an easy hostess gift.

i tend to shy away from the standard "candle as hostess gift," but i'll make an exception because this cornhusk votive would be handmade by you. whenever i have people over, i never seem to have enough seasonal items or votives. i really love seeing friends and family over the glow of a candle (and candlelight is super-flattering, as we all know). i like to buy plain, little juice glasses at ikea that would be great for this project. i think things are best in sets of three, so make some up, pack them in a recycled dryer sheet box covered in kraft paper or in a little wooden crate you find at the craft store. add in a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for color and you're all set. this gift would take no time at all and would make your "thank you" quite meaningful for your thanksgiving hostess.

image credit: martha stewart.