Avoid The Fruitcake ... Holiday Hostess Gift Ideas

Suddenly it's that time again. Just when you felt your wallet getting fatter, up went those holiday wreaths on every light pole in town, on went those fights over Tickle Me Elmo and Playstation 3, there sat those Salvation Army volunteers in Santa hats, ringing their bells, and in came those invitations to holiday parties.

Tired of being the party guest with the proverbial beef stick and cheese set hostess gift? Racking your brain trying to think of something thoughtful, unique, and different? We've got some ideas ...

Check out this rustic wood wine bottle holder. Fill it with bottles of a favorite white, red, or blush wine, adorn it with a bow, and garnish it with some faux pointsettias or pine cones. It's sure to be a hit and rest assure, this item is no fruitcake! No other guest will have this in hand.

Above and beyond a cheese and cracker assortment ... You can't help but love this trio of frosty figures. Sure to be well received, your hostess can use these as a decorative accent even beyond the holidays. They're appropriate for any winter month and will compliment any country, rustic, or primitive décor.

No hostess with the mostess? Need something more masculine for a host? (Or something humorous, perhaps?) This tin sign will certainly cause a chuckle and will be a comical accent to a bar area, basement, or "man room." Once again, better than a stick of beef ...

Check out these and a huge assortment of other gifts at www.merritts.com!

No fruitcakes here.