Ask A Connecticut Expert: Ideas For Hostess Gifts

The Daily Meal Staff|Nov. 11, 2014 7:00 am EST

"Do you ever find it frustrating looking for the perfect hostess gift in your local shopping centers?" asks Alexandra Wallace-Currie, owner of A Little Square boutique in Fairfield. She knows all about being a hostess, and organizes and participates in many events to support worthy causes, from the Girl Scouts to her own Pink Pom-Pom Project, which helps families that are battling cancer. A Little Square is located down the street, almost hidden, off the beaten path in an old red brick building at 1981 Post Road. It is a unique location formerly housing Devores Bakery years ago. It features hostess gifts but also the opportunity for local crafters to make something for the hostess, like tablecloths and tea towels. It also offers wonderful candles and casual housewares for indoor and outdoor dining. Proceeds from all sales go directly to support The Pink Pom-Pom Project that provides free arts & crafts to inner-city youth and cancer survivors. With such a background, Alexandra not only knows what makes a good gift and which kind of gift is appropriate and appreciated, but also where to buy that gift in her town. "Fairfield," she says knowingly and excitedly, "is a small town with a small town feeling but has an array of fabulous little boutiques that offer fantastic contemporary gifts and local fare for you to give and even look good doing it!"

Alexandra Wallace-Currie
A Little Square
The Pink Pom-Pom Project
1981 Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 955-1099
www.alittlesquare.com
www.thepompomproject.com
www.stayabreast.co.uk

Personalized Stationery
Party Party
14 Sanford St.
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 292-9277
www.partypartyfairfield.com

Many a hostess appreciates a gift of personalized stationery, as it makes it all that easier for her when sending out or accepting invitations. Alexandra suggests Party Party at 14 Sanford Street in Fairfield as it "features preppy gifts from some of the best accessory designers like Lilli Pulitzer, Kate Space and even Jonathon Adler stationery and paper gifts. Although it's a small boutique, it's bright, clean and fun to shop in! Mary Norton, owner, also offers special event planning for parties and weddings. Party Party is the only personalized stationery shop I know of that specializes in these services."

Cheese, Please
The Fairfield Cheese Company
2090 Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 292-8194
www.fairfieldcheese.com

"Soaps and lotions are typical gifts and are wonderful to give," says Ms. Wallace-Currie, "but have you ever considered something different like artisanal cheeses, novelty meats and specialty chocolates? The Fairfield Cheese Company at 2090 Post Road is one of my favorite places to shop for scrumptious food gifts. They consider themselves 'Cheesemongers' and prefer to support local and national farmers. And for a twist they even offer Cheese Academy!"

A Nice Bottle Is Always Appreciated
Harry's Wine & Liquor
2094 Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 259-4692
www.harryswine.com

While a hostess usually stocks up on beverages for her party, another bottle of something nice can always come in handy – and one meant for the hostess to enjoy afterward will be especially appreciated. Alexandra notes that "Harry's Wine & Liquor, which is next to The Fairfield Cheese Company (FCC), not only offers a variety of fine wines, liquors and microbrewery beers, it also has the perfect complement to any cheeses or meats purchased next door. It has also partnered with the FCC to pair wines and cheeses by having weekly seminars. It's different and something a hostess may never forget."

Tea Towels, Candles and Picture Frames – or a Nice Floral Arrangement
Vintage Gardens
1189 Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 292-5450
www.vintagegardengifts.com

What hostess can't use an extra tea towel, a nice set of candles or a quality picture frame? As Alexandra explains, "Vintage Gardens on the brick walk at 1189 Post Road is fun for beautiful country hostess gifts like tea towels, candles and picture frames. Although it has an amazing spread of gifts, it also offers unique floral arrangements for all occasions."

A Special Treat from "The Pantry"
The Pantry
1580 Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 259-0400
www.thepantry.net

Bringing a hostess a special treat that she can either add to the menu or, even better, enjoy herself or with her family on a different day is a nice way to say "thank you." Alexandra says that "The Pantry at 1580 Post Road is a unique marketplace offering an array of gorgeous pre-made meals, delectable deserts, bottled and canned goods and a meat and seafood display case to die for! If it's a pot-luck night dinner party you are headed to, then this should be your first stop. Try the quiche and key lime pie, you'll never go anywhere else again!"

Mark G. McLaughlin is a professional and prolific writer with a proven publishing record in a wide variety of fields. An historian, novelist, freelance journalist, ghost-writer, book reviewer, magazine editor, web and magazine columnist, Mark has more than 30 years of experience. His work can be found at Examiner.com.