Metro Gift Ideas

If you’re invited to a party, you’ll want to let your host know that you’re grateful for their hard work. A hostess gift is the perfect way to show your appreciation. Even though a bottle of wine is always a nice gesture, there’s something to be said about a creative gift that includes your personal touch. Here are some suggestions for unique homemade hostess gifts:

Never arrive empty-handed

A hostess gift is not just a formality, but a chance to experience the joy of giving pleasure. Still, finding amidst the holiday clutter of baubles and boxes, gifts and gewgaws that little something that is unique, not too personal and sure to please is a real challenge. Just the thought of the long search ahead is enough to elicit a "Bah! Humbug!"

Ah! you have the perfect solution: a nice bottle of wine! That's always suitable. However, the wine you choose so carefully might not even be opened at the meal unless you have consulted your host. Why? Because your wine might not complement the meal, in which case it will be enjoyed some other time.

Truth be told, there is nothing finer than to hear the delighted cry "You made this’" when you give something homemade. Since a great wrapping job contributes quite a bit to the overall impression the gift will make, be creative and add a personal touch. No need to run all over town.

Now that you have the general idea, simply drop by your favourite Metro where you'll find lots of suggestions for presents to make at home. Your time is the most precious gift you can give.

Thirteen Suggestions

1A potted plant

If you give a bouquet of flowers, your host needs to spend time finding the right vase. A potted plant is ready to be placed wherever your host wants!

2A pomander

Typically an orange studded with cloves and intended to add a beautiful festive fragrance to any room. Arrange the cloves in a ribbon or Christmas tree pattern.

3Prepare a 17th century style dessert

Use walnuts, raisins, almonds, and figs to make a truly tasty gift.

4Show a cook that you care with kitchen gadgets:

A lemon squeezer and three lemons, a mushroom brush and a package of beautiful white mushrooms, a nutmeg or a ginger grater with the proper spice.

5For tea lovers

Prepare a pretty parcel of lemons, Scottish shortbread, marmalade, and a selection of fine teas.

6Wrap up some couscous

With cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne, and saffron, it will warm the heart of your winter-hating friends.

7A bouquet of coloured candles

Tied up in a big, bright ribbon, it's perfect for those long winter nights.

8Three bars of stain-removing soap tied together with tape

It may not be a very artistic gift, but it’s sure to come in handy!

9A selection of pasta:

Spaghetti, spaghettini, linguine, fettucine, rotini, tagliatelle, penne and a jar of homemade sauce. The combinations are endless!

10Fancy Christmas cookies:

Checkerboard shortbread, cinnamon nut sticks, gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and other family favourites. Pack the baked cookies in cardboard or tin boxes, gold net bags, or wicker baskets and add a few cookie cutters.

11Quick and easy chocolate truffles rolled in cocoa

Sure to please any chocoholic. This is one case where excess is good!

12Grandma’s fruitcake

In a stoneware baking dish garnished with a few sprigs of holly, it will add to the holiday spirit

13For fans of cookbooks

Add a prepared dish from your host’s favourite cookbook and your host will truly appreciate the effort!