Wine enthusiasts can be tricky to buy for, unless you know their specific taste preferences.  Wine accessories are a safe gift option for the vino lovers in your life.  These recycled wine tags from White Tulip Boutique would make a “charming” hostess gift or stocking stuffer.  The set includes two tags, made from recycled vintage silver-plated spoons that are cut, hammered flat and engraved with toast-inspired expressions (such as “cheers” or “salute”), and finished with metal bead chains for looped hanging.   You can purchase a set for $22 (shipping is an addition $5) here.

Keep your cheese flavors separate with these vintage butter knives turned cheese markers from Beach House Living.  I love the simple markings stamped onto these spreaders.  They’ll add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any cheese board.   They’re a timeless addition to your party supply stash.

Give these as a hostess gift for the holidays or as a stocking stuffer for anyone who loves to entertain.

Vintage Cheese Marker Set – $45

You could pick up a bottle of wine, but why not bring a homemade hostess gift instead?  Next time you’re baking, make a few extra to freeze and bring as hostess gifts.  I like to bake mini loaves of quick bread – like zucchini, cranberry-orange or pumpkin – and freeze them for future giving.  A good way to keep the breads nice and moist is to wrap them in plastic wrap while they are still hot (it seals in the moisture).  Put them in another layer, and then a freezer bag to keep them fresh.  Seal the treats with a label (“from the kitchen of ___”) and a pretty ribbon for a professional look.  It’s always nice to get a homemade gift, especially one that can be enjoyed by the tired hosts for breakfast the following morning.

Check out these adorable Chinese takeout container-inspired candle holders.  Use them to give your table a glow even if you’re just ordering in.  These would also make great favors for a Chinese New Year party.

Chinese Takeout Box Candle Holders from Beau Coup – $8 each

One lucky Hip Hostess Blog reader will receive this charming vase by Dahlhaus Art.  This vase features one of Dahlhaus’ original designs, with 3 poppies on each side.  The vase will add a pretty touch to a coffee station set up for brunch, a small breakfast table or nightstand.  If you can part with it, give it as a hostess gift.  Vase is 7″ tall and 4.5″ wide at it’s widest section, and can hold 2-3 stems.
For more of dahlhaus’s charming pottery pieces visit their Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/dahlhaus or their website www.dahlhausart.com

Enter this giveaway by clicking on the link below.  The winner will be randomly selected on February 28th at 9pm EST.  One entry per person.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFNtTVY5cmRFdmloQ0RCRFhHcWZUeUE6MA

Two lucky winners will receive either an International or Indian sampler size spice kit ($18 value each).  Each sample kit contains 10 round spice tins, featuring the incredible variety of spices listed below.  With these flavorful spices you can experience the amazing flavor of international cuisine.  These fresh spices come in neat little tins that are easy to store and pleasing to look at.  Great product with a great package!  Visit SpiceKits Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/spicekits to view the entire variety of spice kits offered.

International Kit includes the following spices:  Chinese Five Spice (Blend of cinnamon, star anise,fennel seeds, cloves, and black pepper), Garam Masala (Indian blend of green/black cardamom,cinnamon,bay leaves, coriander, cloves, and black pepper), Greek Seasoning (Blend of salt, bell peppers, onion, sesame seeds, parsley, and lemon extract), Herbs d’Provence (Blend of rosemary, thyme, savory, fennel seeds, basil, lavender, and marjoram), Italian Blend (Blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage and marjoram), Taco Seasoning (Blend of chili peppers, salt, garlic, and onion), Cajun Spice (Blend of salt, garlic, paprika, chili powder, sesame seeds, parsley, hickory smoke), Lebanese Zaatar Spice (Blend of green herbs, toasted sesame seeds, salt), Curry Powder (Blend of Tumeric, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel, Allspice, Red Pepper, Black Pepper, Ginger, Mustard, Allspice) and Steak Spice (Blend of Salt, Garlic, Black Pepper, Coriander Seed, Mustard Seed, Dill Seed, Red Pepper).

Indian Kit includes the following spices:  Turmeric, Coriander powder, Coriander seeds, Cumin powder, Cumin seeds, Red chili powder, Black mustard seeds, Green cardamom, Garam masala and Curry powder.

Enter this giveaway by completing the form at the link below.  The winners will be randomly selected at 10pm EST on February 25, 2010, and will be notified via e-mail.  One entry per person.  Shipment to US address only.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDZaQ1hNa0NaVlZBMTNDSFFDZ0g0d2c6MA

One very lucky Hip Hostess Blog reader will win a fabulous custom baby gift from New Arrival Art ($75 value) to keep or to give.  New Arrival Art is a very thoughtful gift:  It’s a memorable keepsake and a unique way to decorate a nursery.

Enter this giveaway by clicking on the link below.  Winner will be randomly selected at 9pm EST on February 22, 2010 and notified via e-mail.  All information needed for customization will be collected after the end of the giveaway.  One entry per person.  Shipment to US address only.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dERDMDl3OTIxYmhxYVZuMHM0ZFFwc3c6MA

LinenMe is graciously giving one Hip Hostess Blog reader a beautiful linen table runner in the diamond pattern pictured above ($27 value).  If you aren’t into ironing, table runners are a great option for you; they take minutes to iron and can easily be store rolled up and secured with rubber bands to prevent wrinkling.  This 100% linen table runner features rhomb weave, is machine washable and measures 20″ x 55″.  The giveaway winner may choose from black, wheat or off white for the runner.  View the color selection at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37542111.

LinenMe carries many modern and classic designs for bed, bath and dining.  To view LinenMe’s entire collection, visit their Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LinenMe.

To enter this giveaway, click on the link below and complete the form by February 18th at 10pm EST.  Winner will be notified via e-mail.  One entry per person. Note: This item will be shipped directly from Lithuania, and will take approximately 3 weeks to arrive.  This fine item is worth the wait.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHNQSzFmak1sUlNMZXdXT3B2T3M1VWc6MA

In honor of the Chinese New Year (2010 is the year of the Tiger), Paper Tiger Wrap is offering one Hip Hostess Blog giveaway winner 2 sheets of their beautiful wrapping paper.  The winner will receive 1 sheet of the Red Dragon/ Tiger pattern and 1 sheet of the Orange Plum Blossom pattern ($10 value).  All Paper Tiger papers are created with a reversible pattern or color so there are two sides to choose from.  Printed on heavy 100% recycled paper with soy-based ink and each sheet is a generous 23.6″ x 34.2″.  Paper Tiger’s designs reflect the richness of Chinese art – they have a wonderful collection of contemporary, colorful and fun gift paper.

To view Paper Tiger Wrap’s entire collection of fine paper visit their Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperTigerWrap.

Enter this giveaway by completing the form at the link below.  The winner will be randomly selected at 10pm EST on February 10, 2010, and will be notified via e-mail.  One entry per person.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHQ5eXRFMmduSzVVLTlmdjFMUXVjRnc6MA

This giveaway features exquisite handcrafted truffles from Haute Chocolate NC, located in North Carolina.  Haute Chocolates uses quality chocolate and infuses it with really delicious and interesting flavors.  HC’s truffle are free of added sugar and butter – just delicious chocolate and natural flavors in these decadent treats.

There will be two winners for this giveaway:  One winner will receive a 6-piece Love is in the Air Collection; the other will receive a 6-piece box of Wine Infused Truffles (flavors in each collection listed below).  You can choose to have the cookies shipped to you or to your Valentine – just be sure to provide the shipping address of where you want them shipped on the giveaway entry form.

Enter this giveaway by completing the form at the link below.  The winner will be randomly selected at 10pm EST on February 9, 2010, and will be notified via e-mail.  One entry per person and shipment must be made to a US address.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFlBaE9ERFhmWE5TVHdnTVhvZFh3Smc6MA

Love is in the Air Collection features the following flavors:

* Champagne and Strawberries (Dark chocolate over white chocolate infused with REAL champagne (no flavoring here!) and strawberries)
* Bellini (Dark chocolate over white infused with REAL peaches and champagne)
* Mimosa (Dark Chocolate infused with orange zest and champagne)
* Mojito (Dark chocolate over white infused with lime zest, rum and fresh spearmint leaves)
* Creme Brulee (White chocolate with the signature creme brulee flavor profile and topped with caramelized sugar)
* Hazelnut (Dark chocolate with freshly ground hazelnuts)

Wine Infused Truffles features the following flavors:

* Rooster Red – A Chianti style wine with a hint of cranberries (dark chocolate)
* Sweet Mountain Bliss – A sweet Blush with a hint of Raspberries (white chocolate)
* Grand Vieux Chateau du Roi – Made in the style of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, a deep red with hints of cherry and berry (dark chocolate)
* Blue Norther – Blueberry (dark chocolate over white chocolate)

For a complete list of flavors offered, check out Haute Chocolate’s website at www.hautechocolatenc.com.

HC’s individually wrapped truffles are perfect party favors for any time of year.