It is starting to get to that festive time of year when our social calendar is getting very busy. There are lots of friends to catch up with – BBQ’s, dinners, and casual gatherings to attend. We are often told not to bring anything, but we always like to take a little something for our Hosts. We usually like to give something a little bit more original that wine or chocolates.
If you are creative like us, and a little short on time, we have put together 5 Quick Hostess Gift ideas that are easily assembled, won’t break the budget, but will be appreciated! They would also make great gifts to have on hand for neighbours, teachers, or for when you need an unexpected gift.
You can find all the gift items at Target. All gifts are best wrapped in clear cellophane. Hope you find something to inspire you in your Christmas gift giving this year!
Aussie BBQ Lovers
Christmas and BBQ’s often go together. Here is a Aussie gift to take along to your next BBQ, complete with Eucalyptus leaves, Aussie BBQ sauces, and Aussie ornaments.
What to Buy:
Outback Spirit Wing and Rib Sauces (2 pack), $15; Bamboo Non Slip Chopping Board, $10; Christmas Tea Towels (3 pack), $8; Australian Tin Ornaments, $4 each.
Plus:
Eucalyptus Leaves; shipping tag; black ribbon; Twine.
How to:
Fold a plain tea towel around the wooden board. Position the BBQ sauces on top. Tie with black ribbon. Slip a sprig of Eucalyptus leaves under the ribbon. Decorate with Aussie Christmas ornaments. Add a Christmas greeting onto the shipping tag.
Chocolate Lovers
Chocolate is always appreciated! Fill a bright coffee mug with chocolate spoons to swirl through a coffee or hot chocolate.
What to Buy:
Pack of 6 Wiltshire Teaspoons, $6; Coffee Mug, $4; Chocolate Malt Balls, $2; Candy Canes, $2; Lindt Chocolate, $3.79.
Plus:
cellophane bags; narrow red ribbon; shipping tag.
How To:
Prepare the chocolate spoons following this tutorial, and package them in clear cellophane bags, tied with red ribbon. Fill a cellophane bag with chocolate balls and tie with ribbon. Fill the coffee mug with chocolate spoons and candy canes. Cut a star from patterned paper, and adhere to a small shipping tag.
Baking Lovers
For the hostess that loves to bake, wrap up a few baking supplies and team them with a loaf cake from your kitchen.
What to Buy:
Loaf Pan, $10; Tea Towels (pack of 3), $8; Jamie Oliver wooden spoons, set of 2, $6; red Christmas star, $4.
Plus:
baking paper, striped ribbon, twine, printed label, coconut loaf.
How to:
Bake a favourite loaf. (Sarah made Coconut loaf which is delicious!) If time is short you could buy a loaf cake from a bakery. Wrap the loaf in a strip of baking paper and tie with a ribbon. Fold a tea towel and place under the loaf tin. Add a printed label – Bon Appetit, and tie on with bakers twine. Include the wooden spoons, and decorate with a Christmas star.
Christmas Lovers
For the Christmas lover, decorate a basic cypress wreath form with ornaments and ribbon to create a one of kind wreath.
What to Buy:
cypress pine wreath, $12; 3 x Silver Noel Jiggle Bells, $2 each.
Plus:
Ribbon, twine.
How To:
Tie a big bow to the bottom of the wreath. Hang the silver bells from the top of the wreath with twine.
Sweet Treat Lovers
There are so many lovely Christmas platters around this time of year. Pile a stack of your favourite brownies on a festive plate and add a Christmas star.
What to Buy:
Christmas Rectangular Plate, $12; Star Ornament, $2.
Plus:
Brownies. (Sarah made Cheesecake Brownies).
How To:
Wash the plate. Stack brownies on the plate. Cover with cellophane, and add a Christmas star ornament.
There is a great range of Christmas gift items at Target. Do you have a favourite Hostess gift that you love to give?
trishie says
These are wonderful and thoughful gift ideas. I esp love the baker’s pack with a homemade loaf..how sweet!
PS: I also want to invite you to enter the inHomewares giveaway at my blog. Enter for your chance to win $50 voucher! http://www.underlockandkeyblog.com/2012/11/inhomewares-giveaway.html
Anonymous says
thanks for sharing and the pouch looks great… i’m going to make one to put some jewelry in for my grand for christmas. thank You… Beautiful work!
Fiona @ Dragonfly-Crafts says
Love all your Chrissie ideas girls 🙂
Theresa says
Love the baking set & the cute spoons! Happy Holidays! Theresa @DearCreatives