Hostess Gifts

Figure A--Fill a rustic basket with all the ingredients for making caramel apples.

Figure B--Another gift for the autumn host is this simple yet elegant jar of trail mix. Fill a canning jar with trail mix, top with a lace doily secured with twine and add a nice decorative touch such as these place-card holders shaped like pears.

Figure C--Make a gift that will warm someone all winter long. Fill a decorative container with all the ingredients for hot-cocoa mix, including gourmet chocolates.

Figure D--Make a gift of fresh-baked cookies even more special by including items that the hostess can use after the cookies are gone. Include a decorative plate and a cookie recipe, along with fun cookie cutters.

Figure E--Find a colorful and seasonal salt-and-pepper shaker set and include it in a basket with gourmet pepper and salt.

Figure F--Make a gift of a bottle of wine or fine olive oil special by dressing it up in a Christmas stocking. Another option is to wrap the bottle in a nice scarf and top with a bow.