Wednesday, July 2, 2008

The Perfect Hostess Gift







You know the story. You spend all day, balancing, juggling, running around to get your to-do list done, all so you can be done in time to go to your girlfriend's little get together. You're getting ready to walk out the door when it dawns on you - you forgot to pick up a little hostess gift to bring! So you go flying around the house looking for a presentable bottle of wine, wrap a bow around the top and say "oh well, boring, but I guess it will do!"

For a long time, that was me. Then one day a light bulb went off! Why don't I get a little stash of hostess gifts built up so I can bring something cute without scrambling the day of the party?!? Genius!

So, in my "spare time" I do what I like best - I shop! I look for trinkets and small gifts, clever ways to wrap the beauties, and create personalized gift cards. I buy them, wrap them, and on a moments notice am out the door with a hostess gift I can be proud of!

Here's a few of my favorite items:

pineapple snuffer

floral clock

french bull pinwheel plate and saucer set

pink paisley round platter

Here's a great resource for wrapping supplies:

Nashville Wraps

And, here's a great place to have personalized gift tags made:

VistaPrint


Be creative. Remember, you don't have to spend a lot of money. Presentation and personalization is the key! If it's cute and you put some energy into it, your hostess will really enjoy the token of your appreciation!

For lots of great hostess gifts, you can also visit:

Our hostess boutique at Cookies For A Cause. 100% of all profits go to charity.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I used to do that when I first got married. I bought things like wine stoppers, wine charms, place setting cards, personalized napkins etc. Kind of gotaway from doing it when the children came on board, but I intend to get back there soon! :)

Easy Chicken Pasta

Easy Chicken Pasta

What's For Supper Ya'll?

White Beans, Pasta and Chicken
8 ounces dried cavatappi, fusilli, rotini, ditaloni, or other short pasta tubes
1 15- to 19-ounce can cannellini (white kidney) beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
12 ounces cooked chicken, shredded
1/4 cup snipped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley sprigs (optional - I usually skip it)
Olive oil (optional - but I recommend at least a little for moisture)
Directions
1. In a large saucepan, cook pasta according to package directions; drain well and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine 3/4 cup of the beans and the chicken broth. Cover and blend or process until smooth. Place bean puree in pan used for cooking the pasta; bring to boiling. Return pasta to pan.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook garlic in 1 tablespoon hot olive oil for 1 minute. Add tomatoes; cook for 1 minute. Add the remaining beans, shredded chicken, snipped parsley, pepper and salt. Heat through.
4. Add the tomato mixture to hot pasta; toss to cost. Top with parsley sprigs and additional olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.
Posted by Stacy Nelson, Easy Dinner Recipes.blogspot.com

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