The little white box, given to me as a hostess gift from a dear friend, held hand-rolled toffee candies that were made from her cherished family recipe from England.
Being with family and friends is always a merry occasion, especially during the holidays. Here are a few thoughtful tips Mummy shared with me… and I am passing them along to you!
As a host:
Make the extra effort to welcome your guests at the door and greet them with JOY!
As a guest:
Bring a little gift, preferably something homemade (always the best gift)! Whether it is your unique recipe for spiced nuts, a yummy pecan pie that can be frozen for future use, a box of your signature cookies, a coffee cake, or a breakfast casserole for the following day, a homemade gift will relay the love in your heart to your hosts.
Write a little note to accompany your gift, and compose a sentence or two on why you are grateful for your friendship.
A longtime friend made this fruit topiary for me at a workshop, hosted by the Colonial Dames of Connecticut and was led by my friend, Ruth Loiseau, the White House floral designer. It is visually lovely, and my grandchildren will delight in plucking the fruit off at our Christmas morning breakfast- double joy!
GrandMillennial Tips:
If you are contributing to a party, place a little piece of masking tape on the bottom and write your name on it. It will be easy for the hostess to distinguish your pan or serving piece from similar ones.
In the South, it is an unwritten rule of graciousness that if you return a pan or serving piece to someone who brought food on it to your house, you never return it empty. It doesn’t have to be much; it is the thought that counts! Include a little goodie (cookies, nuts, or some flowers) along with their empty serving piece. For example, when a hostess friend returned the tray that I used to serve my cheese blintzes on at her party, she returned it with a jar of her homemade wild Cape Cod grape jam… oh, goodie!
If you gift a Christmas ornament, use a gold or silver marker to write the date on it and personalize it, if space allows! Use the same marker on a bottle of wine or champagne to write the date and sign it with your best wishes. These personalized gestures will remind the recipient about the occasion, bringing them even more joy in the years to come.
Wishing you and your darling loved ones joy, happiness, and peace on earth during this advent season.
Xx
Holly