Shop Localista: Seeking The Perfect Hostess Gift

In our younger days, my husband and I were not only invited to desirable weekend destinations but could simply jump off a train with a back pack and a bottle of wine and end up returning with another invitation to come back again. Now, it's not so simple—in addition to our two kids we bring along far too much baggage—and then there's our luggage....

No, these days when we're invited anywhere we bring a bottle of wine, a gourmet food of some sort and a significant gift for our host or hostess. Ah, what a difference a decade (or two) makes.

Still, maturity has taught me you can't go wrong with a gracious hostess gift, particularly one that combines creativity and thought. It might also detract from the association with the kid who tried to flush the guest towel, twice.

Anyway, if you're in the market for a hostess gift that will set you apart in a good way look no further than Baker Street in the Village. Tucked onto this stellar retail stretch you'll find a trio of shops sure to please any host on your summer dance card:

The Tenth Muse Gallery, 99 Baker Street: If you like wearable, useable, accessible art, this is the place to shop. For six years, owners Mary Ann and Joyce have carefully selected every colorful, eye-catching creation in this American arts and crafts gallery and it shows. In addition to selections that showcase an array of styles at all price points, they also represent many local artists. Beautifully displayed on the back tables and shelves you find a plethora of gift choices sure to please any host. I like the delicate gilded leaf serving set ($65), colorful artisan glasses or the shell-shaped serving platter ($30)—perfect for that beach house invite!

Shed—the eclectic home, 100 baker street: Savvy style and irreverent interpretation abound in this relatively new addition to the Maplewood retail scene. Owner Cindy Potters has a consistently interesting take on modern twists on traditional décor and items, as well as an appreciation for the exotic and the unexpected. Her top selling hostess gifts are the bold graphic glass cutting & serving boards ($25), the clever wine aerator ($22) and the matchbook-cradling scented candles ($19.50)—all of which are sure to stand out.

Bee & Thistle, 89 Baker Street:  There's a reason why owners Eileen and Bill Dilley have been a Maplewood mainstay for 36 years—they've filled their shop with tried and true traditional treasures. They also have the confidence to season their selection with some sassy bits of humor for good measure. Not only are you are guaranteed to find THE perfect hostessing gift for anyone on your list here, but will probably leave with something you didn't know you needed but now can't imaging living without—I'm still chuckling over their 'Gone crazy, back soon!' sign. Any host would find their plump ceramic birds adorable ($16), their whimsical salt and pepper lovebird shakers ($14) and serving bowls ($17) charming and their golden grasshopper good luck mantle topper terrific ($15).

In addition to great gifts, Bee & Thistle is also giving us our Shop Localista savings of the week: just mention 'Patch /Bee & Thistle' and Eileen will take 10% off your entire purchase! Offer good from 6/25 - 7/1.