Gracious gifts of gratitude to bring to the party: Full House

By Susan Love, The Plain Dealer

December 03, 2009, 7:42AM

View full sizeAllison Carey, The Plain DealerFragranced Tassels from Root Candles of Medina (rootcandles.com or 623 W. Liberty St., Medina) have a replaceable fragrance sachet hidden underneath the tassel. The tassels don't spill, and they release just the right amount of fragrance. Place on a door handle, ceiling fan or mirror hook. Tassels are $30 and come in four colors: Autumn Red, Golden Beeswax, Flowering Sage and Black. Scents are cinnamon, ginger patchouli, sampaquita and currant.
The time-honored tradition of giving a host/hostess gift is especially important this time of year as we enjoy this rousing holiday entertaining season.

Get clever this year with your gifts of gratitude for the gardener, bird-watcher, tech-loving friend, or homebody on your gift list. Think of their likes/hobbies/quirks. Be brave and go beyond the traditional bottle of wine.

First, some loose ground rules: According to Emily Post, host and hostess gifts are completely optional for cocktail parties. A gift the next morning (muffins, maybe) would be nice. For dinner parties, bring a gift, but keep it simple and under $25. A gift is optional for casual get-togethers, but mandatory for an overnight stay.

"The key to giving the perfect gift is knowing your host or hostess," said Hudson interior designer Pamela Bayer. "What does she or he enjoy? If you're not sure, ask someone who is."

Here are some suggestions from area retailers adept at finding the best and the brightest seasonal gifts.

-- Susan Condon Love