Gift Giving

Need to bring a gift?

Are you searching for a memorable housewarming gift? Wondering what to bring as a hostess gift? Here are a few ideas...

BOOKS

Give a new home owner is decorating books or magazines. Most people love to drool over beautifully staged photos of other peoples homes. They can provide inspiration and ideas. Tie a few magazines together with a bow and slip a paint brush into the tie. Every home owner needs paint brushes!

DISHES

Give a collection of beautiful dishes or serving pieces. Tie together a group of vintage  dishes with a pretty bow. One can never have too many serving pieces or dessert dishes. Mix and match patterns. Odd dishes and unique patterns can be found at thrift shops, flea markets and even in the box of keepsakes from grandma.  No matter what you host's decorating style or theme,  there is always an opportunity to use an eclectic mix of dishes. 

WINE

Always a delicious and fun idea. Pick out a bottle with a label that speaks to you. Maybe a says something about the hostess or home owner. Tie a fine pointed sharpie marker to the bottle. The recipient can start a new tradition of signing the wine corks to remember special events their life.

PLANT

A plant is always a nice gift, but take it one step further. Put a plant inside a new decorative pot. You can always pick up inexpensive ones at thrift stores. Or, rethink the standard pot. Put the plant in an old metal box, watering can or a decorative vintage tin. The options are endless!

GIFT BASKET

A gift basket with some of these items would be a thoughtful way to say, "Welcome Home!" or "Thank you!". For a new home owner, think of things they may need such as a flashlight, batteries, nails, a hammer, a candle, notepad, pen, measuring tape, etc.

Give something useful and sentimental. 

Did you know the tradition of giving housewarming/hostess gifts can be traced back to our ancestors in Europe. Gifts were selected due to the messages they represented. Here are a few popular gifts were broken down and the meaning revealed. Give one of the items and tie a note with its meaning.

• Bread: "May your house never know hunger."
• Salt: “May your life always have flavor."
• Sugar: “May your life always have sweetness.”
• Wine: “May you always be of good cheer.”
• Honey: "May you always enjoy the sweetness of life."
• Candles: “May your house always have light and happiness.” 

Great Crate

Crates Rocks. Personally, I believe one can never have too many storage options. Crates are perfect for blankets, books, towels, shoes, basketballs... the list goes on. I have never met a crate I didn't like! Here are some groovy crates I have spotted online with some inspiring new ideas for uses.



I am not a fan of painting crates, but WOW!
This crate painted chippy red is awesome.
It adds a great accent to a muted palette room.



This would look great next to a bed or on a nightstand.



My husband just bought me this giant crate.
 I am in love! (He rocks too!)
Search for advertising is as cool as the crate.



How adorable would this be on in a powder room?
I love the fresh flowers!
Also, add an apothecary jar of cotton balls or guest soaps.

Speaking of powder rooms...
If you don't have enough storage, why not store towels in crates.
I may utilize this idea in my gray themed bathroom.



Anyone else now on a search for a crate that will hold a wine bottle?
I am! (Anyone else thirsty?)



Storage is always needed in a child's bedroom.
This is simply fantastic how the insides of the crates are brightly painted.
It seems they left the outside natural - perfection!

Wouldn't this be a sweet wedding shower gift?
 I love gifts wrapped in baskets or industrial crates.
Its a gift that keeps on giving!

Where to start? No one person should hoard this many soda crates.
I request, please share your crate collection with the rest of the world!
I love the addition of giant letters in any situation!



Casters added to the bottom of this crate shelf is sheer genius.
This is ideal for small spaces and situations where the shelf would need to be moved.
Consider making a rolling mini bar our of old crates.



Feel as if you live inside a Crate and Barrel store!
This would be a cool display inside a front door, especially if you don't have a coat closet.
Add some hooks on the wall, and the crates could be used for shoes, hats and mail.
Be sure to add a few decorative pieces for it doesn't look like a junk pile.
 

My books made me add this photo. They are requesting that they would like to live in crates.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this photo. (I love books!)
I feel the books actually come to life against the natural backdrop of crates.

So, do you agree? Crates are great! Kismet Junk will have an abundance of crates for sale this Saturday at the 3 French Hens Market. Stop by an pick up one great crate or two! How are you going to utilize your crates?