A SMALL AND USEFUL PRESENT IS ALWAYS WELCOMED
STORY: Laura Carson Miller
Before we know it, the holidays will be upon us, full of parties to attend and trips to take. In the midst of all the fun, it’s important to acknowledge the host and/or hostess who thought to include you and took the time and effort to put together the party. There’s no time like the present to hunt and gather thank-you gifts so that you’re prepared for any and all invitations. The best presents are small and meaningful—and preferably something that will be used up and go away (most everyone has plenty of permanent stuff already!). Here are some of our favorite hostess gifts, all easily acquired in and around Buckhead.
FOR THE HOME CHEF:
If your hosts enjoy cooking and baking, they already know that the best ingredients yield the best dishes. This is true with veggies and proteins, but also with herbs, spices, salts and peppers. Enter Penzeys Spices, where you can purchase a splendid mini gift box (example above); choices include the Baking or the Grill and Broil options. You can also create a personalized gift box with either one large and two small spice picks of your choice or four small items. Trust us, when they open this, you’ll be invited back for dinner.
GET IT HERE:
Penzeys Spices
6269 Roswell
Road N.E.
Sandy Springs 30328
404.256.7970
penzeys.com
FOR THE BEAUTY AFICIONADO:
Both men and women enjoy having hands that want to be held and lips that want to be kissed, so a gift of L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream and Ultra Rich Lip Balm will joyfully suit the host who cares about skincare. Made with quality ingredients and packaged in tubes suitable for any bathroom sink, nightstand or gym bag, they’re a sure winner.
GET IT HERE:
Sephora
3167 Peachtree
Road N.E.
Atlanta 30305
404.467.9565
sephora.com
FOR THE PLANT LOVER:
Two small succulents in pretty terra cotta pots, given with a small container of liquid plant food concentrate, make a lovely gift for your plant-loving host. Beautiful on a windowsill in the kitchen or bathroom, and hard to kill, these small but striking plants are available in several varieties. And your green-thumbed hosts will think of you every time they see them.
GET IT HERE:
Home Depot
2525 Piedmont
Road N.E.
Atlanta 30324
404.841.5608
homedepot.com
FOR THE FREQUENT ENTERTAINER:
If your host is always at the helm of brunches and dinner parties or putting up out-of-town guests, an offering of a few well-appointed necessities will surely earn you a spot at the head of the table. A visit to the charming Erika Reade Ltd. will avail you of luxurious soaps, such as the Sea Salt or Blue Bird Egg for the powder room or guest bathroom. Pair them with stylish, patterned cocktail napkins perfect for serving drinks and hors d’oeuvres from neighboring store B.D. Jeffries.
GET IT HERE:
Erika Reade Ltd.
3732 Roswell
Road N.E.
Atlanta 30342
404.233.3857
erikareade.com
B.D. Jeffries
3736 Roswell
Road N.E.
Atlanta 30342
404.231.3004
bdjeffries.com
GIVE THE GIFT OF PRETTY PACKAGING
Just as important as the present is the presentation. There’s a certain sophistication in presenting a gift packaged with gratitude and creativity. Here are two area spots offering unique, fun and pretty packaging options, including wrapping paper, bags, boxes and more.
The Container Store
3637 Peachtree Road
Atlanta 30319
404.963.9602
containerstore.com
Cost Plus World Market
3495 Buckhead Loop N.E.
Atlanta 30326
470.447.5788
worldmarket.com
