Unique Gift Ideas and Entertaining Tips

Original, customized and homemade goodies sure to be a holiday hit

From the LifeMInute team

If you're looking for great gift ideas mixed with fun entertaining tips, you're in luck! Lifestyle expert Elizabeth Mayhew shares unique ideas for all things holiday from one-stop shop Lands' End.

Looking for a gift that is the perfect combination of personal and practical? "I'm making all my friends lasagna or macaroni and cheese and putting them in a classic casserole dish and delivering them in the Lands' End Hot Dish Carrier," says Mayhew. It's a great way to serve up your friends something piping hot because it's insulated and zips up tight. Plus, you can monogram it with their initials so that after they've enjoyed your home-cooked recipe, they'll have a great customized carrier to take with them to their next dinner party.

What about the wine? Mayhew is also stocking up on canvas carriers! "They're great to have on hand for that last minute hostess present you need," she says. But they're not just for wine! Stuff them with maple syrup, your own homemade salad dressing or baked goodies.

And speaking of baking..."I often make banana breads and pumpkin breads to bring to people, but I don't want to just deliver it in aluminum foil," Mayhew says. So, Mayhew cloaks her breads in a decorative dishtowel. Just wrap and cover, tuck the ends under and put a ribbon on it! You can even have the towels embroidered or monogrammed.

Stumped on what to get your children's teachers? Mayhew says to show them they're special with a DIY present. "I'm getting them this oven mitt, which I'm pairing with a homemade mixture of pancake mix," she says, "It's great for your kids to get involved and not very complicated."

Here's a fun idea when wrapping gifts...pretty paper and ribbons are always in, but add an extra touch this year with a pin, a hair accessory or any little embellishment that might look good. Mayhew chose a virtue for her son. "He's going to have a bowtie to wear on nice occasions. Plus,it looks great on my present as well," she says.

Another great gift is a canvas tote and, you guessed it, you can embroider and personalize it, too! Do the same when it comes to your holiday table. Enhance the presentation with table runners, napkins or even little notebook covers with each person's initials. "When they sit down, they'll recognize it and that will be there instead of a place card, plus a very personal party favor," says Mayhew.

As for a centerpiece, a footed glass compote stuffed with a bunch of ornaments and some greenery is easy and will last throughout the holiday season.

And if you need a last minute gift or have a hard to please person on your list, go for a gift card. They never expire and you don't even have to leave your house to score one. Mayhew says, "Head to their website to get an e-gift certificate that you can customize with either an audio message or a picture." So cool!

For more info, go to landsend.com.

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