Invited to a holiday cocktail party? Or to a Hanukkah latke supper? Or a Christmas dinner party?  You know you gotta bring a hostess gift…of course you can always opt for the traditional (read boring and unimaginative) bottle of wine, perhaps even some Veuve Clicquot.  OR you could bring a jar of that strawberry jam you made this summer.  In the past I have made batches of seasoned nuts and given them as gifts – but we’re running out of time to shop for ingredients, find appropriate containers and then make the peppermint bark or spicy pecans, so take a look at this list and maybe a couple of the items will jump off the page for you or at least inspire you to think a bit creatively when picking out that Hostess Gift.

Retro Kitchen Timer

Retro Kitchen Timer

An aluminum timer buzzing with old-school charm will wake up any kitchen’s style. Available in six colors.

To buy: $18, apartment48.com

Still Hot From The Oven

Bread Warmer

Heat this terra-cotta plate, then tuck it into a bread basket to keep rolls soft and warm. Score brownie points by showing up with it packaged with a fresh-baked loaf of focaccia.

To buy: $15, uncommongoods.com

Say Cheese

These markers are a great gift for any hostess.  Perfect way to identify an assortment of cheeses for a cocktail party.

Sweet Clementine Soap & Hand Lotion

This refreshing scented duo is perfect for the hostess’s kitchen. 

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