Lorrie's Best Hostess Gifts

Getting an invitation to someones home to share a meal is truly an honor. So much thought and care goes into entertaining at home; that's why I love to show my appreciation for the invite with a small gift. Hostess gifts should be thoughtful and really speak to the interest of the host or hostess. I got the book pictured above from my dear friend Audrey. She knows my love of cooking, antiques with a purpose and learning about the past. The book, "the epicurean collector" was purchased in New Orleans, my hometown. The book is signed and includes a quick quote by Mr. Patrick Dunne and is dated 2009. This book makes a great read as well as a lovely coffee table book.

What I love about the past is that people took their time to make the table setting as beautiful as possible and they shared all of their beautiful china and accoutrement's with their guests. Also, the idea that dining was an experience, when time was taken to eat several courses while enjoying a glass of wine is so very pleasing to me. We live in such an hectic world, one without servants, or at least most of us don't, but we can slow down and just enjoy a beautiful table setting, good food, good wine and great company.

Books are a great hostess gift and can be purchased new or slightly used at http://www.amazon.com/

For the baker, I found these cookie cutters online at http://www.amazon.com/. I really want to order these and make cookies to use as place cards and have a few ladies over for lunch. I just love the shimmering gold metallic sugar. I bought this for myself months ago when browsing around our local Williams and Sonoma. I made a tea bread with a confectioner's sugar milk glaze and sprinkled these golden sugar sprinkles on top for a little glamour. It makes a beautiful finished product.  The beauty of these gifts are that they are all under $10.00.

For the music lover, who likes to relax with a glass of wine or a cocktail check out Boney James. I just love his sound. His CD's make the perfect backdrop for a cocktail party or a private party. http://www.amazon.com/ I also love his new release "Contact."

Send One Your Love by Boney James

Pottery Barn Ice Scoop

For those who make cocktails this ice scoop is a beautiful hostess gift. I loved having this on hand for my guest to make his cocktail. It is functional and beautiful.


Olive oil is one of my little luxuries. I just love making salad dressings, cooking and finishing steaks with olive oil. in addition, I always add a little olive oil in red sauce; I think it creates a nice balance and mouth feel in the finished sauce.

Ecco Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This olive oil is buttery with hints of herbs and spice. It makes a great finishing oil on steaks and salads. Note: This was a sample provided by Rutherford Ranch for review. http://www.rutherfordwine.com/

And last, but not least wine always makes a nice hostess gift for wine lovers. I must say that I am so privileged to sample so many good and great wines. Here are a few that would make great hostess gifts.

Value: Honig 2010 Sauvignon Blanc

Splurge: Honig 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

Both of these wines are from Honig Vineyard & Winery.Note: These wines were samples provided for review by Honig Vineyard & Winery.   http://www.honigwine.com/ The Sauvignon Blanc is great and the price makes it a great candidate for a hostess gift.

Wine bottle stoppers are inexpensive and make wonderful hostess gifts. They come in all types of themes that fit a person's personality, kitchen or home decor. They are also functional. http://www.potterybarn.com/

Clock Wine Bottle Stopper