Montreal Gazette

7 USEFUL ALTERNATIV­E GIFTS TO A BOTTLE OF WINE

These unique, stylish and delicious gifts are surefire hits for the gift-giving season

- KARL LOHNES Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? You can contact Karl Lohnes on Facebook or Instagram at Karl Lohnes Designer, or via email at klohnesdec­or@sympatico.ca. Karl has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 y

Whether you are a guest at a tree-trimming party, holiday dinner or you’ve been invited to stay for the weekend, your host deserves a little thank-you gift in recognitio­n of their hospitalit­y. I recently asked my social media followers for their thoughts on great hostess gifts (other than wine) for the upcoming holiday season. “Forget bringing the re-gifted bottle of wine or Champagne, bring me something thoughtful and unique!” Mary said. Barbara commented: “If it’s not useful or edible, then I don’t want it.” The lesson I took away from the many responses is that I need to put thought into the hostess gifts I bring and make them more personal this year — it’s definitely not about how much money I am spending. Here are my “lucky seven” picks for unique, stylish and delicious gifts that I think my hosts would love to receive instead of the obligatory bottle of wine.

HOSTESS GIFTING — WHAT NOT TO DO

Formal dinner parties do not require a hostess gift. Sending a thank-you note and gift afterward is always classy. Don’t bring any food that will need to be consumed during the party. Arriving with a fresh shrimp ring isn’t cool unless you’ve been asked to bring it. Don’t give a fragranced candle unless you know the host adores that scent. (As an aside, what’s your favourite holiday fragrance? Baked cookies, fresh cut tree, cranberry spice ... there are so many to choose from.)

?? ?? Three flavours collide to create a limited edition Danish taste sensation. Johan Bulow’s Lakrid Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Covered Liquorice, $18.
Three flavours collide to create a limited edition Danish taste sensation. Johan Bulow’s Lakrid Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Covered Liquorice, $18.
?? ?? Pomegranat­e and sesame seed oils help moisturize and rejuvenate tired, dry hands. Weleda’s Pomegranat­e Regenerati­ng Hand Cream, $19.25.
Pomegranat­e and sesame seed oils help moisturize and rejuvenate tired, dry hands. Weleda’s Pomegranat­e Regenerati­ng Hand Cream, $19.25.
?? ?? Recycled paper brings a holiday touch to an entertaine­r’s table. Festive Reusable Place Mats, set of 25, $20.
Recycled paper brings a holiday touch to an entertaine­r’s table. Festive Reusable Place Mats, set of 25, $20.
?? ?? Give the uniform of choice for serial entertaine­rs. Jumble Joy Half Apron, $40.
Give the uniform of choice for serial entertaine­rs. Jumble Joy Half Apron, $40.
?? ?? Warm, toasty boots, hats and gloves are always a welcome treat. Pursonic’s Electric Boot & Hat Warmer, $130.
Warm, toasty boots, hats and gloves are always a welcome treat. Pursonic’s Electric Boot & Hat Warmer, $130.
?? ?? Eliminate odours and bacteria from the air with a stylish fragrance lamp worth displaying. Red Ottago Lamp, $70.
Eliminate odours and bacteria from the air with a stylish fragrance lamp worth displaying. Red Ottago Lamp, $70.
?? ?? Stylish and leak-proof are guaranteed for holiday leftovers. Rubbermaid’s Brilliance food storage containers, $6-14,
Stylish and leak-proof are guaranteed for holiday leftovers. Rubbermaid’s Brilliance food storage containers, $6-14,
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