The mostest for the hostess
By Katherine Houstoun CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Monogrammed coasters make an out of the ordinary hostess gift in lieu of the traditional bottle of wine.

December always brings with it a myriad of social engagements, which in turn provide us with plenty of opportunities for gift-giving. As you make the rounds this holiday season, consider injecting some creativity into your hostess gifts. The standard bottle of wine will always be welcome, but a little extra thought can go a long way toward making your host feel truly appreciated.

Forgo flowers in favor of a culinary bouquet composed of Le Creuset spatulas in an array of colors and sizes. The durable kitchen utensils, which can be found at Belle & Kitchen Kuisine in the original Stony Point Shopping Center, are dishwasher safe and heat resistant up to 800 degrees, so they'll stick around a lot longer than tulips or sunflowers ($7-$12 apiece).

Kitchen towels are another beautiful yet highly useful gift, whether they're Christmasthemed "Naughty" and "Nice" linens from Belle & Kitchen Kuisine ($7.99 apiece) or generously-sized Belgian dish towels from Gather, located at 920 Mount Hermon Rd. in Midlothian ($14 apiece).

Pair a decorative plate with a sweet treat for an expected hostess gift that gives now and later. Your favorite hostess can indulge her sweet tooth immediately and then use the plate for a future entertaining engagement.

Your favorite candy addict will appreciate a candy-themed appetizer plate adorned with colorful renditions of peppermints, candy canes or gumdrops, which can be found at RSVP in Sycamore Square ($5.95 apiece). Tie up a small baggie of the corresponding candy for a more flavorful gift.

Make it personal with monogrammed pulpboard coasters, featuring a single initial inside a black-and-white damask border. Sold in packs of 36 at Sycamore Pewter & Gifts in Sycamore Square, the reusable coasters will keep the host stocked well into the next soiree ($18).

Artisan foods are a wonderful gift, particularly when crafted by local families and companies. Belle & Kitchen Kuisine carries a wide selection of natural honeys from Shenandoah-based Golden Angels Apiary, which employs environmentally-friendly practices in its honey production ($6.99). Tie a honey dipper to the lid of the charming glass bottle for a gift fit for a queen (bee). If your host or hostess steers more toward salty rather than sweet, opt for a tin box of Carriage House cheese straws, which are Richmondmade and preservative free ($12.99; Kitchen Kuisine).

Finally, you can't go wrong by appealing to the most important member of the family: Fido. The pet lover will delight in all-natural doggie treats for his or her favorite fourlegged friend. Gather carries Harry Barker treats, which come in peanut butter and bacon flavors and are packaged in 1 lb. airtight glass jars ($14 apiece).