Ho-Ho-Ho! Our Favorite Hostess Gifts

My Mom always told me never to show up empty-handed when I’m invited to someone’s house, and I took those words of wisdom to heart. But I also tell my kids – make it something creative! These seasonal picks from the Sweet Peas Design team will help you thank your host or hostess in a memorable way, and maybe even help you win a return invitation!

Senior Designer Beth Kweton: I love the Thyme Frasier Fir scents for the holidays…they keep me in a festive spirit. I am especially fond of the diffuser and the potpourri. Hint, hint.

Photo Courtesy of thymes.com

Senior Designer Angela LaVista:  Scented candles are one of my favorite hostess gifts, and this sophisticated mix of sliced apricots and Aprilia lily blooms from Voluspa Maison Noir smells delicious.

Photo Courtesy of jaysonhome.com

This miniature forest of cloche-covered brass trees are a fabulous (read, pricey!) hostess gift for someone really special – maybe even you! But you could split up the collection of six and give one each to half a dozen hostesses. These whimsical firs celebrate Christmas in a sophisticated way, and can become part of your hostess’s holiday décor.

Photo Courtesy of modishstore.com

Exotic chocolate-covered caramels from Vosges are my favorite chocolate gift. But it takes a lot of discipline to hand them over to your hostess!

Photo Courtesy of vosgeschocolate.com

Senior Architectural Associate Jennifer Tarello:  My favorite hostess gift during the Holiday season is a plate of homemade pizzelles wrapped in tissue paper topped with a miniature ornament. Once the pizzelles are gone (or as my kids say the “snowflakes”), the ornament is left to hang on the tree.

Photo Courtesy of littlecannolibakery.com

Junior Designer Lauren Benditzky:  Wouldn’t it be cool to give someone a present that took 80 million years to make? These beautiful translucent coasters from Uncommon Goods are slices of agate from southern Brazil, and they are too pretty to cover up with a drink!

Photo Courtesy of uncommongoods.com

Susan Brunstrum, Principal:   If you’re stumped for ideas, check out the “One of a Kind” show Dec. 3 to 6 at the Merchandise Mart. More than 600 artists offer unique, hand-made items.  I have bought some terrific gifts there. http://www.oneofakindshowchicago.com/press-room/image-gallery/

Or  how about a pair of Eye Bobs reading glasses? At my age, who doesn’t need them? And I love the naughty-and-nice names:  Over Served, TV Party, Board Stiff,  Jail Bait, Lil’ Pecker and I’m Right.  Hey I want to work for the Minneapolis women who started this firm! What a great concept.

Photo Courtesy of www.eyebobs.com

Communications Consultant Laura Bianchi: I’m drooling over these Hot Chocolate Ornaments from Veruca Chocolates. You just put one in a pot, pour hot milk or water over the top and watch it melt into two or three cups of steaming hot chocolate. You know it’s got to be good - Veruca was named one of the country’s best chocolatiers by Food & Wine magazine. Hmmm…maybe you should buy two - one to test, one to give. Smart.

Photo Courtesy of www.verucachocolates.com