A Holiday Gift Guide For All Courtesy Of A Jewish Hostess

Around every holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Years, non Observant Jews and Non-Jews ask me the same question, “How do you and your friends do this entertains every week? When one of my close friends vented about buying a hostess gift, I simply laughed at her and found the theme to this year’s guide: Our Kitchen

The rule for establishing this year’s gift guide was simple:

*Easily Accessible, even at the last minute
*Reasonably Priced
*Something For Everyone
*Reflecting Traditional Customs While Incorporating Trendy Twists
*Gifts That Could Be Shared Year-round, for Birthdays, Retirements, Anniversaries, and Hostess Gifts

Homemade And More

Ina Garten, “The Barefoot Contessa,” stated that, “When it comes to giving presents, there’s nothing like a homemade of food.” I take it a step further, why not give a gift of a homemade recipe WITH a new cookbook. Kosher cookbooks are the trend in mainstream publishing and sales. All these are new, available on amazon.com and local stores and have easy, adaptable menu options.

*Rising! The Book Of Challah by Rochie Pinson
*Modern Jewish Baker by Shannon Sarna
*The Healthy Jewish Kitchen by Paula Shoyer
*Kosher Taste by Amy Stopnicki

Pinson’s book is so popular that Anthropologie stores will be featuring displays and holding events starting in August, 2017.

Cookbooks, Spirits and A Trendy Tablecloth

Make It Look Pretty

There is nothing more inviting than a festive tabor decor. The exact first impressions are so important to hostesses that they now use themes throughout the house. The overwhelming trend this holiday season, regardless of which holidays one celebrates is the use of gold and silver. I am personally using both, a gold tablecloth with a smaller silver tablecloth over it as a runner. My go-to was Erika Rychik, of toplinetables.com. She delivered goods based on my request from a phone conversation, had it at my door in another state, overnight, and I am getting multiple compliments on my faux leather cloths. They make a perfect gift for any hostess.

The Personal Touch

Why not a personal shopper for all your gift needs this time of year. I personally prefer a small business owner, whose attention to detail to finishing a gift list is impeccable. Breezy’s Gifts is one such place that delivers everywhere for everyone. Aside from a wide assortment of serveware, Breezy’s offers jewelry and boxes for men and pillows and pouches for kids.
“People are leaning towards personal gifts this year. Something unique and different. Personalized items are very trendy because you can put a nickname, pet name or inside joke on it,” stated Breezy Beckerman, store owner.

No Time For Cooking, Baking Or Decor

You can still be a hostess or offer the gift of entertaining without lifting a finger. ages of presentation harmony, more and more event hosts no longer settle for a simple cake to sum up their celebration. One company that does it all is Sweet Dreams NY.

“The trend in party entertainment and celebrations is clear, with hosts looking to create a unique atmosphere based on a particular theme, “wowing” their guests with both look and taste.
My creative design is guaranteed to achieve just that. By carefully customizing all desserts to coordinate with a party’s theme, and by including matching décor that supplements look and feel, I am known for my outstanding dessert tables, the focal point of any party,” said Lori Baker, baker and owner.

There are great kosher wines, beers and foods that win mainstream competitions.

I hope this guide helps you buy gifts and gives your loved ones ideas of what you want.