Christmas Gift Guide 2008: Entertaining and Hostess Gifts
With the Holiday Season comes the P & E — Parties and Entertaining! From office parties to parties with family and friends, you will likely have more than one occasion to show that you are the “Hostess with the Mostess” or a gracious party guest! Of course, we wouldn’t leave you hanging for this very important part of the Holiday Season, so Chic Shopper Chick has got you covered with everything you’ll need to survive this season of Holiday Parties!
The Perfect Holiday Dress — Each year I go in search of the perfect dress to wear to Church on Christmas Eve, as well as to all of the various parties and events that we attend throughout the season. This year, I am so thrilled to say that I already have my dress, well before I moved into panic mode! This year I will be wearing a flattering and gorgeous little number from ShapeFX! When I pulled the dress out of the box I thought, wow, this isn’t going to look on me like it does on that size 2 model. Guess what? It looks fantastic (You know, I mean, if I do say so myself)! I would be proud to model it anywhere — sign me up to be the new SpokesMom for ShapeFX! Any dress that makes hubby do a double take MUST be a keeper! Check out the full line of products from ShapeFX, including their shapewear, pants, and special occasion line! I have no doubt that you will love this stuff as much as I do! To prove it to you, I plan to do a post soon with some pictures of me wearing this amazing dress!
Entertaining — When I entertain, I love to have people walk in the door and say “mmmmm” because it smells so good. Maybe it’s because of your fantastic cooking, or it could just be from a really well-scented candle. I love to burn candles in my house, and I really like to choose ones that smell like food, like cinnamon, or buttercream. Yankee Candles make some really great scents, and they even have a special line for the Holidays. I especially love this Christmas Cookie Candle by Yankee Candle. Nom Nom Nom!
Don’t forget that you also need to send out the perfect Holiday Party Invitation. I love the great Holiday Cards from Tiny Prints! I know that you will be able to find the perfect card or invitation for your event from their hundreds of cards.
Need a great appetizer that is easy but will make your guests go “ooooh, this is fantastic!!”? If so, check out the recipe that I posted on my blog today for an easy baked brie.
Need to jazz up your kitchen? Check out some of the fantastic cookware, bakeware, and tableware from Emile Henry. Their wares are simultaneously classic and modern, and I could really do some damage to my account on their website!
Hostess Gifts — You can’t be a gracious party guest without bringing the perfect hostess gift! You don’t have to spend a fortune, but something small is always a nice token of your appreciation. I really like this Half Apron by Jessie Steele in a Paris Print - I think it is a really sweet and adorably retro gift that any hostess would LOVE! If you are close friends with the hostess and you know she has a sense of humor, I think she would enjoy this reprint of the classic book Entertaining is Fun!: How to Be A Popular Hostess
. Orignially published in 1941, some of the advice is outdated, but it is still a really fun read. Not all of the advice is outdated however, because class never goes out of style! Want to go with something smaller? Try giving her a set of these awesome Effervescent Holiday Bath Balls
- she can soak in the tub and relax after the stress of planning and hosting a Holiday Party! Lastly, you might opt to give your hostess something that tastes as yummy as it smells! If so, then you definitely want to order a keepsake tin of these amazing handmade bon-bons from South n France — but good luck getting them to the party without eating them! (If you missed it, you can check out my review of South n France, but I’ll warn you, it might make you drool!)
Win it! South n France has graciously offered to give away a 20 piece tin of handmade bon bons to one lucky Chic Shopper Chick reader! To enter, follow the easy-peasy rules below. (And trust me, you WANT to win this delectible treat!)
- Visit South n France and tell me which Holiday Gift or flavor of bon bon is your favorite! Leave a comment here telling me about it!
- Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
- Blog about this giveaway and link back here and to South n France. Tell me about it in a separate comment.
- Subscribe to my RSS feed via email or in a reader and tell me about it in a separate comment.
- Stumble my main webpage (www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate comment.
- Get a Gravatar! I’m sick of seeing those little blue and white icons. Gravatars are universal avatars used for lots of sites, including this one - just register it with your email address. Let me know about it.
- Add me to your blog roll. Not just my button in your sidebar, I’d love to be on your blog roll! Let me know about it in a separate comment!
That’s it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.
US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contests ends at 11:59 pm CST on November 20th, 2008.
Don’t forget to check out the great hostess gifts and entertaining ideas that Christine at From Dates to Diapers and Kristin at An Ordinary Life have to offer you today!










Nov 12th, 2008 at 8:38 am
[...] in a row about food. Erika must be hungry lately! Howver, with today’s portion of the gift guide all about Entertaining, I couldn’t resist sharing this really easy recipe for Baked Brie that I make on a regular [...]
Nov 12th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Those all look s yummy, but cafe au lait sounds the best!
3kidsnus at gmail dot com
Nov 12th, 2008 at 8:48 am
You’re on my blogroll.
Nov 12th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I’ve got a gravatar.
3kidsnus at gmail dot com
Nov 12th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I’m a subscriber to your feed.
3kidsnus at gmail dot com
Nov 12th, 2008 at 9:00 am
A nice list of gift ideas! Check mine at my blog http://unlimitedgiftideas.blogspot.com
Thank you!
Nov 12th, 2008 at 9:17 am
[...] of cards . Need a great appetizer that is easy but will make your guests go “ooooh, … View post Add your [...]
Nov 12th, 2008 at 9:49 am
[...] Not all of the advice is outdated however, because class never goes out of style! Want to go with something smaller? Try giving her a set of these awesome Effervescent Holiday Bath Balls - she can soak in the tub and relax after the … More [...]
Nov 12th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Ohhhhh dear! Fudge Brownie for me please! I could eat a few of these right now!!! They look yummy!
give_me_a_latte at yahoo
Nov 12th, 2008 at 10:27 am
And I’m a subscriber!
give_me_a_latte at yahoo
Nov 12th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I’m thinkin’ Fudge Brownie!!
Nov 12th, 2008 at 11:20 am
A chocolate chip cookie dough bon bon? Oh my! Must give that a try! I love that they tell you what is what (via the color coding). I hate having to guess on candies. Everything looks yummy!
Nov 12th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Yankee Candles are my favs! Seriously can’t wait to light up the Christmas smells!
Nov 12th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Oh, those bon bons look divine! I love coconut, so I’m sure the coconut would be my first pick. As a bonus, my hubby hates coconut-so I wouldn’t have to share-ha ha!
Nov 12th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
You’re on my blog roll as well.
Nov 12th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
How can you choose just one favorite?? I’m feeling pretty perky today, so I think the Cafe au lait would be for me. Chocolate and coffee…heaven!!
seeryusfam2msn.com
Nov 12th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I’m a subscriber!
seeryusfam@msn.com
Nov 12th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I’ve got my little Pea-girl as my Gravtar. Isn’t she a doll? This is from her year pictures.
seeryusfam@msn.com
Nov 12th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I’ve got both your button and you are on my blog roll!
seeryusfam@msn.com
Nov 12th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Coconut or pistachio. Tough choice! Thanks for the chance.
Nov 12th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
I LOVE the Christmas Cookie Candle, I get one every year and burn it every day for the whole month of December!
Nov 12th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
The chocolate chip cookie dough sounds so good! Yummm…thank you for a yummy giveaway
Nov 12th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
I got a gravatar..yay!
Nov 12th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
I subscribe to you via Google Reader
Nov 12th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
love those yankee candles
Nov 12th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Does my new picture work? If so yippeee I got one!
Nov 12th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
I also have you on my blog roll, and my picture didn’t work.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 12:08 am
Yankee Candles Rule!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 12:22 am
Peanut Buttah, Pistachio and Choc chip cookie dough are making my mouth water right now!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 12:59 am
oh my YUM! lol
Tara
cloudspassby78 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Nov 13th, 2008 at 12:59 am
I am a subscriber!
Tara
cloudspassby78 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Nov 13th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Pistachio or the sampler. All yummy.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 1:14 am
The Cafe au Lait sounds awesome. All that reads to me is “coffee”, and I’m immediately interested. LoL.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Ooh! It’s a toss-up between Peanut Buttah and Fudge Brownie. Actually, you could tempt me with anything except the Café au Lait. Thanks for the terrific offer!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 1:37 am
Cafe Au Lait! I love ANYTHING with a taste of mocha or coffee or chocolate in it.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 1:38 am
The Coconut bon bon is my favorite!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 2:23 am
I have to go for the 20 Piece Winter Wonderland Tin with Fudge Brownie.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 4:37 am
Bring on that sixteen piece snowman. What a clever hostess gift.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 4:53 am
peanut butter for me please.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 5:07 am
fudge brownie sounds so delicious
Nov 13th, 2008 at 5:45 am
The peanut buttah bon bon sounds yummy.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 6:02 am
peanut buttah for me, love pb
Nov 13th, 2008 at 6:39 am
The Fudge Brownie sounds delicious. Thanks so much for this giveaway.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Cafe au lait would be my first choice.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 6:48 am
No contest - Coconut Bon Bon. Thanks for the giveaway.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 7:28 am
pistachio bonbon sounds wonderful. thanks!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 7:41 am
fudge brownie
Nov 13th, 2008 at 7:59 am
The peanut buttah bonbon sounds wonderful.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:07 am
I would die for one of those coconut bon bons right now!
Marianne
http://www.crochetbymommaj.etsy.com
http://crochetbymommaj.blogspot.com/
Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:08 am
I’m a subscriber!
Marianne
http://www.crochetbymommaj.etsy.com
http://crochetbymommaj.blogspot.com/
Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Fudge brownie bon bon sounds yummy.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:22 am
I love the cookies and cream bon bons.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:52 am
I would love to try a pistachio bon bon!@ Thanks!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:57 am
coconut bon bons are my fav gla
Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:59 am
I like the 18 piece holiday bow tin - plenty to share. tinawittmer(at)yahoo(dot)com
Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:59 am
I’m already subscribed to your RSS feed. tinawittmer(at)yahoo(dot)com
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:18 am
The cookies & creme would be my choice!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I’d count myself the luckiest gal on earth if I had one of South N France’s Café au Lait bon bons in my hand right now. Thanks for the chance to win.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:23 am
There is nothing like coffee and chocolate so my fav would have to be the cafe au lait but I wouldnt turn down a peanut buttah, fudge brownie, pistachio….oh who am I kidding I would not turn down any.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:26 am
***Please delete my previous entry as my email was typed incorrectly. I need more coffee. Thanks. ***
Cafe Au Lait sounds perfect.
Sadly, I do not use blog roll, so that leaves me out one drawing.
Great post about gifts and hosting.
CORRECTED email:
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:27 am
I am an email subscriber.
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:35 am
I was sent here by Kristin at An Ordinary Life.
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Oh to be able to pick a favorite flavor, I would need a sampler to really see which one is my favorite. But, just by reading I would have to say that coconut could be a favorite with fudge as a close second. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Peanut Butter is my favorite
Thank you for this amazing giveaway and please enter me!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I like the Yankee candles.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:42 am
The coconut or cookies ‘n cream sound delicious!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:49 am
fudge brownie or cookies and cream
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:49 am
subscriber
Nov 13th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Coming over from Kristin’s place!
I’d say the Cafe au Lait is my favorite.
You gals are doing a great job! And stop on by my blog where I and some other bloggers are hosting a tea party this week. We’ve got lots of giveaways too!
http://katydidandkid.blogspot.com
Nov 13th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Café au Lait sounds phenomenal!!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 10:11 am
coconut!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 10:17 am
A sampler gift pack would be my choice as they all sound good..but the pistachio bon bon if I had to pick just one.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 10:54 am
i’d like to try the cookie dough ones…and I like the 16 Piece Snowman! An ordinary life sent me over!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 10:57 am
i signed up with gravatar…but it doesnt seem to be working…i used the button of my blog as the picture…
Nov 13th, 2008 at 11:27 am
it has to be PEANUT BUTTAH……..yum! Also, they are not for sale, but the little “bon bon elves” are so cute, that I would buy them if I could!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Fudge Brownie
Nov 13th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I like Pistachio
Nov 13th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
The coconut bon bons sound absolutely decadent… decadence I could live with!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Love the 20 piece tin!
Thanks for entry
Nov 13th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
am subscribed. thanks again!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
my family’s pick would be cafe au lait
Nov 13th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Fudge Brownie,,,,,yum
Nov 13th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Coconut bon bons sound wonderful.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Oh My!! These South’n France bon-bons sound wonderful. I would love to give the 7 Piece Oversized ‘Bon Bons’ Mug with Coffee as a gift. I really think that would be a gift that is very much appreciated.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
fudge brownie flavor sounds great.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Fudge Brownie
Nov 13th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Coconut Bon Bons! YUM!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
peanut buttah sounds divine, thanks!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I’m an email subscriber, thanks!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
You are on my blogroll, thanks
Nov 13th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Blogged about it here: http://contestsandgiveaways.blogspot.com/2008/11/win-bon-bons-from-chic-shopper-chick.html
thanks!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Cafe Au Lait - delicious!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I am a sucker for coconut anything!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough sounds fantastic!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
cafe au lait
Nov 13th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Peanut Butta!!!!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I would buy the Season’s greetings tin for my daughter in law. Filled with Café au Lait, Coconut and Fudge Brownie.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I subscribed to your feed by e-mail addy.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Fudge Brownie sounds great
Nov 13th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
the chocolate chip cookie dough
Nov 13th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough sounds amazing!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Coconut Bon Bon
Nov 13th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I’ve always wanted to be able to sit around eating bon bons all day! It’s a tough choice, but my fave has to be Cafe AuLait in the Santa. Thanks for the delicious giveaway!
oinkmoobaa (at) yahoo (.) com
Nov 13th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
The fudge brownie one sounds OH SO GOOD! Thanks for the great contest!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
coconut bonbon!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Cookies ‘N Cream
Nov 13th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I’m also a subscriber, thanks!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Chocolate Chip cookie Bon Bons for me, please.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Got so excited reading about the chocolates I almost licked my computer screen. All the flavors are delightful but my favorite in Cafe au Lait. Thanks for the contest.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
have to be the cafe au lait
Nov 13th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Fudge Brownie is my choice
Nov 13th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I love Fudge brownie
Nov 13th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
I would choose the fudge brownie!
cjnedrow@gmail.com
Nov 13th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
I like the coconut. Then the fudge brownie. Then the….. Well, you get the picture!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Peanut buttah !!!!!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I think the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough sounds the best!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
ynkee candles - i hope i win
Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
This is a hard decision but I think cafe au lait sounds the best.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bon Bon - YUM!
autumn398 (at) yahoo.com
Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
The fudge brownie for me
Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
peanut buttah,
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I would love to try the sampler or the peanut buttah
mjf926 at gmail dot com
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I’m thinkin’ Fudge Brownie
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
cookies and cream:)
Nov 13th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Tough decision since they all look so yummy, but I’ll go with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Thanks for the giveaway!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
My fave bonbon is fudge brownie! YUUMM-MY!
Nov 13th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Coconut Bon Bons are super
Nov 13th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Too delicious. My favorite is the 7 Piece Winter Bon Bon Mug with Coffee. WHat a great item for gift giving this season.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I am a subscriber.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Fudge brownie dsounds good to me.
Nov 13th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
the cookies and cream sounds sooo good
Nov 14th, 2008 at 12:19 am
I would have to say the fudge brownie sounds the most delicious.. I would like to try them all, but that one would probley be my favorite
Nov 14th, 2008 at 12:42 am
Peanut Buttah bon-bons sound divine!!
Nov 14th, 2008 at 1:04 am
I blogged you!
Nov 14th, 2008 at 2:14 am
The Pistachio Bon Bons sound heavenly!
Thanks so much!
suzystars9[at]gmail[dot]com
Nov 14th, 2008 at 2:16 am
I heard about your contest from Kristen at An Ordinary Life!
Thanks!
suzystars9[at]gmail[dot]com
Nov 14th, 2008 at 2:18 am
I subscribed to the RSS Feed!
Thanks
suzystars9[at]gmail[dot]com
Nov 14th, 2008 at 2:19 am
I have a Gravatar!
Isn’t it cute?
Thanks so much!
suzystars9[at]gmail[dot]com
Nov 14th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Cookies and Cream sounds yummy
Nov 14th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Chocolate Chip cookie Bon Bons
Nov 14th, 2008 at 9:01 am
i hope i win
Nov 14th, 2008 at 9:16 am
enter me please
Nov 14th, 2008 at 9:19 am
I also like the 7 Piece Oversized ‘Bon Bons’ Mug with Coffee. yummy!
thank you!
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
Nov 14th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Fudge Brownie, would go straight to my chocoholic heart
Nov 14th, 2008 at 10:55 am
My wife would love the chocolate chip cookie dough bon bons.
Nov 14th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Cookies n creme flavor sounds great, thanks!