Gifted...

Happy Monday, everyone. I've still got parties on my mind! We've got one of our annual favorites coming up this weekend, and I am looking for the perfect host and hostess gift. House Beautiful's entertaining-themed November issue also includes a hostess gift blurb, with recommendations from "seven consummate guests."

Seattle's own Ted Kennedy Watson, owner of local retail favorites Watson Kennedy recommended Mariage Freres tea, saying "I try to match the flavor to the personality of the host."

Watson Kennedy stores are always a great hostess gift source (image from Watson Kennedy)

Joel Woodward, owner of J. Design antiques, recommends a box of Cote Bastide''s Pamplemousse potpouri. He says, "It's like bringing a box of gemstones to the party."

So pretty! Now that' something I would love to get!

 Love the Pickles! From boatstreetpickles.com

You can never go wrong with Boat Street Pickles from one of my restaurant favorites, Boat Street Kitchen! 

 Another blue and white sketch by yours truly.

If I know the hostess and her taste, instead a cut bouquet of flowers, I'll bring a small vase I know she'll like with a single favorite bloom, or a pretty container with forced narcissus or amaryllis bulbs.  

 Image from the Barefoot Contessa 

Or if I have time, I like to bake something for the hostess to enjoy with her coffee the next morning. What about you? What are your favorite hostess gifts to give and to get?