Hip Find: Charming French Bow Stationary January 10, 2013

I am loving these charming notecards from Minted (design by Emily Ranneby).  They would make a great hostess gift, bridal shower shower gift, thank you gift for bridesmaids, or a little something for your valentine.  Personalize them with the recipient’s name; the French text – which translates to “just a little note” – comes standard on each card.  They are dubbed as “children’s stationary” but I think they’re sophisticated enough for adult notecards (if you aren’t French, it seems silly to have a French saying on a child’s stationary unless they listened to Rosetta Stone in utero).

Paris + Vintage Ribbon Stationary – $35 for 15 notecards.

Hip Find: Dripless Honeycomb Beeswax Hanukkah Candles December 10, 2012

I am loving my dripless beeswax Hanukkah candles.  They remind me of the ones I used to make as a kid in Hebrew school, only sturdier. These candles are made of honeycomb beeswax sheets that are rolled tight around a wick, in an array of rainbow colors.  They come in a nice wooden box that protects them during storage, and are individually wrapped.  They didn’t last very long (about 30 minutes), but they burn beautifully.  Probably a little late for you to buy for this year, but they would make a nice hostess gift for a Hanukkah party for the hosts to save for next year.

Vintage Cheese Spreaders November 10, 2011

Keep your cheese flavors separate with these vintage butter knives turned cheese markers from Beach House Living.  I love the simple markings stamped onto these spreaders.  They’ll add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any cheese board.   They’re a timeless addition to your party supply stash.

Give these as a hostess gift for the holidays or as a stocking stuffer for anyone who loves to entertain.

Vintage Cheese Marker Set – $45

Homemade Hostess Gift May 23, 2011

You could pick up a bottle of wine, but why not bring a homemade hostess gift instead?  Next time you’re baking, make a few extra to freeze and bring as hostess gifts.  I like to bake mini loaves of quick bread – like zucchini, cranberry-orange or pumpkin – and freeze them for future giving.  A good way to keep the breads nice and moist is to wrap them in plastic wrap while they are still hot (it seals in the moisture).  Put them in another layer, and then a freezer bag to keep them fresh.  Seal the treats with a label (“from the kitchen of ___”) and a pretty ribbon for a professional look.  It’s always nice to get a homemade gift, especially one that can be enjoyed by the tired hosts for breakfast the following morning.