rivkie100's Profile

I have to admit to being surprised that people actually give hostess gifts. In my circle of friends, we'll often bring wine to share, but I can't think of a single occasion where I've received, given, or witnessed a gift being given to a host. I thought it was one of those customs you only read about in magazines.

My second confession: I think it's a lovely idea, but also a little... ridiculous. When I host, I do so for the joy of sharing a meal with friends, and feel their "presence is the present." Also, in challenging economic times, one person preparing a meal is a way to socialize with friends who may be a vastly different income brackets without awkwardness over restaurant choices and check-splitting. Why throw gift-giving into that?

Rather than flowers or a little box of soaps, I'd prefer a great big hug and a "Thank you so much; that was a wonderful meal!" Or, for extra bonus points, "Let me help with the dishes." ;)

I don't know if these are cool or creepy, but I'll throw these ant-shaped corn holders into the mix:

http://www.shop.com/p379198518-xinternalsearch-link_off.xhtml

Burgers! I pretty much eat grilled food as much as possible during the summer.

(Also, while looking for novel ways to jazz up burgers, I found this "How to" guide for grilling them. Am I the only one who didn't know some of this stuff -- like that over-handling meat makes for tough burgers?)

http://www.shop.com/guides/how to grill great burgers

I have an old fiberglass tulip chair that I dragged home off the street that someone spray-painted purple. Anything to do about that or am I just stuck?

YES!

I had been thinking about painting my living room navy for more than a year and (after trying to talk myself into other colors) I finally just did it. I love it. Similarly, I have dark wood furniture and white shelves. I'm accenting with pillows in jewel tones--ruby, sapphire, emerald, etc.

It makes me happy every time I come in the door. :)