Having company doesn’t have to mean matching china and polished cutlery. For me, entertaining is an easily gained source of joy and I love making memories around our old wooden dining room table. Options are endless when it comes to finding the perfect gift for the hostess, however, finding the perfect gift for a reasonable price can be a much more gruelling task. Nobody really wants to wander around the shopping centres for hours on end amidst the holiday chaos. So to help make your Christmas shopping a little easier this year, I’ve partnered with Poetry and curated a selection of budget-conscious gift ideas for the hostess, all ranging at R250 or less.
Jewellery
As a hostess, it’s not only fun dressing up your home but to primp and prettify yourself as well. I fell in love with these organic drop earrings, they’re simple but still make a statement. They come in a gold option as well as white with a gold trim, although I think the silver ones are the winners.
Shop the organic drop earrings
Candles
One of the inexpensive ways that I find a necessity to spruce up the ambiance when hosting, is candles and more candles. In fact, there’s no occasion too scanty to light up a scented candle. Even if Marcel and I are having toasted cheese for dinner, there are always flickering flames. I’ve bought many ‘scented’ candles that have let me down with no hint of aroma when lit. I discovered the Poetry brand ones a while back and they are now a firm favourite of mine. They have an extensive collection of the most amazing scents (all locally made) that leave a lingering fresh aroma that lasts for hours. They’re also long-lasting (this is coming from someone who lights candles every day) and are well priced at R199 per 255g candle.
Tableware
Tableware items are always great gift ideas for the entertainer. Poetry has infinite options for the homemaker that are not only practical but add to the table setting aesthetic. The paisley napkins, glassware and marble boards are a few of my favourite items in store at the moment. For the tea-lovers, or hostesses who love to throw a tea party, there’s the option of beautiful floral mugs. I love a large mug suited for copious amounts of tea.
Bath & Body
Whether you’re hosting overnight guests or having friends for dinner, leaving out beautiful soap and body products is a lovely homemaker-y touch. Who doesn’t want to smell good and feel pampered? I love the packaging of these bath oils and that they could be on display in someone’s bathroom, no need to hide these in the cupboard until bathtime.
Confectionaries
A dinner soiree or coffee with friends, every gathering should end off with something sweet. There’s nothing better than serving or gifting something that looks as good as it tastes. I personally love the ‘Chocolates by Tomes’ range made exclusively for Poetry. The orange in dark chocolate is a winner for me!
With the myriad of affordable and thoughtful gift options, there’s no excuse not to spoil the homemakers in your life this holiday season. I’m so grateful for all the hostesses in my life, for gathering friends and family together under one roof, cultivating new friendships and creating long-lasting memories with existing friends by opening up their homes.
Wishing you all a joyous and festive holiday season!