Photo by Joe Anslow
Showing your appreciation never has to be expensive.
Baby showers, celebrations, spa brunches, tea parties….most hosts or hostesses like to give their guests something to remember them by as they leave with full bellies and great memories. Many of those entertaining feel that they have to get something extravagant or luxurious to offer their guests. The truth is, as a guest, I never expect anything. But as a host, I want to give, give, give. I never feel bad about it, though.
1. Baked Goods. Anything homemade is always cheaper (and healthier) than buying the alternative. Cookies, muffins, scones, brownies…all of these can be cheaply made in big batches and put in cellophane bags. To make them more special, you can personalize the goods with your guest’s initials.
2. Dried Herb, Spice, or Flower Infusions. You can buy big canisters of two or three dried herbs or spices and place a bit of each in coffee filters. Or, you can give a small bag of dried rose petals or potpourri to each guest for their next soak in the tub. Combinations are endless. Some popular herbs and spices that can be found in large amounts are chamomile, cinnamon, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Feel free to mix flowers and herbs together for an even more luxurious infusion.
3. Body Scrubs. To me, an even greater luxury than an bath infusion is a body scrub. There’s nothing better than being able to rejuvenate your skin from head to toe. My favorite works like magic and if extremely simple to make. Make the recipe below and hand them out in small plastic containers.
OLIVE OIL, SUGAR, and HONEY BODY SCRUB
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
Mix it all together and scrub over face, body, hands, and feet using warm water.
4. Sugared / Honeyed Nuts. Instead of frilly favors, nuts can be enjoyed by all. They are a great idea for sports gatherings. You can find a big bag of nuts, mixed or single, at your local food discount store or on sale during the holidays anyway. Add enough honey or sugar to coat, a pinch of cinnamon, and bake them until they are toasted or melted together.
5. Build Your Own! The biggest hit I’ve had was giving my guests a bag filled with everything they need for a great cup of cocoa, tea, or a pair of s’mores. They are appropriate for every season and would be a nice unexpected surprise. Who said a cup of hot chocolate has to only be had when its freezing outside? Ever had a hot chocolate on a breezy summer’s night? Go ahead, step out of the box.
For s’mores, bundle mini Hershey bars, graham crackers, and marshmallows together.
For cocoa, you can pair an instant hot chocolate packet with a peppermint stick, cinnamon stick, marshmallows.
For tea, you can make your own tea bags and pair with a strip of lemon peel or orange peel.
WANT A CRAZIER IDEA?? Give your guests a packet of hot chocolate with a tea bag and dare them to try them together! Hot Cocoa-Tea is the newest trend in the cafe. See what combinations you can come up with!
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