At Scoop we believe in the philosophy of gift giving, especially for our hosts and hostesses who work hard to pull off a soiree of any size. When invited to someone’s home, whether for a dinner party or a summer stay, it’s just good manners to give token of appreciation.
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And always, always send a thank you note. We’ve gotten lazy with friends’ dinner parties and do think it’s ok to send email thx, but for anything more significant, like a stay in their home or a party in your honor, a hand-written note is required. Stop whining, just do it.
How much to spend?
Scoop Editor Susu Bear says “It’s crass, I know, but I try to balance the effort by the hostess with what we spend on the gift. Burgers & Beer in the backyard? A 6 pack or two of craft brew, or a cheap & cheerful gift tray or server complete with an appetizer. A nice dinner party gets a nice bottle or two of red or champagne. A weekend stay at their beachhouse gets something priced at about a night at the local hotel. The good news is that – IMO – the more personal & thoughtful your choice, the less you have to spend, so if budget is a concern, start thinking creatively now.”
Here are our choices for the Top Hostess Gifts from the local boutiques this season.
ABODE
Spa/beauty gifts: Various soaps, sponges, oils, and wash cloths. Soothing scents like lavender and mint. They come as separates but we can also package them as a hostess gift set. Prices ranging from $6-$32
Votives: in various colors, styles and sizes. $2-$7 Table Linens: Napkins in bright summer colors $12, Matching table runners $35, Pot holders $15
Acrylic Wine Glasses: Stem $20, Stemless $15. Plus $5 with monogram (various scripts). Won’t ever break.
Herringbone Bone Throw: 100% cotton. Featured in Island Blue. 4 other colors in stock in store. Very comfortable
Linen Hand Towels: Ranging $45-75. Fun detail like skulls and antlers. Great quality. Perfect for a powder room or kitchen.
THE BOULEVARD AT SOUTHEND
Reclaimed wood block votive holders $8-$30
Carolina serving trays $25
Colorful flower vases, add a stem from your garden $12- $20
Ceramic kitchen measuring cups, brie serving dishes, birds nest salt & pepper shakers $8 – $2
Recycled glass serving trays and bowls and coasters $14 – $48
ACQUISITIONS
Burled Wood Frames
Votives
Wicker Glass pitcher/wine coasters, bottle openers, Rattan Ice Bucket with Tongs
BEDSIDE MANOR
Crystal potpourri – a beautiful way to disperse fragrance throughout a room.
Bring her flowers that will never wilt. Fabulous silk arrangements are available in a variety of sizes and colors at Bedside Manor
Gifts that do double duty – Decorative trays can be used for display or serving!
Trinket trays, a fun and personal gift, are ideal for small jewelry, coins, just about anything
ALEXANDER SCOTT
The Alexander Scott Candle is a must for every home. It is always a best seller for hostess gifts, and for your home as well
Terraferma ceramic pottery, this pottery is handmade in New York with a textile pattern. It is food safe as well as dishwasher safe. Beautiful.
Colorful matches to go along with your Alexander Scott Candle
Nest candles and soaps, along with frames and fun cosmetic cases
French milled soaps with shey butter hand lotion, a quick pick up
Set of Agate bowls that are food safe
Capitol cheese boards
Beautiful lanterns that would look fantastic on your back porch or dining table.
SWOOZIE’S CHARLOTTE
For more gift ideas visit these stores and tell them you read about it on SCOOP.
