Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Creative Outdoor Thanksgiving Decorations’ from Cari Murphy . Today, I feature Shelley Harcar who is a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she helps you thank the holiday host or hostess with delicious treats and memorable gifts. This holiday season don’t show up empty-handed!

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #51

‘Perfect Ideas to Bring the Holiday Hostess’ – Shelly Harcar

With the holidays fast approaching, now would be a perfect time to plan the gifts for those dear people who will be hosting upcoming events. While a gift for your host or hostess is not obligatory, it is a nice gesture which expresses your appreciation of their hospitality.

Choosing a gift for your host/hostess does not need to be difficult or expensive. For this article, I have compiled a collection of unique and thoughtful gifts available at a variety of price points. I chose readily available items which do not require much forward planning. Of course, the more familiar you are with your host/hostess the easier it will be to tailor these gifts to their own personal tastes.

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A LITTLE SOMETHING EDIBLE:

Try gathering a few pints of gourmet ice cream and several toppings (like hot fudge, butterscotch, and caramel) for a delightful treat your hosts can enjoy well after the party is over.

A lovely basket lined with a tea towel and filled with two or three loaves of bread and a bread knife is tasty universally enjoyed. Another nice idea for bread gifting is a baguette slicing board and a single French baguette.

Several varieties of flavored vinegars or cooking oils, presented in a seasonal wine bag puts an interesting twist on the traditional hostess gift of a bottle of wine.

A beautiful glass candy jar filled with colorful candy is thoughtful and reusable.

 Another creative and tasteful idea is to bring your host or hostess a collection of muffins or bagels, with jams & assorted teas and/or coffees. This provides your hosts a little breakfast for the morning after the party.

Use these ideas to bring the holiday hostess or host this season

About Shelley Harcar

I am a lifelong Ohioan and presently live in Stow with my family. I am a graduate of Youngstown State University, where I studied Social Work and Psychology. I am currently employed as a substitute teacher within my local school district. I also do freelance writing. My designing interest began over 20 years ago when I became a floral designer. In addition to making floral designs, we were invited into customer’s homes to assist with holiday and seasonal decorating.

I discovered Olioboard through a friend, and I quickly became caught up in the fun of the Olioboard Fan Room. It is a great escape from everyday life and I find a great deal of satisfaction in taking a blank screen and turning it into something lovely. When I’m not designing, I enjoy watching sports with my son, shopping, writing, and spending time with friends & family. You can read Shelley’s writing here.

The heat is on and it’s time for entertaining and enjoying party going. While summer parties are meant for having fun, socializing, and letting loose, you have an obligation to be a well-mannered, polite, and considerate guest. If you have been invited to a party; irrespective of how formal or casual the event is, abide by these etiquette rules for optimum summertime fun.

Image via: Amy Atlas

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RSVP

RSVP’s allows the host to effectively plan for the event by accurately amassing the head count. Not acknowledging or responding to an invitation is considered rude and inconsiderate. So, make sure to respond to an invite as early as possible. If you receive an invitation with a specific RSVP date, be certain to honor it.

Be punctual

Always be punctual and arrive at the time communicated in the invitation. However, for any reason if you cannot make it on time, any more than fifteen minutes delay is pushing it. On the contrary, even though being fashionably late by few minutes is acceptable, never arrive early and inconvenience the harried host, who may be busy doing last minute preparations.

Image credit: The Glitter Guide

Bring a gift

Bringing a host gift is a kind gesture and a great way to show your appreciation for being invited. It does not have to be ostentatious or lavish. A bouquet of flowers, bottle of wine or scotch, candles, chocolates, or assortment of fine cheeses are generally a safe bet. It’s also a good idea to throw in a small thank you card with your name written on it.

Don’t overindulge

Practice moderation when you eat and drink. No matter if the wine is flowing freely or how much you love that one particular snack, do not overindulge. Your intention should be to leave a positive impact on your host and fellow guests. One good way is to never come starving to a party.

Image via: Rachel Ray Mag

Say thank you

When it’s time to leave, make sure to personally thank your host for their hospitality. A second thank you by phone is considered polite the day after. If the event was formal, written thanks is always appreciated.

While displaying good party etiquette is a sign of courteousness and politeness, there is a more selfish reason to fit your behavior to the occasion; it ensures many more party invites coming your way!

For more summer ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Every year we are all invited to holiday parties and the question of what to give the gracious host always pops up in our heads. Whether you are trying to be original, and not bring one more bottle of wine, or you’d like to give a gift that is pampering in thought, here are some ideas I found. If you have time to hand craft a batch of holiday treats, or even make hand-crafted bath salts, the gracious host will be most grateful!

Image via: Curbly

Look at these ideas I found for inspiration:

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Cedar Chip Sachets

Image via: Shelterness

Peppermint Foot Scrub

Image via: The Idea Room

Treats that are sure to please

Image via: Talk crafty To Me

 So before you rush off to that holiday party empty handed. Be creative and thoughtful and arrive with a thoughtful gift that they will enjoy!

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.