PlaqueMaker Blog

Traditionally speaking, a hostess gift is something a host or hostess would use while entertaining. Hostess gifts differ from birthday gifts, for instance – another something you could bring to a party- in that the birthday gift would be personal in nature, like jewelry, a book or a baseball hat. A hostess gift would be used for entertaining at a future party, like place cards, coasters, hand towels, a candy dish or serving tray – even board games or Christmas ornaments.

Plants and trees that remain green all year have always had a special meaning for people in the winter. Long before the advent of Christianity, people all over the world hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows, especially at winter solstice. Many ancient peoples, including the Egyptians, Romans, Vikings and Druids believed winter came every year because the sun god had become sick and weak. They celebrated the solstice by adorning their homes with evergreen boughs, signifying that the sun god would soon recover from illness and summer was sure to return. It’s a classic story of the triumph of life over death and everlasting life.

Schools, businesses, churches, nonprofits, communities, branches of the military, sports teams, medical research organizations and others are starting to develop fundraising strategies for the holidays.

In a world where people are increasingly realizing the burden of having too much stuff, it’s more important than ever to put thought and care into choosing gifts. While friends and family can go out and inexpensively buy food, clothes, toys, etc., anytime they want, they can’t always get a unique and thoughtful gift.