cup or cone...

Need a hostess gift? These white porcelain ice cream cones would be just the thing to take a formal all white dinner party and loosen it up at dessert. Don't get me wrong....I generally gravitate to serving on all white....I just like the idea of shocking everyone with something so simple and innocent. There certainly wouldn't be any dripping out of the bottom of the cone. Are you a cup or a cone ice cream eater?

available here

byob

I've been all about the picnic this week and I just can't move on without throwing in a thirst quenching beverage. Have you ever had beer with lemonade? You may also know it as a shandy. Pour some good beer over ice (or just be sure your beer is very cold) and add anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 of the glass with fresh lemonade.....refreshing. Tie it together in a picnic blanket or put them in a basket and you even have yourself a hostess gift that everyone enjoys......leave the blanket or basket for the hostess of course.

image found here

gift baskets...raised

Time for an interior photo that inspires a gift. We all recognize this kitchen....yes, it's Thom Filicia's space in Soho. See the bar in the basket on the counter? Those baskets are available at any Home Goods, Marshall's, and TJ Maxx type store. Pick one up the next time you need a hostess or housewarming gift. Fill it with liquor bottles and mixers. Talk about raising the bar on gift baskets. Okay, you can roll your eyes, the irony was too obvious.

{image via loftlife}

can hold a candle to you

I want to plan a wine tasting party around these. Just imagine adding them to the table as the night progresses and as the bottles empty. I really think everyone would get into making them as well. Some bottles could even have more than one arm. I'm not sure what the holders are, but I know I could spend some time at home depot and find something. Clean, simple, and functional never fails.

Or just buy them here and bring them to the next party.

Sconehenge

What I am about to give you is perhaps the best and the easiest scone recipe I have ever tried. This is one of those recipes that you hesitate to share. Only because people might find out they really weren't a big deal after all. I make these Christmas morning every year. I don't remember where or who this recipe came from....I have had it and used it for years. If you are going to a party, put them on a plate and wrap it in cello for your host. Match the style of the plate to the host's personality. You can even include some clotted cream and jam.

Scones

2 c. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 T baking powder

1/4 c. sugar

1/2 c. currants or raisins

Add 1 1/4 c. heavy whipping cream. Stir lightly. Flour board. Dump mixture onto board and knead 7-8 times. Shape into a pie. Pat down. Score into pieces and cut. Line baking sheet or grease. Place the sconces individually on the baking sheet. Melt 3 T butter. Cover top and sides of each scone. Sprinkle the tops with sugar. Bake in a 425 degree preheated oven until tops are golden. ABOUT 12-15 minutes. Makes 8.

photo via Martha Stewart

Lolliop Guild

I love the potential and versatility of these lollipops. The Big Race reminded me of that. So much so, that I changed our cover shot. They clearly are just the right extra touch and they obviously have enormous staying power. Forgive me for including the last photo again....I have had it in my inspiration folder for years and I just love it.

images: top and center by seaandjae, bottom by rebecca thuss

I would love to know if you have seen these lollipops used in other memorable ways.

Special Delivery

Since summer is drawing to a close, I think it's appropriate to post about a gift that is the essence of summer. Have fresh lobster delivered right to someone's door. There are a lot of great companies to choose from....many of them green and carbon neutral. You can even become a partner and have your own trap that catches lobster all year just for you through catch a piece of Maine. Now you know that I'm all about leaving a lasting impression. Therefore, send along some lobster bibs, or napkins, or the tablecloth so that when the lobsters are gone, the memory isn't. If you are still lucky enough to be a house guest before summer ends, show up with lobster and you'll have a standing invitation.

photo credit

If you want be a little shellfish, send it to your own door. (Alright, I know.....eyes are rolling everywhere, but I couldn't resist)

It's all clear

When you're unclear what to give someone, your answer might just be right there in front of you....something clear. Glass pieces offer clean design and maybe more importantly, versatility. Simple and clean will end up being a piece they have long after trends and styles have changed. If you want to up the presentation, fill it with something.

available here

available here

available here

One more tisket and tasket for the basket....

This week, you've seen a couple of different things to do with the market tote. I thought I would end the week with one more possibility. Since it is Friday and you could have big weekend plans, it's appropriate. Fill the market tote with items to bring to your host or hostess as a morning after kit. Put breakfast in there for them, so when they get up in the morning and have all that clean up to do, they don't have to eat leftover stale appetizers. You can make it as simple as a bunch of bagels with spreads, juice and coffee. Do you have to bring a hostess gift when you are invited to dinner or a party? No, you don't, especially if it's just casual. However, for more formal get-togethers, it's a pretty good idea....especially if you want an invitation back again.