No Re-Gifting Allowed

One of the reasons Seinfeld was so wildly successful was because each episode featured a situation in which most of us have found ourselves and most times thought it was unique to us. One of my all time favorites was the re-gifting episode. The reason I bring it up is because it happens, it’s prevalent and is potentially very embarrassing! The most common examples during the holidays are the cheese and cracker or fruit basket, luxury food items and wine. OK, I get it- these are quick and easy- what better way to say, I’m lazy and don’t appreciate you at all? Further, thank you for inviting me to your party- I’m far too self-indulged and important to take the time to purchase a proper and appropriate host/hostess gift. So- here is a slap in the face- you may have a literal one or the bottle of wine I bought (or re-gifted) at the mini-mart.

So, let’s be So Very CLEVER this season and put some freaking time and energy into the process. You know it’s coming- ninth time this decade. The last-minute invitations- the endless stream of after-work cocktail parties or formal events, the dinner parties, the inevitable co-worker gifts. The holidays are upon us- let’s get ready and use some common sense- shall we?

With the Internet literally at our finger tips- we can be lazy, self-centered and drunk and still manage to place an order for some stellar holiday gifts. I must discuss for a moment the host/hostess gift. Because those who are not clever vastly out number our CLEVER tribe, it would seem this concept has gone by the wayside- it HAS NOT. You should never, for any reason show up to someone’s home for dinner, cocktails or a party empty-handed. I do not care if you are going to your BFF’s house, where you dine five nights a week- you need to bring something. Use your head- a small dessert, a loaf of Italian bread, a bottle of wine or some beer. NOW, if this is a dinner party- you have an obligation to the person paying for it all, to offer them a token of thanks. You might dislike them, know for a fact they always serve box wine and last time the chicken was dangerously undercooked- but it doesn’t matter. Clever guests always come gift in hand.

Archipelago Botanicals has some of the most fantastic home, bath, body and fragrances on the market. Currently. On their website you can find some excellent sale items for the never ending supply of host/hostess gifts for the holidays. You will find a bevy of reasonable options here- diffusers in a variety of scents and candles in all sizes and shapes. There is also a holiday collection perfect for business associates, vendors and client- all under $50.00.

Gift sets are available and include hand cream, soap, a travel-sized candle and a washcloth in the delightful uni-sexy fragrances of mint, milk, pomegranate and grapefruit for $35.00.

Monogrammed soy candles are a charming gift, coming in at $25.00.

And though we are gracious and generous- who can resist a little something for the next romantic evening in? The eucalyptus spa set is sublime. A soy candle, bath oil and after-bath balm. Yum. Sooo relaxing- just add a glass of wine and some great conversation (THIS is the modern articulation of romance- we vote with time, not lavish gifts). Currently the set is half-off at $34.00.

What better way to leave a lasting impression than with a lovely ornament? John Toole is your man for every single person on your list. His finely crafted, highly detailed and original ornaments range in price from $12.00 to $100.00. Let me tell you- there is not a heck of a lot of discernable different between the price points.

You can not go wrong with a picture frame- everyone one loves pictures! John Toole also crafts some of the most beautiful and original frames I’ve ever seen. His website- http://www.blogger.com/www.johntoole.com -features an interactive, 35-page calendar of his products and a list of retailers.

Stop w(h)ining, I’m getting there. Spirits are still a fantastic way to celebrate the season- but let’s be intentional. Know your audience- do not bring white wine to a home in which you’ve never seen white wine. The converse is true. However, I will qualify the concept by saying, ou can never go wrong with Champagne or sparkling wine. Every refrigerator should have a bottle in case of a sudden celebration or the day your in-laws arrive. Asti Spumanti is not champagne- Freixenet is not acceptable. A perfectly priced spectacular Champagne or sparkling wine is Roederer, which comes in several different price points. My favorite is the Brut- available for about $26.00. Veuve Clicquot is becoming more reasonable and accessible- if you have time, you can stop at Costco right now and get a few bottles for the inevitable gifting- they currently are only $43.00 per bottle and the host/hostess will be most pleased and impressed.

If your host drinks Scotch- do not bring a fifth of Dewar’s- unless he loves Dewar’s. It’s often the case with Scotch enthusiasts they also enjoy single-malt scotch. Ask for help if it isn’t your forte- but generally you can count on Macallan. Different price points exist for every drinker on your list.

Each year Neiman Marcus does a holiday platter and nothing makes me happier than seeing a Neiman Marcus holiday bag enter my home. It is the PERFECT host/hostess gift at $35.00- you should be ashamed if you are not willing to cough up that much after being invited to dinner in someone’s home.

That is a good start. I will continue to add unique host/hostess gifts at the bottom of the CLEVER gift posts.