How do you say Thank you for the invitation? In the summer, we are invited to all sort of impromptu dinner parties, visits to cottages, or to stay with distant friends. This is the big social time of the year for us because the winter is, well, cold. Days are long and we can laugh together outside until our gracious hosts remind us that the sun also rises tomorrow.

I love giving a token of my appreciation to my friends. Well, I love giving any sort of present.  In general, the gift should reflect the person you are giving it to as well as the duration of your stay.   The classics are classics for a reason but that doesn't mean you can't put a little twist on them.

1.     For dinner parties, I love to give a nice bottle of wine.  When I find a favorite, I stock up so that I am always ready when for any last minute invitations.  Summer wine gifts are usually whites or rose.  With more robust wines for winter gifts.

2.    A little something for after dinner is a nice gift as well.  Truffles, specialty chocolates, or salted caramels are always appreciated, especially when paired with an after dinner drink. Or you can go savory by giving cheese with jam and sliced bread.

3.    Nice bottles of oil and vinegar is a great hostess gift as well.  Traditional combinations like olive oil and balsamic can be renewed by adding a white balsamic or truffle oil.  Or you can go out of the box with interesting vinegars, like maple, pomegranate, or cherry.

1.     When we were invited recently to a friend's cottage, we gave embroidered towels for the family and a beach bag. 

2.    I also love to give a copy of my favorite cookbook of the moment with some specialty ingredients.


Of course, I like to add a hand written note on one of my favorite stationary pieces.
What are some of your favorite gifts for your hosts and hostesses?
-Rose

To celebrate summer, there is nothing better than a little care package. You could give these to a teacher or a recent graduate as a sort of "great work, now take some time to relax and enjoy."  

I really like that the recipient gets to open several little items that go along with the relaxing summer.  The pieces can be changed depending on the season and the recipient.  Here is an example of what I put together for the teachers and daycare workers as an enjoy summer present.

People really appreciate the inclusion of something homemade and granola is simple to make in large batches. 
I used pistache's version. But there are lots of great recipes available and if you are really rushed for time you can buy a gourmet batch and fill simple containers.

I like making tags for each item so that it doesn't just look like a bag full of stuff. 

(If you click on the image below, you can print these ones for yourself!)

Along with a handwritten note, this is one of those gifts that is sure to please.  We would love to see what you put in your relaxation gift!