It is official now - the holidays are upon us. Soon enough trees will need a-trimming, carols will be on everyone's tongue and the season of the party will be launched. We'll all be searching for gifts to present to our friends and loved ones, and, more often than we may choose to admit- those charming, ever so welcoming, hosts.
Finding the perfect host gift can be incredibly challenging. Something special is required- something you know they'll enjoy, something easy to pick up, something they may not purchase for themselves, not something too intimate, nothing too big, nor too small, and something that they may want to share, but they may want to keep to themselves. Its a tall order, but I have some suggestions for you.
It seems that most of us can agree on chocolate being a favorite guilty pleasure. Milk, white or dark, everyone seems to have a delicious sweet spot for the stuff, so why not present your hosts with a decadent selection? Lindt Chocolatier, renowned maker of heavenly chocolate truffles offers a perfect solution. Holiday themed bags, bursting with 75 truffles, flavors to be customized by you, for just $25.00. Personally, Im in love with these bags for a couple reasons- the first is simple- chocolate. The second is moments of utter luxury you are offering to your host each time they reach for a truffle. The external shell yielding to a creamy interior demands a pause in a busy day- the perfect reward for a well planned party.
Keeping on the chocolate frame of mind, locally made Harbor Sweets Chocolate Truffles are another great option, especially their new line of Salt and Ayre. Based out of Salem, Massachusetts, Harbor Sweets launched this new line to capture the beauty of their ocean front location, with its salty air. It combined this natural flavor enhancer into its famous chocolate truffles and beauty was born. A nine piece assortment rings in at just $16.00 but has all the thoughtful ness and decadence for your favorite host.
Of course, let's keep in mind that hosting a gathering can be a bit stressful for our friends. The last minute details, the uninvited guests, the things that go wrong....after the fete is complete curling up on the couch in sweats with a good movie and an even better glass of wine might be all your host wants. How about leaving a great bottle of Bridlewood Estate wine behind for them to enjoy after everyone has left? A bottle of the Bridlewood Estate Cabernet Sauvignon sells for about $13.00. Opening this bottle though will make your host feel truly pampered with its full body flavors full of
dark red fruits creating a jammy flavor profile with just sublte hints of caramel. A smooth finish completed this wine making it easy to pair with some of those party leftovers, or enjoy completely on its own.
Now maybe you want to present your friend with something that you'll all be able to dive into immediately? Perhaps something that everyone can enjoy throughout the party itself? The company I associate most with holiday party help, HoneyBaked Hams has a variety of tasty items that will enhance or complete any party. For $20.00 you can pick up a savory platter of Ham and Cheese bites for a perfect appetizer, or a Rum Cake sampler to help out with dessert. Contributing a bit more? How one of their signature 7 lb ham to really bring the party alive for about $50.00? No matter what option you choose you'll know that you are giving a delicious dish, and perhaps even better, the gift of time to your host.
No matter what you choose to give this holiday season, lets celebrate all those amazing hosts out there who slave tirelessly to make a beautiful gathering look effortless.