The holiday season officially starts next week with Thanksgiving, soon after our social calendars tend to fill up fast with one party or dinner after the other. A good guest never shows for a gathering without a small thoughtful gift to thank the hostess for the invitation. I adore giving hostess gifts this time a year. I try to find gifts that fit an interest or I know would be appreciated and yet I still have a collection of ideas that I gravitate toward.

Candles
Whether beeswax, soy or parafin scented candles make a great hostess gifts. They come in a variety of scents, colors and sizes that are sure to match a hostess’ taste. A holiday scent this time of year is perfect to help welcome the season. This season I have discovered a line of candles at Target that are made of soy and have a strong yet pleasing fragrance. My personal favorite is Holly Berry. I have been burning it in my home office this week and it certainly sparked holiday inspiration.
Wine
There’s a variety or reds, whites and sparkly wines to pick from, all running from very reasonable to very pricey; offering a wide selection from which to pick. One wine I enjoy and have a bit of an obsession with is ice wine, specifically Jackson-Triggs Riesling Ice Wine . I love it in place of dessert. It is a sweet wonderful wine to be sipped among friends.
Bar Accessories
I have stumbled upon many novel ideas for the proverbial bar over the years, but I have to say my favorite are the whiskey rocks. They are small rocks that can be frozen and used in your drinks without the watered down taste ice can cause. It bring totally new meaning to whiskey on the rocks. I am also partial to the penguin shakers. They are cute and perfect for the holiday party bar. Pair either of these with a bottle of Maker’s Mark and its a gift fit for both the hostess and host.
What are your go to hostess gift ideas?