10/15/09

3 Years on RE Giveaway!



When I get invited to someone's house for dinner, I try to bring a hostess gift, although I never feel like I have to.

I like to take a baked item, or flowers from the yard, or maybe vegetables from my garden.



If neither are in season, I'll stock up on dish towels, bottles of soap, or even paper napkins, to be able to give as small gifts.

OR if I'm running short of time, I know that with my friends, a hug will do!

It's my 3rd year of writing and recording part of my life, here on Reluctant Entertainer, and my passion is as strong today as it was 3 years ago. My friend Barb encouraged me to start a blog, to write about hospitality, and look at what has happened! 

My first post on RE: 
... with the best intentions, many of us think about entertaining, but never get around to it. Usually this happens because we don’t have enough time, we’re disorganized or our spouse isn’t interested in hosting a party, or even a small dinner! For many this blessing of gracious living for both the host and her guests never takes place because of fear … fear of failure, unable to cook, unwilling to share their lives with others, fear of deepening friendships … they are intimidated and think the meal has to be perfect, or … they don’t have the lifestyle that says, “welcome.”

I've been blessed by RE readers and their comments and heartfelt emails on a daily basis, saying RE has made a difference in their lives.

This giveaway is for YOU! To say thank you!

COMMENT TO WIN
Tell me your favorite hostess gift to give or receive?



MORE CHANCES
Tweet about it (1 extra chance) or post on your blog (2 extra chances), but make sure and come back and tell me!

WHAT TO WIN
The winner will receive in the mail the above package - a gift from me to you to enjoy!



~ Wacky Jackie Cake Mix (Butte Creek Mill, made right in my town)
~ Pumpkin Bread Mix (oh, delicious, just like Wacky Jackie)
~ Meyer Dish Soap (basil scent - my favorite, thanks to my friend, Steph)
~ Fall napkins - perfect for entertaining
~ Plant holder (for your front door!)

WHEN TO WIN
The winner will be announced this Sunday!



Here's another THANK YOU and a BIG HUG, for being a part of my life, some of you having followed RE for almost 3 years! 

And Happy Birthday today to my sweet baby girl. Abby is (sniff, sniff) ... 13 today! Daddy, Mommy, El and Garrett love you very much, baby girl!


Remember to tell me your favorite hostess gift - to give or receive!?

139 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on 3 years!! Thank you for taking the time to keep up this blog, you are an encouragement to me.

Wendy
richshelpmate @ yahoo dot com

Stephanie said...

Congrats on the anniversary! My favorite hostess gift to give is a bottle of wine.

Anonymous said...

My favorite hostess gifts are flowers, a bottle of wine, or dish towels... I LOVE dish towels - they make me happy!

Jody said...

Congrats on 3 years. Like you, I like to bring something different each time and depending on the season. Close to Halloween last year I brought decorated Halloween sugar cookies. Other things I have taken are a pound of Starbucks coffee, a jar of local honey, sunflowers, lots of flowers and plants, a book I knew the hostess would like, William Sonoma hand soap, a glass pitcher filled with homemade lemonade, once even a small chocolate fondue [with good chocolate, forks etc.]! Can't wait to see other comments to give me fresh ideas!
Jody
tojo1atrogersdotcom

Gypsy Heart said...

I just recently found your blog and I love it! You share such wonderful reminders to "stay in the moment" and enjoy entertaining. In the past, I've gotten too fixated on the house, etc., and by the time guests arrived, I was exhausted & stressed. Now, I keep it simple! I've ordered a large white cheese, spinach & chicken pizza, made a huge salad and served wine. I do a simple lunch with salads, bread/crackers & tea or juice. I do still enjoy making a fuss with a grander meal but I now focus on the guests and enjoying them.

I love to give fresh flowers, a plant, a bottle of wine or champagne, something home baked, a little basket with a mix & a dish towel, bath salts & scrubs that I make, note cards, scented candles and always....the LOVE!

Anything someone chooses for me is much appreciated!

Nancy @ Live love laugh said...

Thank you for your wonderful & helpful blog...I have only been at it since April, but yours was among the first ones I found and followed!
Fav gift to give or get? -love dish towels and soaps-and always wine!
~Nancy

The Harrell Family Adventures said...

I have referenced your blog several times over the past few months as I am a "newbie" to the blogging world. My favorite gift is wine/coffee/flowers. I love giving flowers because so many people do not treat themselves.

susan said...

Congratulations on 3 years!! I'll tell you what I like even more than a hostess gift-- a quick but heartfelt thank you note after the event!!

Laura said...

Congratulations!! A bottle of wine is usually what I bring as well :)

Sara said...

I love to bake so baked goodies are always fun to give.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sandy! Congrats on 3 years. That's awesome! If I have enough notice, I like to make choc chip cookies and take them. Otherwise, it's whatever I can come up with at the time...

Tina Butler said...

Congrats on your 3 years!! that is quite a accomplishment! Your daughter is beautiful happy birthday. My favorite hostess gift to bring is alwasys a nice dessert. My mother always taught me when you are invited anywhere always bring a dish of something. It stuck and that is what I always do.

Kirsty said...

Congratulations! I love to give and receive flowers.

Kirstin said...

I too like to bring a gift when I can. I'll buy a plant, bring some flowers or something simple. Sometimes I bring some homemade jam.

I'm going to post about this now on my blog. It'll be through my phone so it won't be anything fancy...

co said...

Normally, I bring baked goods in a basket. But around the holidays, I bring a mason jar filled with cranberries and a candle! When the candle is lit, you can smell the fresh cranberries!!!

courtneyleffew at gmail dot com

Stacey said...

When we have guests for dinner it's almost always very close friends. We've been eating together for many years so a gift isn't necessary. My friend does bring goodies every now and then and I try to take her something too. We usually seem to do seasonal things. Napkins, towels, candy for the season, flowers, etc. Just a little treat for a friend. :)

Congratulations on 3 years of great accomplishment. I enjoy your blog so much and have told lots of people about it.

adsgram said...

Hands down my favorite is fresh or potted flowers. I host Easter, THanksgiving and Christmas dinners at my home, and I have gotten some lovely plants and flowers both for the house and the garden.

What a nice giveaway, and Congratulations on your 3rd year anniversary.


Lynne
dlynne172@yahoo.com

summer knobloch said...

I don't often receive a hostess gift when entertaining (but that's okay by me!) but if I do, flowers, a plant, or a candle is always lovely. Then I can use them as a centerpeice for the meal we are sharing with friends.

Barb said...

I grew up on a farm and have vivid memories of my mom giving gifts of fresh milk, cream or eggs. As a kid, I never saw the value in these things, but now as an adult living in the city, I can really appreciate getting items from the farm like this.

linda t said...

Congrats on your 3 years Sandy!! We started around the same time and you're still one of my favorites Sandy!
We usually bring a bottle of wine that I have brought back from Wisconsin... or a packet of my Hollyhock seeds.

Maren said...

I like to give a good bottle of olive oil. To receive? Anything!!

Sims Family said...

Congratulations on 3 years! I've only bben following a short time, but enjoy your blog a lot. My favorite hostess gift is flowers. LOVE having them in my house. Love to get them.

I am Mom said...

Happy 13th to your sweet girl -
A few years ago our pastor's wife brought me a tea candle and small tea candle holder when they came over for dinner. It was just perfect to set on a shelf in the guest bathroom. I still see it today and think of her. SO, now I look for discounted tea candle type holders, stock up, and bring to a friend.
Cannot wait to see your kitchen!

I am Mom said...

posted on my blog :)

Anonymous said...

Me again! Blogged about your giveaway! Check it out HERE !
pk @ Room Remix

Gina said...

Happy three years to you!

My fav hostess gift to give and receive is a bottle of wine or fresh flowers.

Donnetta said...

Has it really been 3 years already!? You remain an inspiration to me as you did on day 1. :-) Keep going girl...

I often have extra votive candles on hand, so it is not uncommon for me to take those. Especially as we enter cooler weather.

Happy Birthday to Abby as well! 13 is a big and exciting year. May memories be made today that will last a lifetime!

Thanks for another wonderful giveaway opportunity!

Jonathan and Jill Colburn said...

Congrats on 3 years. I just found your blog a few weeks ago and have enjoyed reading it and finding some great ideas and recipes! My favorite hostess gift is a candle and baked goods and then a thank you note a few days later for their hospitality. Thanks for your blog!! I also put a tweet up about your blog - jillcolburn

Tami said...

I love to make a pan of cinnamon rolls, a package of Starbucks and tie is with a ribbon and make a pretty tag.
Then the next morning the hosts can relax at breakfast.

But sometimes I grab a bottle of wine...

Whitney said...

I am not sure that I have ever received a hostess gift, but anything homemade would be wonderful. I am so glad I found your blog and congratulations on three years running.

"Hello... It's Me Again..." said...

I love your blog! I usually take a fun and festive kitchen towel and try to pick them up when they are half-price at Hobby Lobby (like they are this week)!

Anonymous said...

Love the blog! I love to have people in my home, but you always make it seem even more fun!

I love fresh flowers! It seems that people don't pay the money to have them in their homes anymore, so that is what I like to take to others. They can just be grocery store flowers, but they brighten the space!

Oh, and your daughter is a beauty!

Angie Kerr said...

Congratulations!! I love your blog and it encourages me to entertain more often. Thank you.

My favorite gift to give or receive is chocolates. I like to take over a box of good quality chocolate that the hostess can enjoy after the party, with her feet up!

Happy Birthday to your daughter. She is beautiful!

Sarah said...

i guess my hostess gifts depend on the theme/occasion. If it's dog friends, we take gifts for the pups, if it's just a dinner with pals we take wine!

Shannon said...

My youngest daughter, Aurora, has a birthday today, too- she just turned 7.

As far as hostess gifts, I can always use dishtowels and always enjoy candles or stationary.

Congratulations on 3 years. . . I enjoy reading.

Shannon
Spokane, WA

{northern cottage} said...

just found your blog & I'm LOVING it!

Best gifts - One of my favs is to make a homemade treat (fudge or seasonal bread, etc.) & gift it away on plate/platter that I've picked up at thrift stores or GW (that way they get to keep the pretty china platter, etc. as part of the gift - too!)& pretty tea towels are always good!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Sandy...

My friend, this is my very first visit to your blog...I'm so happy to have found you!!! In fact, I've added you to my list of blog follows and really look forward to your upcoming posts (plus I will be spending a great deal of time going back through your past posts too)!

Congratulations on your 3rd year blogging anniversary! I love your gift giveaway...some really sweet gifts! I would love to have you enter my name...and I've already posted your giveaway in my sidebar!

So very nice to meet you, Sandy!

Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Ooops...just lil' ol' me again! I forgot to mention in my comment what I like to bring as a hostess gift. I try and pick up pretty placemats, dinner napkins and even napkin rings when they are on sale and gift my hostess with these!

I have loved reading all the comments...I've gotten some great gift ideas!

Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Dawn S said...

I never expect anything when I entertain at home, although if someone wants to bring flowers, that is always appreciated! I have the worst luck growing flowers and I just never think to buy any before I have company over!
Thanks!
Dawn S
striblin@yahoo.com

Tammy@InStitches said...

Congrats on 3 years ! Your daughter is beautiful (I'm sure my 12.5 yr old son would think so too !) A bottle of wine always works for me.

Julie said...

I'm big on baking, so I often bring some baked goods to a friend's house.

Julie =)
sweetpea{dot}hull{at}gmail{dot}com

(I have also posted a link on my blog)

Moore Minutes said...

Happy Sweet Birthday to your beautiful daughter.

Thanks for doing this fun giveaway! By the way, I so adore your blog because entertaining is a PASSION of mine too! <3
My favorite hostess gift to give or receive is fresh flowers!! They always add light to any occasion.

Jill said...

Happy 3 years to you and happy birthday to your beautiful girl! YOU!!! (and your blog) have been both an inspiration and a blessing to me in so many ways. As for the hostess gift.... my favorite thing to give varies depending on the person or the season, but you can't beat a nice candle or some pretty napkins. My favorite thing to get (and what I get most often) is a bottle of wine.

Jessica said...

Happy 3 Years! I always love giving and receiving nice chocolates! You can't go wrong with chocolate... unless your lactose intolerant or a vegan.... Well I guess you can go wrong with chocolate.

Anonymous said...

3 years...I am fairly new to blog-reading, so I have some catching up to do!! My favorite hostess gift to give is a large box of matches that I cover with pretty scraps of fabric or scrapbook paper. It costs less than $1 to make, so often I throw in a candle to go with it. (I use spray adhesive to attach fabric/paper to the match box.
debbiehall5@comcast.net

shruley said...

I am not creative so usually take a bottle of wine, but one from a local winery that we have visited.

Kathy said...

my fave hostess gift is to bring something I've made {something from my heart} ... homemade applesauce, jam, pumpkin bread or cookies are a few of my faves to bring ...
kathy k.

Ladipierce said...

Many happy years to come! My favorite hostess gift to take is a matching set of paper plates and napkins. That way, she is ready for her next party! dpierce2007[at]comcast[dot]net.

Jennifer said...

It is fun to stock up on the soaps at Bath and Body Works when they are having one of those great sales. Tie a little ribbon on it and you have a simple, enjoyable, and practical hostess gift! Who doesn't like clean hands, especially in the kitchen! :) Thanks for the blog. Great job these last three years!!! :)

Jennifer
seryclan@gmail.com

G. said...

I like to bring something handmade or homemade, or bottles of sparkling juice, Trader Joe's makes a delicious sparkling pomegranate juice which is a nice change from grape. I've enjoyed reading your blog!

-Gina
ginaboston1@gmail.com

Susan said...

Congratulations on three years!!

My favorite hostess gift is a loaf of homemade bread and a jar of specialty jam wrapped in a tea towel. It's an easy standby!

Kim said...

My favorite hostess gift of give is a jar of my homemade jam!

Di said...

Congrats on your anniversary! I really enjoy your blog.

And my youngest daughter turned 13 two weeks ago tomorrow, so I know just how you feel.

God bless you!
~Di
mom2riandkayl at lycos dot com

slip4 said...

Sandy, I have enjoyed your blog so much since I found it over a year ago. And read all your archives too, so I feel like I have been reading since the beginning! Congratulations on three years of helping others overcome the fears of entertaining!
My favorite thing to receive as a hostess gift is a plant, esp an herb that I can cook with. But wine is great too and never goes to waste! :)
I found a great bowl on the (in)courage site that is black and white on the outside, and the inside is red or blue, with the word "life" around the rim in many different languages. I bought 6 of them and intend to fill them with different things to give as I need a hostess gift. Next weekend I am filling one with pumpkin dip and including some ginger snaps to eat it with! Yummy!

Jennifer said...

I think my favorite hostess gift is chocolate. But I wonder about this sometimes. What is the rule for hostess gifts?

Pinky said...

Mt favorite gift is anything homemade....food wise that is! One friend brings me her candied walnuts every year at Christmas and I LOOOOVE them! Pumpkin bread is also a big fav....anything pumpkin, actually:):) Pinky

Pinky said...

PS, congrats on your anniversary and your daughter is beautiful....she looks just like YOU!!!!

Jennifer said...

I wrote a post about this giveaway on my blog. My favorite hostess gift is chocolate!

midwestmom3 said...

I love to bring fresh flowers.
Thank you so much!

lee said...

i love to give flowers, fancy soaps (dishwashing or nice hand) or a set of barwipes. i use nice fabric ribbon and rewrap them with a great bow.

Gabrielle said...

Cogratulations for 3 years--LOVE the blog!
My favorite gift is a nice box of tea or loose tea or some homemade soaps.
couponingincriticaltimes AT gmail DOT com

Unknown said...

I'd say flowers- on either end! They can be such an unexpected lift to your day!

Amy said...

Congratulations on 3 years!

My favorite gift to give is a all-in-one tea steeper/mug set along with a set of teas. If I am crunched for time, a bottle of wine does the trick as well!

kufishy(at)gmail(dot)com

Susan said...

To give...it depends on if and how well I know the hostess. Usually a Yankee Candle or I will bring flowers. I love to receive anything...including a hug!

care said...

I love to bring a bottle of some kind of sparkling drink -- sparkling limeade in the summer or cider in the fall or other special sparkling fruit drink. Who can't help but love an sparkling drink!

Susan said...

I tweeted about it and posted it on my blog which also auto updates my facebook page :)

Susan

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

HI, Sandy, big congrats on 3 years, didn't realize it had been that long. You're about 4 mos. ahead of me. So glad we met!

I dont' have a fave hostess gift, but if I did, it would probably be something homemade.

jodi @ back40life said...

I love flowers or a plant.

Liz said...

My favorite hostess gift is a bunch of pretty flowers or a bottle of wine. Nice to give and receive!

grace said...

congrats, sandy! my favorite things to give AND receive are always edible...

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

Congrats on your 3 year anniversary. How wonderful!! I love your blog - it's been so beneficial and encouraging.

I would have to say that anything homemade (and practical)is what I like to receive and so therefore that is what I tend to give. Many friends and families have recieved jars of home canned goods or baked items and such.

Melissa's Thoughts said...

Congrats on your 3 year anniversary. My favorite hostess gift is honey bun casserole for their breakfast. I feel that if someone invites us in their home in the evening, I want them to take it easy that next morning.

Lady Dorothy said...

I love giving and receiving hostess gifts, but I don't think I have a favorite either way. I do like to give something that "matches" the hostess in some way -- her colors, her tastes, her hobbies, her house. So, I guess I like to receive a gift that "matches" me!

Darla said...

Congrats on 3 years Sandy. My favorite hostess gift to give or receive is a bottle of wine (with the understanding that it does not have to be served that night in either case). I'd certainly welcome any of the things you mention tho.

Happy birthday to your daughter!

Darla

No Longer 25 said...

Congratulations on your 3 year blog-iversary! Napkins are a favourite gift to receive is probably napkins. I never seem to have that many and it's so nice even with a simple lunch with friends to have seasonal napkins!

Carolyn @ My Backyard Eden said...

My favorite gifts to either give or receive are a bottle or wine and/or fresh flowers! Congrats on 3 years!

Jessica @ This Blessed Life said...

It may sound cliche, but my favorite hostess gift is flowers.

Congratulations on three years! I thoroughly enjoy your blog. I blogged about your giveaway, too! I'm keeping my fingers crossed - maybe this time!

An Adventurer in the World said...

happy Birthday Abby!


deb meyers

Audrey said...

Congratulations on three years!
I love to give a small candle or a funky bar of homemade soap, or a sweet baked something!

Teressa said...

Congrats on 3 years.My favorite hostess gift to get is dish towels and good dish liquid.Makes the cleaning up a little happier.

Lynne in NC said...

Congratulations on your 3rd year!

I stock up on cute dish towels. I'll take the host family a loaf of home made bread, a bottle of wine or a jar of pickled jalapenos wrapped in one of the towels.

~Kathie~ said...

Congratulations on 3 years! My favortie hostess gifts to bring are flowers, a plate of freshly baked cookies, a pound of coffee or a bottle of wine. Thank you for all of the great ideas and inspiration you give here on your blog!

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Wow! Congrats on making it 3 years. I'm coming up on my 3rd year pretty soon.
I've truly enjoyed your blog and get inspired every time I read it! Keep up the good work.
My favorite hostess gift to give is a small plant. As far as receiving one, I believe whatever effort they put into bringing, I will love it no matter what!
Hugs to you Susan!
Kim

Dawn said...

Congrats on the blogaversary! I love your blog and all your words of encouragement.

I love to take either baked goods or sets of paper products (matching dessert plates and napkins, etc.)

Tegan | Celebrate Twelve13 said...

We are wine people-- we don't go anywhere without a bottle of wine (or two) for the host and for the guests to enjoy.

I'm new to your site within the last couple of weeks and really enjoy it. Thank you for the giveaway!

Farmgirl Cyn said...

Bottle of wine or a smelly candle...it's what I give and what I like to get!

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

I have special spice grinders i pick up in Italy... everyone loves them.
Happy 3 yrars!

CJ'SMOMMY*KIMBERLY said...

Congrats on 3 years!!!!

4th of July I always carry the host flowers and some fresh fruit.
New years eve I always take something for the host like VS lotion.I'm very allergic to Bath and Body works and can't even handle their bottles so it has to be VS lotion.

I have never got a hostess gift but my fav. would have to be seasonal dish,white or seasonal platter,something gourmet like seasoning

after reading everyone else's ideas I'll add wine or champagne,pack of hollyhock seeds,nice olive oil

Amber said...

I love the old standby of fresh flowers. So often, we don't buy them for ourselves, but nearly everyone enjoys them so much! It's like bringing a "special treat."

Miller Family said...

Flowers are always nice or a candle is nice too.

Stacey said...

I love to give a really great jar type candle in a seasonal fragrance. This past week we had a lovely dinner with some friends. I remembered to buy the most lovely bouquet of fall flowers. But, then forgot them in the van! Yes, I sent my husband out to get them an hour after we arrived. Still much appreciated though!

Bombtastic Belle said...

Happy 3 years! :)
My favorite gift to give and recieve is flowers or candles - especially if you know which is the favorite.
eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I buy handmade soaps from a farmers market and give them in a little wooden tray.
Robin

Unknown said...

I try to take small gifts that fit the host/hostess. Sometimes it might be baked items, specialty tea or coffee, or a plant or flowers. If possible, I like to make something so if they like coffee or tea I might make a mug cosy or a reusable mug sleeve that I line with insulbrite.

Love your blog. Congrats on 3 years!

southerninspiration said...

Congrats on three years, Sandy!! That's terrific!!!

I think a trivet or a dish towel is a nice gift, or a homemade treat ...

Suzanne

Alana said...

Honestly, I don't give or receive many hostess gifts, but I almost always hand write a good old thank you note. I think those always mean so much!

Carol Kennon said...

First off, Happy Birthday to Abby!
Second, Congratulations on 3 years! My favorite hostess gifts are flowers, or homebaked breads and goodies.

Traci Michele said...

will you help? only 43 more needed!!

http://ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com/2009/10/coincidence-i-dont-thing-so.html

jean said...

congratulations. I've gotten loads of house gifts and while they were wonderful and useful, it's always the dish towels that make my day. Such a simple gift but as I use them I remember when I got them and who gave them to me. I don't have any sort of theme, I just love them.

Sprittibee said...

New here. Great blog! Darcy sent me. She's fab.

Hostess gifts. What a novel idea. I do so little entertaining with homeschooling, blogging, and keeping up with a 7 month old.

I would LOVE to entertain and cook. I just got my first apron. I would just say "bring yourself" if someone would come over for dinner... but I can't deny that I love it when someone brings a dish to go with dinner... my good friend likes to bring baked artichoke dip and tortilla chips when she comes over to our house.

Dish towels are cute. Even fresh cut roses from your back yard would be wonderful. You could dress it up and get rid of one of the vases under your cabinet you never use - and that scrapbooking ribbon that is collecting dust in your hall closet. ;) Thanks for the encouragement. Maybe I'll cut some roses next time I go to a friend's for lunch or dinner!

Dogmom Diva said...

I just found your blog, I love it..I can see I am going to get some great ideas!

I am not very creative, but when we go to someone's home for dinner or a party, i will usually take one of my favorite bottles of wine!
Barb
http://dogmomdiva.blogspot.com/

Dogmom Diva said...

I just posted your giveaway on my blog!
Barb
http://dogmomdiva.blogspot.com/

Jenny said...

I love your blog! Congratulations on 3 years. :)

I love to sock up on Bath and Body Works Kitchen Soaps when they're on sale, tie a bit of raffia around the pump and give those as hostess gifts.

katklaw777 said...

I like to take baked goods and put them in a basket or pretty container that they can reuse. I collect tins and baskets with just this in mind. If I haven't time to bake, then a good bottle of wine is usually a welcome gift. Congrats on your 3 year anniversary! katklaw777 at yahoo dot com

Suzann said...

Goodness - I always seem to bring a bottle of wine. Of course, not much hosting in my life, so not much to compare it to.

crystalgrant84 said...

my favorite gift to receive and give is fresh cut flowers. Love them, how could you not!? Flowers brighten up any room and put a smile on my face always!

crystalgrant84@hotmail.com

Ursula said...

I always go with a nice bottle of wine from a local vineyard.......
Ursula at uswood1@optonline.net

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

Congratulations! My favorite thing to receive is probably paper napkins! I love having different ones to set different moods (or lift me out of a blue one). And it's nice when I don't have to pay for them or pick them myself but when someone else blesses me with their selection!

Jennifer said...

I tweeted (is that a word?) about this giveaway. My favorite is chocolate.

mary beth said...

I think a little basket of treats, chocolate, flowers, something hand made by me...it's the thought that counts, right! Thanks Sandy for giving me courage to open my home to others! Keep up the great work!

Jen said...

I love to bake, so pumpkin muffins or chocolate chip cookies work for me. Congratulations! Happy 3!

Sara said...

Congratulations on 3 years! I love to give and receive something we can enjoy right away together - whether it's flowers to put on the table or food to add to our meal.

Bonnie said...

Wow. Three years! Congratulations. I love reading your posts and your recipes always leave me drooling. Someday I hope to try every one of them!

My favorite hostess gift to give is candles/candle holders. I always try to find something that fits the occasion or the person if it's a "just 'cause" type of thing and then some wonderfully scented candles to go with the holders. I'm a huge fan of Partylite candles and have an entire dresser full, ready to put together a gift at a moment's notice.

Sara L said...

I love bringing flowers because I also love receiving flowers.

Autumn said...

How fun! I really like to bring something, no matter how small, but my favorite is bringing something I baked. If I didn't have time, then flowers, or even fun italian sodas from Trader Joes are a favorite.

MH in OH said...

Favorite hostess gift to receive - flowers!
orangetriangle2 AT yahoo DOT com

Karen said...

I love giving (and receiving) a nice bottle of port. Wonderful blog, by the way. I'm glad I discovered it. Entertaining is becoming a lost art...
kagavin@hotmail dot com

Jenny said...

Congrats on your 'Blogaversary'!!!
My favorite hostess gift are flowers or fruit basket...I hope to win!

Rebecca said...

My favorite hostess gift to give and receive is wine. I love trying new wines, and it's a good way to know what wine to have on hand depending on who you are inviting over. I love giving wine in fun wine bags.

Congrats on 3 years!

Ann's Page said...

Congratulations..wow 3 years? I think my favorite hostess gift would have to be anything they made..it just warms my heart!!I love baked goods or anything they took the time to make...

Many Blessing's
Ann

Jenna Z said...

Goodness, three years! What a milestone! I love to bring an edible hostess gift because they can decide if they want to put it in the kitchen and save it for later or share it with the guests if it's not something they might eat all of.

I HATE getting wine because people seem to think of it as a "go-to" hostess gift but not if you do not drink or cook with alcohol! Then it is a complete waste! And no, we can't just break it open and let others drink it because we don't serve alcohol in our house!

Melwel said...

This blog is awesome. I love to get homemade somethings....notes, canned goods, knitted something. It's all good. Even without a hostess gift, just showing up is gift enough

Love the Decor! said...

Just found you and love this blog!! 3 years is something to celebrate !!
I love to entertain and one of my favorite hostess gifts to take are cute seasonal dishtowels with a utensil (spatula or wooden spoon all tied up together with coordinating ribbon( it's all about the presentation :)
Looking forward to getting to know you stop over for a visit sometime

Elizabeth in Wisconsin said...

Happy, happy birthday to Abby!

As for hostess gifts... Not necessarily my favorite, but my most typical is a bottle of wine. It's just so easy. Sometimes I'll do a loaf of bread.

My friend, Claudia, always brings me flowers from her garden (displayed artistically, because she's an artist). I think her straight-from-the-garden flowers are the best hostess gift, as they come from the heart.

GrammaGrits said...

My favorite gifts to give are knitted dishrags and/or homemade jams and jellies. I love to get anything, even a hug!

Amy Kinser said...

Honestly, I don't believe I have ever recieved a hostess gift. Maybe one time when a lady brought me a necklace she had made. And, unfortunately, I have never given a hostess gift. I usually just go to close friend's homes and just don't think abou it. Maybe I should think better about it and do differently. Thanks for the ideas and thanks for the chance to win.

Bev said...

Congratulation. I have only followed you for a short time but I have enjoyed it. I love to give wine also for a hostess gift

Christi Williams said...

The idea of a hostess gifts are far from the past sadly, we don't think like that anymore. I say we all could do better on these kinds of things. We need to slow down and return to some of the simple things of life.

I do not do wine, I do not drink. I love candles, home baked items, a nice CD of music, a fun table book, a kitchen gadget. I like things that last. But I think anything giving with love, is a great gift.

Emily said...

a favorite hostess gift i received once ... a large bottle of gourmet olive oil! and it was a mistake! she had thought she was grabbing a bottle of wine and brought the oil instead, which i MUCH preferred! =)

Embrace the Circus said...

Wine!

Kelli@SassySouthernMom said...

I love your blog. Today is the first day for me to visit...i found it on bella casa beautiful home.

I would probably say my favorite hostess gift to give or receive, is something homemade from the kitchen. Not everyone is spectacular in the kitchen, but it's such a warm, personal gift to give (and receive too)

Kelli

Laura said...

I always love to give/receive a choice bottle of wine. Delish!

Laura said...

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/couponlover16/status/4956139944

Rachel said...

I love your blog, Sandy! It is always refreshing and encourages me.

My favorite hostess gift to give and receive is fresh flowers. Close second: baked goods.

Cheryl said...

My favorite hostess gifts to give are flowers or my home made vanilla. My favorite hostess gifts to receive are flowers or dish towels.

Cheryl
eazychat@wildblue.net

Robin ~ PENSIEVE said...

Shoot, Sandy...I've had your post up since the other day to post to it, but between feeling pretty lousy, and well...feeling pretty lousy, I haven't yet commented. I'm not trying to win (it might already be too late for that!!) but I wanted to tell you HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!

You come across warm and gracious online and off, and I count myself blessed to have met you in person. Hope it's not the last time, either!

Alison said...

Happy Anniversary! I love your blog and so enjoy reading it!

I love giving fresh flowers... or homemade maple syrup and a pancake mix for breakfast the next day!

Megret said...

Happy Anniversary!
I adore giving fancy serving utensils -- embellished spoon, spatulas, and tongs!
Megret
musesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com

mary grace said...

Happy blogiversary! :) my favorite hostess gift is flowers -- they brighten up the room so much!