Hostess Gift Ideas

I’m traditionally a horrible gift-chooser and I know I have plenty of company in that department, so when I came across this display at Behnkes in Beltsville I thought – What a godsend!  It’s a collection of not-too-expensive, unwrapped gifts that you can hand over to the host or hostess as you arrive at a holiday party, something that adds to the festive mood of the party without causing the party-thrower any fuss.

Of course poinsettias fit the bill, but so do houseplants, especially flowering ones like Christmas cactus, or good-looking pots and candles.  Then there’s the one I’d want most want to receive – if I were ever inclined to throw a party this time of year.  That’s a boxed-up and ready-to-go amaryllis in absolutely any color – they’re all gorgeous.   I actually have given these to a hostess or two, and they seemed to please – not just on that occasion and even more so, a few weeks later when they bloom.

by Susan Harris