Best Thank You Gifts: Chit Chat #50

It's the holidays... what’s a great host/hostess gift?

My root vegetable mash… not the sexiest food photo, but it’s delicious.

Thanks to everyone who weighed in last week about Thanksgiving sides. A favorite comment:

• Denise, who says the one side she can’t live without is, “Stuffing. In the bird. Has to be made by me, or any female from my mom’s side of the family. We all make it just like my GMA did. Anyone else’s…might be fine, but not on TG. I don’t waste the plate space on mashed potatoes, but that root veggie mash…will be giving that a test run. Love making, but don’t eat gravy, just never did.”

Appreciate everyone who shared their thoughts.

This week, I’m answering a question from the from the mailbag:

What do you bring to someone who has invited you over for a holiday dinner, special occasion or any other event in which you need to say thank you with more than a handshake and a slap on the back? What’s a great host/hostess gift? Please share! 

For me, I will tell you that a bottle of wine or flowers in most cases says I don’t really care that much. So here are some fave things you can buy and my favorite foods to make to bring over as a GIFT, not as something to be consumed on site. And yes, some of these are shameless plugs, but they really make a great thank you and they are fun.

What’s your go-to host/hostess or thank you gift? Share with the rest of us! My picks below.

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1. Sign someone up for a paid subscription to Spilled Milk, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Place a note in a card and slip it to your host during the evening.

2. I spent a few years making these superb spice blends and I load up on them personally and bring them over with some other kitchen tool, usually a simple spatula and you are in great shape. 

3. Make a batch of my home made orgeat syrup (recipe below), perfect in many drinks (you cant make a Mai Tai without it) but also as a glaze or sauce. Place the syrup in a festive jar or container and you will be a hero to your hosts.

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Orgeat Syrup From Scratch

This stuff lasts for a month and is amazing as an ingredient on pastries, pancakes, ice cream, or used to glaze chicken off the grill (cut the sweetness with lime juice).