Hostess Gifts that Travel Well

I just got back from a 10 day tip in the Western North Carolina mountains.  For the first time ever, I added an extra bag, last minute, to our already overloaded car.  I’ll call this my Merci Beaucoup bag.  In it, I grabbed a few things from my gift closet for all those little get togethers that seem to pop up.  We counted up that we saw 45 relatives this past trip, all traveling in from TX, FL, MD, VA, TN, AL and CO.  Add to that the Nashville transported West that Cashiers becomes this time of year, and you have the possibility of running into at least 100 people!  And it’s not that a hostess gift is necessary, but I do think everyone loves a little acknowledgment, whether here in Nashville, or on vacation as an appreciation of their efforts in putting the fun evening together.  This last minute Merci Beaucoup bag addition was empty by the time we pulled away yesterday.  I will forever be packing one in the future.

My favorite hostess gifts to travel with overlap with some of my favorite in town gifts as well. Here are a few to stock your gift closet with.  If you don’t have a gift closet, consider purchasing a decorative chest, or small dresser to create this space in your house.

Cups

One of my favorites gifts for couples with kids, or for the young at heart, are these acrylic cups by Natural Life. For $12.50, I find them at Fabu and Katy’s Hallmark.  Don’t they just make you smile?  And they are versatile.  Captions range from Be Happy, Joy to the World, Peace and many others.  Each are wrapped four to a bundle and are ready to give just the same way they come packaged….just staple on your calling card and you are good to go!  They can be used for morning juice, toothbrush holders, or little vases stuck next to a bathroom sink.

Candles

Who doesn’t just love a great smelling candle?  They can be pretty pricey as well.  And no, Target’s are not as good as everything else.  For a great gift try the PaddyWax Eco Candle.  Made in small batches in Georgia, these soy based candles won’t break the bank at $16.99 each. You can find these locally at All Seasons Gardening and Brewing on 8th Avenue.  They just received a shipment in featuring 12 scents.  Better yet, three scents are currently on sale for just $8.50. Time to stock up!  All Seasons is located across from the Habit for Humanity Store on 8th between Wedgewood and Division.

Kitchen Towels

While it’s hard to buy yourself a $22 kitchen towel, this same fact means that one is always fondly received…and possibly used that night!  My favorites are made in France by Le Jacquard Francais.  Officially considered a tea towel, they are a large 31 x 24. You can find them locally at A La Maison on 8th Avenue (two doors down from Douglas Corner).

I hope you enjoy my favorite hostess gifts that are easy to pack.  Make yourself a Merci Beaucoup bag and you, too, can feel prepared for whatever hits your social calendar while away.

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