National Event Producer Lawson Roberts offers some creative ideas for Host Gifts

Well it’s official: The holiday party season has arrived
You know what that means?
It means that the holiday party invites are going to start rolling in any minute.  And if you're anything like me, you’re probably swamped with business and commitments so figuring out what the heck to bring along for the host or hostess is the last thing you need to add to that endless list of to do’s.
Have no fear though; I've done the creative work for you.

 Here’s a fun  list of spruced up holiday host gifts that will knock their socks off or stockings as the case may be.

Something Festive  - fill a decorative glass jar with a homemade trail mix (make it different- craisins, mini assorted chocolate chips, coconut, almonds granola and tie a big, beautiful ribbon around it.  Imagine how pretty it would look.  And the fact that the contents are totally shelve-able means that your hostess wouldn't feel obligated to serve it at the party.
Something Frivolous -  head over to World Market or Pier 1 and pick up a set or two of elegant unique cocktail stirrers. There are plenty of options this time of year.  Next stop: the  liquor store.  Choose a nice bottle of liquor (Chambord, Godiva, Baileys) to present with the stirrers.  Again, a big, beautiful bow would go a long way to add wow factor to a relatively simple gift.

Something Sinful -  think chocolate.  This time of year you can easily find decadent goodies on every end-cap of every specialty store.  There are peppermint barks, gourmet marshmallows, truffles and toffees. Sweets are always a sinful treat for your host to enjoy.

Something Portable -  I like the idea of a nice quality travel mug presented with an assortment of holiday flavored teas and chai.  They have such great flavors available this time of year.  Arrange the mug alongside the teas and chai in a basket with a candy cane and you've saved your hostess a trip to Starbucks!

Something Personalized - pick up a pair of plain martini glasses and a glass painting kit from your local craft store.  Let your creative juices flow.  Painting initials, snowflakes, shapes  or stripes on the glasses would make them instantly unique.  Tie some ribbons around the stems and present them with some chic cocktail napkins.

Something Practical - If the host is throwing a big holiday shindig, chances are she won't feel up to making breakfast the following morning.  A pound of  pre-ground holiday blend coffee, a dozen fresh bagels (or muffins or croissants) from a local bakery along with flavored cream cheese (or jams) will always be much appreciated.

Something Fragrant -  why not get an assortment of  tea light candles with those scented pine cones that start popping up all around town about this time of year.  You can buy a mesh bagful of them at the grocery store very inexpensively.  You pour those pine cones into a decorative basket with the tea lights, adorn a metallic ribbon on them, and you have created a fabulous gift.

Something Traditional -  and what's more traditional than wine? You truly can put a spin on even the most traditional of host gifts.  Consider purchasing a wine that is produced in the recipient's home state.  And present it with a decorative bottle stopper.

Something Signature -  stop in to one of your local stationary shops, odds are they have some very cool monogrammed items that will inevitably have the last name initial that you are looking for. Some fun ideas would be hand towels, coasters, linen coctail napkins etc...
Remember, when at all possible, buy local. Keep that hard earned money right in your neck of the woods.

Happy Entertaining!!!!

L.