Holiday Gift Guide: Enticing Ideas for the Entertainer

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

Hello there, shoppers! If you’re excited to go holiday shopping but armed with less than ample ideas, you’re not alone. If only everyone would be forthcoming with their wish lists, right? Santa has it so easy with everyone being so specific — minus all that travel and the length of his list, I suppose.

At any rate, fret no more. Help is here. Inspiration shall abound. Your friends at SWAG have done all the homework so you don’t have to. Each weekday today through Dec. 13, score ideas for absolutely everyone on your list!

Today:

Enticing Ideas for the Entertainer

Have a friend or family member who could give Martha Stewart or “Barefoot Contessa” a run for her money? Someone who is always throwing a bash and doing so with class? Buying — or if you’re really daring (or are more artistic than moi), making — the party perfecter a gift can be especially daunting because you really, really want to deliver. Fortunately, we found more than a few gifts that could do just that — and for far less than what you’d expect. What follows are some of the standouts.

*Also check out, if you haven’t already, some of my top picks for the host and hostess as found in the November issue of Northern Virginia Magazine.

What: 10 x 14 Slate Cheese Board

(Photo courtesy of Red Barn Mercantile)

Why:  First of all, how fun and versatile is this? Your favorite entertainers should also enjoy it because they can take less time explaining which cheeses they picked and more time partying themselves. The bonus: It’s dishwasher-safe!

Where to Get It: Alexandria’s Red Barn Mercantile

What It’ll Cost You: $35

What: Cocktail Napkin Box by Mariposa

(Photo courtesy of The Nest Egg)

Why: If your dearest party perfecter is especially anal retentive about keeping the ol’ table display neat, including those oh-so-easily disheveled napkins, this attractive gift could be especially appreciated. Even if he or she is more low-key, there’s always the question as to where is best to fan the napkins; this solves it fast. After all, there are cocktails around which to wrap said napkins.

Where to Get It: The Nest Egg at Fairfax Corner

What It’ll Cost You: $44

What: Peruvian Pottery 

(Photo courtesy of Valerianne)

Why: This special line of handmade Peruvian pottery is hand-cast using clay from the Andes Mountains and is microwave-, dishwasher- and oven-safe! Choose a unique gift for your favorite dinner party-loving entertainer from a full range of place settings, serving pieces and table accessories.

Where to Get It: Vienna’s Valerianne

What It’ll Cost You: Water pitcher shown is $61; set of three glasses, $53.

What: Bar Games Drink Coasters 

(Photo courtesy of Sur La Table)

Why: Even the host with the most likes to sit back and allow his friends lead the fun from time to time. These coasters/bar games will help them with that enjoyable endeavor.

Where to Get It: Sur La Table at Tysons Galleria

What It’ll Cost You: $12.95

What: Jingle Bell Wine Charms (Set of 10)

(Photo courtesy of Crate & Barrel)

Why: Not only is it party season; it’s flu season. If your favorite entertainer and other friends get sick, that stops the celebrations — and fast. These festive wine charms help keep everyone out of the sick wing and center stage at all the season’s can’t-miss soirees.

Where to Get It: Crate & Barrel

What It’ll Cost You: $12.95 (makes a nice stocking stuffer or accompaniment to a nice bottle of vino)

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

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