Party Styling: Host and Hostess Gifts With a Difference

With summer officially declared in the northern hemisphere I have been seeing cruelly tantalising blog posts about summer entertaining and activities while I trudge through a cold and dreary Melbourne winter.  But just because it is the middle of winter here in the southern hemisphere doesn't mean that we can't enjoy a good dinner party or weekend entertaining session with friends and loved ones!  So today I am sharing some of my ideas for sweet and thoughtful gift ideas to bring along to your next dinner do or function  (should you not be the host).

Next time you're invited to a bring and share function, why not bring your contribution in a bowl, platter, dessert stand or wooden board which you can leave for your hostess to enjoy after the party's over.

Attending a kid-friendly function?  Help out your hosts by bringing along party favours and entertainment for the little ones; there's something for everyone with toy tool sets, colour-in softies, rings for girls and tweens, and felt play food.

I've left my favourite entertainment function till last, the ladies' high tea!  Spend a relaxing afternoon with your favourite female friends and thank your hostess with handmade gourmet tea, re-usable fabric napkins, an eye-catching tea cosy, or a deliciously scented candle.