.

Idea #5 – Get Chotchke

Maybe you are anti-food stuffs and/or beverages. If that’s true, we might not be able to be friends. But rest assured that I thought of gifts ideas for you too! Pick up some cute housewares.  My favourite “thank you” gift from last year was a salt and pepper shaker set featuring hugging penguins wearing winter clothes. Those shakers sit on my window sill year round (seriously). Little chotchkes might seem like a small gift to you, but something adorable could be greatly appreciated year round. See if mushroom salt and pepper shakers have the same impact those penguins had on me. Or, go truly seasonal and pick up some unique ornaments featuring sweet little fawns, owls or fortune cookies. (Full disclosure: All are available at Out of the Blue!)

Whatever idea you choose, know that you are doing the right thing by finding some small way to say thanks. Because, besides that super fun party you’re going to, the best thing about the holidays is giving.