December 14th, 2005
top 10 hostess gifts
They say the best hostess gift you can bring to a dinner party is a healthy wit, and we couldn't agree more. But just in case you want to gild the lily, here are some fab finds for the hostess with the mostest and the host with the most.
- Packaged in a chic wooden box, a custom selection ($25-$35) of gourmet cheeses, olives, crackers and charcuterie will always get gobbled. At Les Amis du Fromage, 1752 W. Second Ave. 604-732-4218, www.buycheese.com.
- Cheap and chic, Wonderbucks' hot pink or bright green blown glass Christmas ornaments are just $2 each. Buy her half a dozen, and present them in a pretty glass bowl for the table. 909 W. Broadway (and other locations), 604-742-0510, www.wonderbucks.com.
- Simple and beautiful, Kermodi’s paperwhites, presented in stainless steel Indian spice containers ($11) or bamboo steamers ($32.95) are so much chicer than the predictable Pointsetta. Kermodi Modern Plant Decor, at Granville Island Market, this Wednesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 604-215-7738, www.kermodi.com.
- Foodies will love master chocolatier Thomas Haas’ holiday, limited edition wood boxes filled with the most mouthwatering truffles you’ve ever tasted ($15-$35). 998 Harbourside, Suite 128, North Van., 604-924-1847, www.thomashaas.com.
- Wow your non-domestic girlfriends with Marcie’s delicious custom cookies in fancy holiday designs with gorgeous packaging ($24.95 per dozen). www.marcies.ca.
- Avoid listening to holiday muzak by surprising your hostess with Verve’s modern chill out take on seasonal carols ($20). At Caban, 2912 Granville St., 604-742-1522, www.caban.com, www.amazon.ca.
- For the party girl on your holiday circuit, Smart Ass wise cracking, hot pink holiday panties are a must-have. Our fave? The one that reads "ho! ho! ho!" www.getsmartass.com, www.beautymark.com.
- For the sophisticate, DL & Co Candles ($36) are a luxurious, Victorian-inspired treat she’s sure to fall in love with. Try the Thorn Apple and Lady Rhubarb. At Misch, 960 Granville St., 604-731-1017, www.dlcompany.com.
- Offer them something to enjoy the morning after with Jordan Sturdy’s (yes, Martha’s son) delicious and cleverly packed preserves, chutneys and pickled veggies ($7-$9) from his North Arm Farm. We love the Plumcot. At Martha Sturdy Originals, 3039 Granville St., 604-737-0337, www.marthasturdy.com, www.northarmfarm.com.
- Give the mom on your list the A-list Hollywood treatment with a gift certificate for a Diva Glam make-up session at beautybar ($19). 2142 W. Fourth Ave., 604-733-9000, www.beautybarcosmetics.com.
