The holidays are coming and that means the party invitations will soon be trickling in. While most people love a good party, few of us love searching for, and then wrapping, the perfect hostess gift. We know that it’s proper etiquette and we certainly want to show our appreciation for the invitation but it can be a real hassle. The more invitations you receive, the more stressful (and costly) the whole process becomes. It doesn’t have to be this way. As we’ve suggested in previous posts stocking up when you find things on sale can reduce the cost and eliminate the headache factor completely.
Chances are you weren’t swamped with invites over the summer. You may have even had enough downtime to indulge in some creative outlets. Use this time to gather some hostess gift options and you’ll be all set by the time party season arrives. Of course, everyone knows that having a surplus of items on hand creates some challenges too. You’ll need to remember what you have and where you’re keeping it so that you can easily locate the items when the time is right.
Stockpile is the perfect solution. You should already be using Stockpile free inventory solution to manage your household items. If you are, you know how to add locations and areas for improved tracking. For those who haven’t tried our system yet, here are a few more details. Locations should be used to designate which room items are housed in. For instance, you may store items in the kitchen, garage, bonus room, attic, etc. Each of those would be added as a unique location within your home. Of course the items stored there probably aren’t lined up along the walls so that’s where areas come in. Within each location you can add areas such as cabinets, shelves, storage containers, and more to specifically indicate where items are located. No more searching, with Stockpile it’s quick and easy to locate items. Just a few clicks to access the record and you’ll immediately know where to find what you’re looking for.
This is especially useful if you store items throughout your home. There are very few people who live like Candy Spelling and have an entire room dedicated to gifts and gift wrapping. The rest of us have to utilize the space we have to the best of our abilities. Often this means tucking things away into cabinets, shelves or containers and storing them alongside other unrelated objects. While this may be an efficient use of space, it can be frustrating when we are unable to find what we’re looking for. Stockpile allows us to be efficient and still easily find things. You don’t have to worry that you’ll forget about items that you’ve purchased if you put them away. Since Stockpile makes it easy to check on items, you can always see what’s there.
Ready to stock up on hostess gifts? The tips below should get you started:
- Christmas ornaments - This is a great option for guests attending a Christmas party. Ornaments are fairly inexpensive and easy to store so you can keep a ready supply on hand with very little effort.
- Mason jar cookies - Mason jars are big right now. Stock up on a variety of sizes and colors and you’ll be ready for almost any occasion. When you receive an invite, fill the jar with the dry ingredients for your favorite cookie and attach the baking directions with a fun ribbon and you’re good to go. This option is adaptable to any season or holiday. Not a baker? Fill the jar with candy or bath salts.
- Wine - Find a great deal on a good vintage? Grab a couple of bottles. Pair this with a fun add on such as a bottle topper or ornament and you’ll have a great gift.
- Candles - Candles are a perennial hostess favorite. Just keep in mind that you do have to be careful where you store them. Wax will melt if exposed to heat so you’ll need a cool dry place to keep them.
- Regional favorites - Creating a gift basket of regional favorites can be a great housewarming gift for someone new to the area or the perfect thank you when you stay with someone out of town. Avoid food items unless you’re sure that you’ll be able to use them in a timely manner.
- List pad and reusable shopping bag - You can find cute list pads for as little as $1. Add a fun pen and an eco-friendly reusable shopping bag and you’ve got a hostess gift that is sure to come in handy.
- Handmade soaps - With people becoming more conscious of what goes into the products that they use, all natural handmade soaps are a real pleaser. Plus, they come in a variety of scents and are often very pretty.
- Artisanal snacks - You’ll need to watch the expiration dates so stock up with caution, but introducing your friends to a new snack they’ve never tried can be a real conversation starter.
- Fancy kitchen gadgets - The options here are almost limitless; incorporate some fun and whimsy and anything can be appropriate; an apron, measuring spoons, salt and pepper shakers, almost any kitchen gadget with a humorous character or saying.
- Unique vase with flowers - Flowers are always appreciated, especially when they come ready to display in a beautiful keepsake vase.
Be the Guest that Gets Invited Back Thanks to Our Free Inventory Solution
Follow these tips and you’ll be ready when the invitations start arriving. No more scrambling to be sure that you have hostess gifts. Thanks to Stockpile free inventory solution you’ll be able to relax and focus on getting yourself ready for the party. Now that’s sure to make your holiday season more enjoyable. Get Stockpile today!
