HOSTESS gifts
ideas for original hostess gifts
To be frank, I never cook an Indian meal. I eat Indian food at the restaurants. A few friends made the plunge and enjoy this adventure.
So if you do not know how to start, I suggest you stop by Hooked On Heat, a blog by Meena Agarwal. There are plenty of tasty recipes.
Newbies should read first Indian Cooking 101. To avoid frustrations, be prepared and stock the must-haves in every Indian pantry, fridge and stove suggested by Meena.
Based in the Toronto area, Meena is a cooking instructor and recipe developer so she has no problem teaching us a few tricks.
Gift Ideas for Foodies
Since spices are crucial in Indian cooking, why not buy a cute spike kit on Etsy from Purpose Design. I introduced before her brushed aluminum spice box collection. Because you will use many different spices, I suggest that you buy for yourself the large kit instead of the small one. You can store a few small spice kits for future hostess gifts.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, August 07, 2008 10:46 AM | Feedback (1)
I went to shop last Friday at Zone’s Westmount store. Here are a few interesting products I spotted. You probably have seen the style before but it is great to know where to find them.
The wooden tea box is adorable. If you are crafty, this is a project you can adapt to suit your personality. Fill the boxes with premium tea bags and bring it as a housewarming gift.
The white lanterns caught a lot of attention. Several were bought during while I was there. I almost grab a few for myself but I am not fond of white.
The sleek metal lanterns would fit better within my current terrace design since I already display a stainless steel top island.
Zone carries laser cut divider sheets and plenty of wall decals with drawings and text messages in French and English. Since both are easy to remove, they are a great party decor alternative.
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 10:20 AM | Feedback (0)
After my radio interview, I went for a shopping trip. Since I wanted to visit Zone, I headed to Westmount. Luckily, I discovered an adorable new store filled with an eclectic mix inspired by French style.
I talked to Danielle, one of the co-owners. The store is the labor of love of two girl friends. We even talked about our respective wedding photographers. It turns out that her wedding photographer trained with my photographer.
My wedding photographer Angela Campanelli opened the trail in Montreal for the updated style in wedding photography. Angela is so busy that she does not update her Web site very often.
What is in the Store?
Opened since May 2008, Madame de Pompadour proposes a small collection of tableware, home accessories, linens and kid clothing. Their catalog is updated frequently.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, August 02, 2008 10:04 AM | Feedback (0)
The top 3 are Red-Dot Design Award winners and an honorable mention. The fifth is there because it is cute and original.
Zyliss' Easy Spin Salad Spinner
On my book, noting beat a Zyliss salad spinner and I got a 10 year old model. Zyliss won in 2004 for its Easy Spin salad spinner.
The latest model, the Zyliss Smart Touch Salad Spinner won a Red-Dot in 2008. Sadly, the consumer reviews are mixed so far.
Everywhere I checked, people were more than satisfied with the Easy Spin Salad Spinner. So I will say to go with the previous edition (the ones I am showing you).
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 9:18 PM | Feedback (2)
I felt in love with the work of two more Etsy sellers today. I love to shop on Etsy as I am telling my girl geek friends at lunch today. I find that my friend Tanya is a huge fan too.
In her Etsy Take Five Tuesday, decor8 introduced five amazing etsy sellers. Simple design note cards and stationery usually grab my attention. That is why I enjoy the work of Wendy Chung for Dozi Design.
I have a thing for Finnish design. Syko stands for whimsical and happy designs in patchwork and appliqué. She sews hand made housewares. Her cushion covers are adorable. Her laundry bag and shoe bag would be practical when you travel.
Categories:
PAPER goods
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:59 PM | Feedback (1)
Ever since my friend Nathalie brought a bottle of this delicious lemonade at a party to make mojitos, I am craving for more. This French lemonade tastes amazing. Her mojito was memorable too.
I felt sad last weekend since I failed to find any at the European and specialty shops in my neighborhood.
I invited a few friends tonight for an apero, the French word for a simple before-dinner drink served with something small to eat (see recipe at the end). I am thrilled that Nathalie bought me a bottle of Elixia Lemonade as a hostess gift.
As I started mentioning on my post about the Apple Sainte-Catherine store opening, the most cherish gifts fit the desires of the recipient. The Elixia Hand-crafted Lemonade is the best hostess gift I ever received because it was on my most wanted list.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 27, 2008 3:15 AM | Feedback (5)
The French designers master the art of creating fun yet stylish textile patterns. And Atelier LZC continues to prove it.
We all need a few extraordinary sets to supplement our everyday tea towels. When placed on the right display, tea towels add visual interest to a simple room design. Tea towels often replace placemats and cooking mitts in the kitchen.
Entertaining Accessories
Why not put a tea towel instead a hand towel in your powder room when you entertain? Their latest Japon (Japan) and Souvenirs (Memories) models would compliment nicely an Asian party theme.
Bunny Maxwell sells a few items from Atelier LZC in the United States. They do ship internationally but you must call them to get the rates and timeframe.
The Parisian Gold Tray and the Nocturne Tray will add a definite French flair to your party. The trays are made from melamine.
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 13, 2008 2:25 PM | Feedback (2)
When two companies that you like collaborate, you can be happier. Built and French Bull are creating something joyful.
Three patterns from French Bull - Multidot, Rainbow Flower, and Vine – will be decorating four of Built’s best selling items. The color palette of the rainbow pattern looks amazing.
The One Bottle Tote, the Two Bottle Totes, the Gourmet Getaway Lunch Totes, and 13”-15” Laptop Sleeves will look happier than ever. The new series will be available in August 2008.
Polyurethane Foam Ice Bucket
The same month, Built will launch an Ice Bucket made from polyurethane foam, just like your freezer. The advantage is a lightweight, condensation free ice bucket. It would be available in red and black. It is easy to take care. Simply hand wash with mild detergent and towel dry.
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 08, 2008 10:56 AM | Feedback (1)
When I entertain at home, I prefer to cook easy to make but tasty recipes. The hostess should plan her event so she can enjoy the presence of her guests. This is why I like the latest book by Gordon Ramsay.
Entertaining Philosophy
A quote from Gordon Ramsay's Fast Food says it all:
"However amazing a dish looks, it is always the taste that lingers in your memory."
The stylish hostess makes an effort on food presentation. But we must accept that we are not Chefs either. My priority for easy entertaining is to design a stunning tabletop, cook a delicious meal and after, try to plate the food more beautifully.
About The Book
I do not really follow Gordon Ramsay on TV. I bought Fast Food because his cookbook provides tasty recipes built around menus and types of food plus some essential cooking tips.
You get recipes for fast soups, appetizers, antipasti, salads, sandwiches, eggs, working lunches, pasta, shellfish, fish, meat, vegetarian, side dishes, fruity desserts and creamy desserts.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, June 22, 2008 2:48 PM | Feedback (1)
Products from Fruits and Passion always make an appreciated hostess or birthday gift. So take this chance to save up to 40% on selected products during the Summer sale.
I am a fan of their Cucina line. I used the Cucina Dish Detergent to clean my kitchen sinks. I want to try the Cucina Countertop Cleaner next. All my girlfriends love the Cucina Purifying Hand Wash with Olive Oil. So this is a sure bet.
Anything from the Art Home collection would be great for a housewarming party.
In stores, you will receive a cute free handbag with every purchase of $45 and more. The Summer Sale occurs until July 21 or while quantities last online or in stores across Canada and United States.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, June 19, 2008 11:48 AM | Feedback (1)
I found great stuff on Etsy, which encourage me to spread the word. On the last couple days, I spot these Magnetic Chalkboard Coasters. I did not check who made it until this morning.
I glad I did because the esty seller and I live in the small city. Purpose Design creates these magnetic coasters in black chalkboard and in the green old school chalkboard. The cool thing is that you can store them on the fridge or your message center when you do not use them as coasters.
Travel Spice Kits
Purpose Design also sells framed magnetic spice kits. Her spice kits in a cool hand brushed aluminum tin makes a great idea for Father’s Day. They are ideal to take along traveling, on camping or hiking trips, or for the boat or the cottage.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, June 04, 2008 3:50 PM | Feedback (2)
Remember the bold color glass kitchenware from Annie Michaud and the exquisite home accessories from Karine Bouchard.
It is that time of the year: Save and stock a few gifts for the teachers of your kids or hostess gifts.This Saturday, June 7th, 2008 is the biannual workshop sale of Gogoglass.
How this event works?
You can get pieces with little imperfections at a fraction of the regular price. I bought an orange lemon reamer at the same type of sales last Christmas.
The event has an educational side since you watch live artists creating pieces at their Marche Bonsecours workshop in Montreal Old Port. The event is from 10 to 17 o’clock.
To understand what is so special about their work, I invite you to read what I wrote when I visited their workshop last Christmas. I first introduced Annie Michaud’s blown glass kitchenware in August 2007.
Gogoglass
385 de la Commune East (marché Bonsecours)
Montreal, QC H2Y 1H2
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, May 29, 2008 4:21 PM | Feedback (0)
I love cookbooks. It seems I never have enough. With so many books, which one to choose.
Save time and start with the 2008 finalists of the James Beard Foundation Cookbook Awards? After all, they examined the latest publications for us.
James Beard Foundation Cookbook Awards is said to be the highest honors for food and beverage professionals working in America. The awards reward excellence in 13 book categories.
I am showing you four books from the Entertaining category. These inexpensive books will each be appreciated as an hostess gift.
Canadian Nominee
A Canadian is nominated this year in the Entertaining cookbook category. I introduced Dish Entertains last year.
The author of Dish Entertains is Trish Magwood, the owner of dish cooking studio located in Toronto. Trish is completing against two cookbooks:
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
FAMILY style
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
posted @ Tuesday, May 27, 2008 12:44 PM | Feedback (0)
I felt in love with the work of Fernanda Bourlot, an artist from Buenos Aires, Argentina who now lived in Boston, Massachusetts. She likes simple things that feel luxurious. As suggested by the name, everything at Simplemente Blanco is from the white palette.
The Design Philosophy
Her collection carries a modern rustic charm. Simplemente Blanco believes in balance, symmetry, calmness and pureness. Fernanda Boulot design brings us peace via the simplicity of the forms and the serenity of the spaces. Simplemente Blanco loves fresh interiors and I would add: comfort.
I compiled two lists of outstanding gift ideas. You bring on any of them as a housewarming gift or as a hostess gift that you are staying over for a few days.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, April 19, 2008 1:19 PM | Feedback (0)
I intensify my coverage of eco-friendly solutions until Earth Day. I will write an eco-friendly story every weekday until April 22nd.
I am starting the week with cool ultra compact shopping bags. The key is to carry your reusable shopping bags with you all the time. Since I live in the city, I do most of my shopping by foot. Therefore, I need bags that will fit into my purse.
I also prefer shoulder bags because they leave your hands free if you carry a small load. These are my favorites lately.
Flip & Tumble | First place
Flip & Tumble seduced me with their new summer colors and this catchy phrase:
A bag that’s designed for those of us who only seem to remember our reusable bags the moment we need them.
The 24-7 bag fits my lifestyle. The vibrant summer colors look amazing. Flip & Tumble will start shipping tomorrow, April 15th, 2008. Their Web site has a cool visual Add to my Shopping Card applet too. I just ordered three bags like in the picture: a raspberry, an aqua and a lime. I will tell more after a few shopping trips.
Categories:
TRENDS
FAMILY style
HOSTESS gifts
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Monday, April 14, 2008 11:31 AM | Feedback (8)
My theory is that you should keep at home a reserve of hostess gifts. This way, you are always ready for an impromptu dinner party invitation and you save time by minimizing your shopping trips.
A lot of people from newlyweds to single men are searching for clues on how to entertain properly. The best books for them pass on tips for simple entertaining. Easy to follow instructions and gorgeous photography are essentials. Otherwise, people do not put into practice what is in the book.
That is what I like about the books by Ryland Peters & Small. To make it easier for you, stash any of these 4 new releases until you need a hostess gift:
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
posted @ Monday, March 24, 2008 7:33 PM | Feedback (1)
I have been a fan of Sagaform for many years now. Sagaform produces innovative kitchen accessories with beautiful simple lines at an affordable price. And did I mention that Sagaform is Scandinavian?
I particularly appreciate Sagaform for their amazing serving ware. They are designed with casual entertaining in mind. Here are my picks from the 2008 Sagaform catalogue.
Bamboo by Peter and Eva Moritz
This entertaining collection is made of farmed bamboo. The line is quite complete with serving bowls, serving / cutting boards, sandwich plates, butter knifes, serving spoons, and salad utensils.
A fun feature is the spoon fitting sleekly over the edge of the bowl. This way, there is less stuff on the buffet table. The cutting board has an unusual, two-circle shape with a handle placed on the middle.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Monday, March 17, 2008 1:45 PM | Feedback (0)
While I was in New York shopping in SoHo, I stopped by Dean and DeLuca. We just finished eating in the Korean neighborhood so I feel sad because I was not hungry.
With so many delicacies, gourmet foods, cakes and pastries, wines plus a dishware section, Dean & DeLuca is THE one-stop shopping for epicurean cooking, eating and entertaining.
Take the cake section. Save time and buy a cake instead of making your own. Their cupcakes and their mini cakes are stylish. I remembered the Busy Bees and the Coconut Layer Cakes.
Your can serve several mini cakes for dessert instead of a normal size cake. The stylish hostess will present the mini cakes in dome stands, which you can buy there. That is what I called the ultimate one-stop shopping experience.
Gift store
If you need to pick up a wonderful hostess gift in a hurry this is the place to go. I am showing some products that I like. In fact, I spotted a few things for baking and food presentation while I was in Manhattan that I will grab on my next visit. Remark that not all their products are shown online.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:32 PM | Feedback (1)
This post is about an innovative product that makes an affordable hostess gift or housewarming gift. This does not mean that you cannot just bring a couple to your home.
Update August 22, 2007:
Stop by the florist to get fresh flowers and your hostess or housewarming gift is set. I appreciate the fact that I can bring the vase with a bunch of flowers without having to carry a heavy lift. And there is no chance to break the vase either. (Thanks to Eden - see comments).
A one of a king flower vase design
Vazu is a flower vase like you have never seen before. What is so special about Vazu is that it is thin as a paper sheet when it is flat. And do not be fool by how little it weights, this flower vase is strong and durable.
Once you filled it with water, the transparency and glossiness of Vazu resembles a glass vase. The first collection of Vazu contains 16 models in three different shapes. The arrays of patterns mix modern and classic designs. Vazu is the design of T.H.+E. Design Group located in Israel.
Categories:
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, August 21, 2007 11:43 PM | Feedback (15)
Everybody knows that conversation pieces are icebreakers at parties. This morning, I discovered via roadside scholar the fabulous catalogue of Philippi which is filled with distinctive pieces for entertaining.
A little bit of classy fairytale
I really fell in love with the Cinderella stainless steel items. I never saw a pair of espresso spoons and a cake serving knife so remarkable. The heel of the cake server is detachable. It stays in place through a magnet. You put the heel on when you want the cake server to rest. Otherwise you remove the heel to cut the cake.
The futuristic Jetson look infused in the Cocoon collection
A fruit bowl, a candy bowl, a set of salt + pepper shakers, a sugar pill dispenser and an astray compose the Cocoon collection. The line is sleek, fun and cute.
Categories:
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, August 07, 2007 12:11 AM | Feedback (0)
Beautiful tea towels are a little indulgence. If you let them hang around your kitchen, even your everyday dish cloths must look good.
Make sure to keep a few special ones in your entertaining supply kit. Typically, friends end up washing the dishes. The stylish hostess proudly reveals her exceptional tea towels when she has company over.
So why not get a set of tea towels as a housewarming or a hostess gift? To make it simple for you, I compiled by top 3 dish cloth sellers on etsy.
PataPri from Chicago: Designed and Hand printed by Yuko Uemua
Make your kitchen happy by adding colorful and pretty kitchen tea towels is the mantra of PataPri. I bought several tea toweIs from PataPri last June. I adore them. The color palettes, the hand printed patterns and the strong sewed hanging hook. Their tea towels are made of 100% white linen.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 24, 2007 12:41 PM | Feedback (4)
While you are shopping at LU Prints, take advantage of the reduced prices through July 15th, or while supplies last!
I suggest you take a look at the set of 4 Leafy Placemats on sale at $16, the Leafy Apron on sale at $25 and my favorite, the Geese Apron. The Leafy is slighty shorter than the Geese Apron.
LU Prints creates beautifully crafted waist aprons and kitchen linens. All their textiles are hand screen-printed patterns.
The characteristics of a good entertaining apron
I suggest you wear a waist apron instead of a full size apron when you are throwing a party.
First of all, waist aprons look more fashionable because we can see your top outfit. Secondly, your apron will not appear on lots of photos. So, you will get the impression that you spend more time hanging out with for your guests.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, June 28, 2007 2:05 PM | Feedback (3)
New more efficient food preparation tools pop up constantly. If you are invited by someone that like to cook and you do not know what to bring as a hostess gift, why not take a look at the best of the crop in specialized kitchen tools. My hostess gift ideas are all under 30 dollars.
I select Sur La Table online store because they got a nice selection. You can also stop at a local shop that specialized in fine cooking. I like to support my local independent retailers because these small shop owners are often passionate and they bring us more innovative and well designed products.
Vegetable brushes are often awkward to hold. This one called Chef'n Palm Vegetable Brush let you slip your middle finger so that the head rests in your palm. At $4.95 USD each, you can stock up a few Chef'n Palm Vegetable brushes and get helpers at the food preparation station.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, June 21, 2007 10:59 AM | Feedback (5)
I just read about this cute recipe box on Oh Joy! blog. It is so pretty that I want one. The cupcake deck is a set of 25 cupcake card recipes on a cute box. The recipes are by cook author Elinor Klivans. It is fairly new, the deck hit the store last February.
The book description on Amazon.ca:
Drawn from the best-selling book, Cupcakes, this deck includes such inviting recipes as Chocolate Mousse Cupcakes, Vanilla Cheesecake Crunch-Top Cupcakes and the deliriously delicious Lemon Angel Cupcakes. Here are 25 scrumptious ways to bring smiles faster than a kid can lick the batter off a beater.
Categories:
ALL occasions
CAKES
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Friday, June 15, 2007 11:18 PM | Feedback (0)
Some party events call for special dinnerware, something out of the ordinary. Most of the time they are not milestone events but they are something important to do something special. It can be having over your girlfriends for a tea party or a periodic gathering. Creating the right mood often call for a whimsical touch.
That is where the dishware from a little shop in Seattle called Rosanna comes to the rescue. Over the past twenty years, Rosanna manages to stay on top of fashion, translating popular trends into whimsical accessories for the home with her independent shop. I see eye to eye with her on that topic. Whether it's a birthday party for the kids or the grown ups, a glamorous soirée or simply dining at home, fashionable dishes turn any day into a special occasion.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TABLEWARE
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, March 20, 2007 12:17 AM | Feedback (2)
I have a love affair with aprons since I started to cook in my teens. But finding a good looking one is a hard task. My love affair with aprons is well known fact. My brother gave me one or two aprons over the years for Christmas or my birthday. He even got me a practical gardening apron that I use when I planting my flower boxes.
I discover domistyle long time ago in a Sweetspot.ca newsletter. I fall in love with their funky aprons right away. Two young women started domistyle out of unfulfilled desires. Like me, Jessica and Vanessa did not find in stores aprons that were cool enough for a stylish hostess. They create two lines for women in 2003. Since them, they add a fun collection for kids.
Called Fresh and Funky, their two collections are best described with the words sleek, sophisticated, feminine and fun. Canadian and US retailers are listed on their web site. The aprons are sold for $39 CAD, the mini-aprons are at $32 and the kid aprons at $30.
Categories:
FAMILY style
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, March 07, 2007 3:07 PM | Feedback (0)
Dish towels are a necessity but we indulge ourselves by getting groovy ones. If you put them on display in your kitchen, the typical brands from Wal-Mart or the supermarkets won’t do.
Household linens can set the mood of a table and a kitchen. If you dinnerware are monochromatic without patterns, you can use geometric, organic, bold graphic textiles for your tablecloths and napkins. This is part of the new wave to set up a table.
Finding cool dish towels that are part of larger household linen collections is a dream comes true. That is what you got with Simrin. Introduced last year, we did not know yet of any stores that carry the brands. Hostess with the Mostess blog, a fan, discovers that you can get the surya collection at Plum Party. Tablecloths, table runners, napkins and kitchen towels are available in chartreuse, aqua, brown and orange.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, March 03, 2007 4:14 PM | Feedback (0)