What? Not done with your holiday shopping? Yeah, neither are we. But we've been making lists -- and checking them twice -- and we've got some suggestions for the nice people on your list. Today, Chow Bella's Gift Guide for the Hostess.
If this is the season that's all about giving, no one is more deserving than the pre-appointed party planner. While some of us could hardly be persuaded to BYOB, this master of ceremonies is somehow happy to sacrifice her house, kitchen, food, booze, sleep, and sanity all in the name of holiday cheer.
So what do you get the hostess with the mostest? We have a few ideas.
See also: 7 Places to Host Your Holiday Party in Metro Phoenix
Macarons from Essence Bakery Price: regular are $2.59 each; minis are $1.40 each or $16.80 for a dozen For the hostess with too much on her plate (or not enough) up the BYOB to BYO-Sweets with macarons from Essence Bakery. With flavors like French Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice, Hazelnut, and Caramel, your gifted dozen, much like her party guests, can be a mixed batch.
And bonus: they now have a second location, making your last minute holiday handouts a lot more convenient.
Hot Chick Aprons at Jam Price: Adult $35-$45; Child $25-35 "Kiss the Cook?" You might as well kiss your next party invite goodbye. For the hostess who likes to get her hands dirty without looking it, your best bet is to buy her a custom made apron from Hot Chick. Available in both half and fulls styles with sizes for children and adults, Hot Chick aprons can incorporate everything from colorful patterns and vintage threads, to recycled fabrics from family hand-me-downs.
The newest edition of Kinfolk at Frances Price: $18 The well-read hostess with trendsetting taste will have plenty to absorb with the newest print issue of Kinfolk. The ad-free, quarterly magazine with coffee table book potential is a contemporary collection of ideas, styles, recipes, creative works and more centered around intimate gathering and innovative entertaining. While issue nine is currently available at Frances, the boutique should have Kinfolk's final year-end issue by December.
Glass bird tumblers from Paris Envy Price: $10 each We know, we know, "put a bird on it." But honestly these tweety tumblers deserve to be doled out at your hostess's next cocktail mixer. Like all good entertaining-ware they're cute conversation starters, that probably only leave their display perch for special occasions and to remind you that no, they have not given them away.
Vintage kitchenware from Sweet Salvage Price: varies For the vintage-loving hostess who believes all things are salvageable -- from antique soda crate to your sad excuse for a honey baked ham -- get her something Sweet Salvage. The store which opens the the third Thursday through Sunday of each month offers an eclectic selection retro kitchen finds and re-purposed industrial ware perfect for tabelscaping and party-decorating.
