Welcome to July! Summer has arrived and if your calendar is like ours, it’s booked.  BBQs, dinner invites, weddings, baby showers, you name it.  And we just realized that most of these events are happening in the homes and backyards of our friends.

Although it’s not impolite to go without bringing something to a party or BBQ, a small token adds an extra touch of kindness that any hostess is sure to appreciate. Sure, a bottle of wine is a standard go-to, but here are some creative summer-themed ideas to help you out:

1) Package up the alcohol-based ingredients to make a fun cocktail and tie the recipe card to the neck of the bottle. A summer favourite of ours is the LCBO’s Scarlett O’Hara. Search for lots of great recipes on their site.

2) Who doesn’t love popsicles in the summer? Go old-school and put together a do-it-yourself kit with molds that you can pick up at your local housewares store. Popsicle recipes are easy and endless. Martha has a few grown up suggestions on her site, using flavours such as melon and basil . 

3) Local berries or fruit is always a foolproof option and a welcomed gift come breakfast time the next day. When presented in a small wicker basket (that the hostess can keep), this easy gift becomes the epitome of simple polish. Check out Foodland Ontario’s guide to what’s in season and when.

4) If the hosts are gardeners, consider a fresh pair of gardening gloves or an accessory like a cushion pad for painless weeding. Packaged alone or paired with a vintage inspired watering can, it makes for a useful gift.

5) A copy of Cottage Life, Coastal Living, or Canadian House & Home magazine is sure to bring a summer smile. It’s a gift that’s light on the pocketbook and gives the host some pretty reading material for the next day.

Happy Summer!