As we are officially right in the throws of holiday party season, now is as good a time as any to talk about the “host gift.” As I learned recently, the trusty bottle of wine is not so trusty after all. Bring a bottle of wine to the wrong person, and you’re guaranteed a lecture about alcoholism and someone going to rehab. (It wasn’t fun, but it did make me a lot more aware of what I give to other people.) So today, I’m here to share with a few trusty gifts that will make you the favorite guest at any shindig.

a potted Christmas Cactus

Really any indoor plant will do, but  a Christmas cactus is especially festive this time of year because (most of them) bloom bright pink or red flowers just around the holidays. One of our friends actually brought us a cutting from his own plant (which he’d gotten from his aunt I believe) that has livened up our kitchen for a couple years now.

Love these organic tea towels by artgoodies’ Lisa Price

Breakfast for the Morning After

Throwing a party or hosting overnight guests can be a lot of work! One of the coolest host gifts we ever received was a basket of muffins for breakfast the next day wrapped in a beautiful tea towel. Bonus: add coffee and a bottle of Baileys. (If you know they imbibe, of course.)

Blackberry Farm Strawberry Rhubarb Jam, Buttermilk Biscuit Mix, and Blackberry Blue Cheese

Local Goodies

This year, most of the gifts we are giving have either been locally made or locally purchased. Giving things from around your own hometown adds a perfect personal touch and supports local businesses. If you’re in East Tennessee, one of my favorites to give and receive are Blackberry Farm products. (Their cheeses are divine!)