Metro Gift Ideas
The world has changed.
Lifestyles, entertaining styles and the guidelines on proper
behaviour for guests are changing, but etiquette still rules,
although its dictates are less rigid.
Modern etiquette is not about imposing sacrosanct rules on "good manners" established in days of yore. It is about showing others that we care. Giving, receiving, exchanging in all sorts of ways are the key to real communications, one of life's basic pleasures that people really indulge in during the holidays.
That's the whole point! The hostess's pleasure in giving a charming, informal evening with nothing left to chance is matched by the guest's pleasure in having been invited.
Never arrive empty-handed. A hostess gift is not just a formality, but a chance to experience the joy of giving pleasure. Still, finding amidst the holiday clutter of baubles and boxes, gifts and gewgaws that little something that is unique, not too personal and sure to please is a real challenge. Just the thought of the long search ahead is enough to elicit a "Bah! Humbug!"
Ah! you have the perfect solution: a nice bottle of wine! That's always suitable. However, the wine you choose so carefully might not even be opened at the meal unless you have consulted your host. Why? Because your wine might not complement the meal, in which case it will be enjoyed some other time.
Truth be told, there is nothing finer than to hear the delighted cry "You made this’" when you give something homemade. Since a great wrapping job contributes quite a bit to the overall impression the gift will make, be creative and add a personal touch. No need to run all over town.
Now that you have the general idea, simply drop by your favourite Metro where you'll find lots of suggestions for presents to make at home. Your time is the most precious gift you can give.
- A potted plant, orange tree or poinsettia. With a bouquet, your hostess has to scoot off to the kitchen in search of the proper vase. But a glance round the parlour is all she needs to find the right spot for a potted plant.
- Pomanders of clove-studded mandarins will perfume a house whether hung in the tree or set out on a platter. Arrange the cloves in a decorative Christmas tree or crossed ribbon pattern and give these aromatic oranges in a pretty wickerwork basket.
- Prepare a dessert dating back to the 17th century and made up of four elements representing the robes of the various mendicant orders who live off alms. Walnuts and filberts stand for the Augustinians, raisins for the Dominicans, almonds for the Carmelites or white friars, and figs for the Franciscans. A bowl of this mix with some nut-stuffed dates makes a tasteful and tasty gift.
- For tea lovers, prepare a pretty parcel of lemons, Scottish shortbread, marmalade and a selection of fine teas.
- Show a cook that you care with kitchen gadgets: a lemon squeezer and three lemons, a mushroom brush and a package of beautiful white mushrooms, a nutmeg or ginger grater with the proper spice. Follow your inspiration.
- Wrap up some couscous and cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne and saffron to warm the heart of winter-hating friends with the heat of Mediterranean cooking.
- A bouquet of coloured candles tied up in a big, bright ribbon is perfect for those long winter nights.
- Three bars of stain-removing soap tied together with Scotch tape may not be a very artistic gift but it is sure to come in handy...!
- A selection of pasta: spaghetti, spaghettini, linguine, fettucine, rotini, tagliatelle and penne and a jar of homemade sauce. The choice is endless!
- Fancy Christmas cookies-checkerboard shortbread, cinnamon-nut sticks, gingerbread men, sugar cookies and other family favourites. Pack the baked cookies in cardboard or tin boxes, gold net bags or wicker baskets along with the cookie-cutters or moulds.
- Quick and easy chocolate truffles rolled in cocoa are sure to please any chocoholic. This is one case where excess is good!
- Granny's fruitcake in an earthenware baking dish garnished with a few sprigs of holly will add to the holiday spirit.
- Give The Lighthearted Cookbook or a Company's Coming or Looney Spoons cookbook accompanied by a dish from the cookbook in a Pyrex casserole from Metro. You're sure to be asked back!
Finally, be sure to call and thank your host the next day or better yet send one of our email cards.