Hostess gifts

'Tis the season of holiday parties and gatherings not to mention Christmas gift-giving. I'm trying to be a bit more organized this year and start early. Here are some ideas for hostess gifts or Christmas gifts in the home and entertaining theme.

Teapot

The Raj Teapot ($45) from Sundance is a beautiful reproduction of the teapots used by the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company on voyages between Bombay to London in the early 1900's.

In antique silver plate over brass, with nickel plate interior. The set comes boxed and would be a great gift alone or with an assortment of fine teas.

Napkins

These hand embroidered and handwoven napkins ($18 for 4) from Pakistan are simple enough to compliment a range of styles from modern to bohemian.

What's even better is that each purchase supports snow leopard conservation and improves the livelihood of impoverished nomadic herding communities.

Mexican Hot Chocolate

A hand-carved Mexican molinillo ($14), or frother, would make a great gift packaged with bowls and some Ibarra mexican chocolate. Include a recipe for Mexican hot chocolate and some instructions for using the frother.

These latte bowls ($30 for 6) from Anthropologie come in a great palette of colors and would be great for hot chocolate.

Rootbeer for Grownups

I love rootbeer so I cannot wait to try Root ($39). Based on old root tea medicinal infusions that date back to the 1700's this 80-proof liquor would be a great addition to anyone's liquor cabinet.

Serve it alone, in cocktails or even or ice cream. Comes with a history of the beverage and recipe.