10 GIFTS FOR THE EASTER HOST
My maternal grandmother was an amazing host. Her house was always warm and smelled of fresh flowers, her food was delicious, and her company was easy and comfortable.
Easter Sundays of my youth were always spent at her house watching the Master's along with with my aunts, uncles and cousins. Around 6 p.m., we'd emerge for roast beef and ham, followed by cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
When it was time to go home, my grandmother would stand at the open front door until the car was out of sight.
Whenever an occasion struck, my mother was always sure to bring my grandmother a little something special for her hospitality. It was usually a cheering package of napkins, a soft linen drying cloth, or a pretty bouquet of flowers.
So with Easter coming and the potential for multiple dinners with friends and family, here's a list of 10 classic gifts for the Easter host.
1. A handprinted egg of your own design, nestled protectively in a box.
Happy Menocal handpainted egg for M'oda 'Operandi.
2. A package of cheerful paper napkins.
Caspari Bunny Meadow paper cocktail napkins.
3. A potted plant, like Lily of the Valley, that can be transplanted outside once the weather turns warm.
Vladimir Kanevsky porcelain lily of the valley.
4. A set or two of pastel coloured taper candles.
Caspari taper candles in Yellow, Parisian Blue and Petal Pink.
5. A tin of fragrant Easter tea.
Fortnum & Mason Easter Tea.
6. A soft cotton sleeping mask, peppered with pretty flowers.
Liberty London Rachel eye mask in cotton.
7. If the host deserves an extra-special gift, a small bag, just right for spring days.
Simon Miller unbuckle bonsai bag in green.
8. A pan of freshly-baked hot-cross-buns (try apricots instead of raisins for a twist!).
Try Canadian Living's tried and true recipe.
9. A wonderfully thick salve to moisturize those end-of-winter hands.
Crabtree & Evelyn Gardener's ultra-moisturizing hand therapy.
10. A deliciously scented bar of soap in pretty packaging.
Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Soap.