We all know the family members or friends who CONSTANTLY have people twirling in and out of their homes. There's never any wonder whether or not you'll meet someone new while you're there or if you've been there enough, see a familiar face. There's no surprise when you walk in the door to find a group of people standing in the kitchen; flowing in and out like it's a hotel lobby.

For us, our home was always the home base. Friends would just stop by, announce themselves, and walk right through the house to the kitchen. It wasn't unusual to find anywhere between 3 and 10 high school kids hunched over the kitchen island, sodas in hand and snacks strewn on the counter, jaws munching away. Friends joined us for our family dinner each night, and were also expected to help clean up after the meal; load and unload the dishwasher. The closest of friends became permanent fixtures.

In my family, my mother is the ULTIMATE HOST. Somehow she's able to pull off throwing incredibly large dinners every month without even batting an eye, often times on fine china. The great thing about our fine china is that it's dishwasher safe! So you can host 40 people, and then stuff each one of those dirty plates into your dishwasher!

Now that I have my own home, and though I have no desire to host 40 people at once, I have acquired a good deal of hosting skills from "Mama K" (as my friends like to call her). I have realized that there are a few essentials pieces needed when it comes to hosting. So if you have a family member or friend who is the ULTIMATE HOST and you need a few gift ideas, here they are!

 

Glasses, Cups, Drinking Containers!

The first thing anyone should be offered when they enter the home is a drink. And during the cold months, a hot drink warms you right up! So for hosts, these things are important - having enough cups! And if they match - even better!


Get your ULTIMATE HOST a set of matching teacups or mugs and a box of nice tea. If they are coffee drinkers, a bag of richly roasted coffee is just as good!

Our *NEW* Blue Canton Shang Mugs (HC148) - $75
Serving Plates

Syracuse Dessert Plate (HP61029) - $210 with Arc en Ciel Mint Presentation Plate (HP530118) - $175

I can't even begin to express how useful I find serving plates! Sure, they can be used as a place setting under your dinner plates, OR double as a serving plate. Use the round ones for pizza, pies, cakes, cookies, cheeses, finger foods, you name! They stack easily in the cabinet and have a plethora of uses. Also great for buffet tables.

Get your ULTIMATE HOST three matching (or different colored) Lace Service Plates to go with their decor.

Punch Bowls
For those ULTIMATE HOST who throws parties, this is a must have! Pour a bottle of gingerale, a bottle of peach juice, a bottle of grape juice, ice, and anything else you'd like to include into one of our huge bowls to make a delicious punch everyone can enjoy. With its wide mouth it's easy to clean out but holds enough to quence the thirst of an entire party! Jazz it up with matching teacups and floating fruit. Who says you can only drink tea out of those teacups?
These bowls can also be filled with beautiful flower arrangements, tons of fruit, or soup for a large group.