Nothing brightens up a dark January day like enjoying one of the hostess gifts my fabulous friends brought over during a holiday party.
There’s a lot of pressure to come up with new and unique hostess gifts, but I’m all for keeping the gift simple, useful or luxurious — and ideally, all three.
Here are some of my favorites. They’re all available locally, and even if you’re from outside of the region, I’d encourage you to contact the stores or vendors directly, because I know they’d be thrilled to have your business.
Extravagant Chocolates
It’s wonderful to get a gift you wouldn’t normally buy for yourself and you can’t go wrong with amazing chocolate.
These decadent Anna Shea chocolates are almost too pretty to eat. (Almost.)
There are flavors to suit every palate: caramel and cognac, strawberries and champagne, passion fruit and ginger. Arrange your own gift box or put your trust in the staff at Nichole’s. And don’t forget a few for yourself!
Available locally at Nichole’s Fine Pastry in Fargo and online here
Elegant Place Settings
Foodies love serving on white dishes and this set by Rosanna has just a touch of gold to dress up a dinner party or elevate a morning cup of coffee.
The delicate porcelain pieces are nestled into pretty, hatbox-style packaging so you don’t even need wrapping.
For extra drama, pair them with the gold chargers shown here.
Available locally at Zandbroz Variety in Fargo and online at here
Screen Printed Dish Towels
I love a gift that’s both funny and functional and a stack of these clever and colorful towels from Bismarck-based designer Sharon Higley fit the bill.
These are especially good if you’re traveling, since they pack well.
Sharon is working on new designs, so be sure to check out her Etsy store (linked below) and stay tuned to Prairie Style File for photos of her newest items.
Available at online at b. haven and at various special events throughout the state
Fruit and Flower Wines
Bringing wine for a hostess gift is almost a cliche, but bringing a North Dakota classic like dandelion, rhubarb or chokecherry wine takes the gift to the next level.
Many of these varieties are sweet — aimed more at the riesling/pinot grigio/white zinfandel crowd — so arrange a tasting at the winery in Casselton, ND or ask the winery employees to suggest a new favorite.
Available at Maple River Winery — click the link for their Casselton location or to order online.
Photo Courtesy of Maple River Winery
What about you? What’s your favorite gift to give or receive? Do you prefer something pretty or something edible? (Or both?) What do you wish people would bring you when you throw a party?
You won’t miss a single post when you subscribe to Prairie Style File. Just look for the “Follow Prairie Style File” sign-up on the right side of the page. Or follow my adventures across the Midwest, the prairie provinces of Canada and around the world on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Tag your pics and travel tips #PrairiePeople and #PrairiePlaces on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. You could inspire an upcoming post on Prairie Style File. Prairie Style File is curated by Alicia Underlee Nelson. All rights reserved.