Are you ready to party? Because it’s about to be the happiest time of the year, where the merry-go-round of holiday gatherings and cocktail parties become a part of your weekly calendar. All this socializing can cost you a pretty penny, especially if you’re of the wonderfully traditional mindset of not showing up empty-handed. I’ve rounded up three ultra-charming DIY gift ideas that you can easily whip up in bulk batches. These on-the-go gifts are guaranteed to charm your hosts and make you the belle of the ball.
Bath Bombs
These fizzy bath treats exfoliate dry skin and use aromatherapy to help calm senses. A perfect little gift to help the hostess of the hour recuperate post-party.
Ingredients:
Baking Soda 8 0z.
Cornstarch 4 oz.
Epsom Salt 4 oz.
Vegetable Oil 2 1/2 tsp
Food Coloring 1 or 2 drops
Water 3/4 tbsp.
Essential Or Fragrance Oil 2 tsp
Plastic Fillable Ornament
How To:
In two large bowls, mix the wet and dry substances separately and then combine. Pack the mixture together with your hands until it begins to form a claylike substance. Pack into a plastic fillable ornament ($15) to form shape. Remove and leave to dry overnight. Wrap individually with your choice of tissue paper.
Limoncello
Step outside the traditional BYOB box by skipping the wine and opting for this traditional Italian lemon liqueur. It’s a guaranteed crowd favorite and destined to help spark the festivities.
Ingredients:
11 lemons
1 750-ml bottle of Everclear, or other overproof grain spirit (140+ proof)
3 cups (21 ounces) granulated sugar
3 cups boiling water
How To: (Recipe Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living)
Peel wide strips of lemon zest (avoiding as much of the white pith as possible) with a sharp vegetable peeler; reserve lemons for another use. Add the lemon peels to a 1-liter (or larger) airtight container ($7) and top off with the Everclear.
Let stand at room temperature in a dark place for at least 3 days and up to 1 week.
After the infusing period is over, stir together the sugar and boiling water until the sugar has dissolved; allow to cool. Combine the lemon peel/Everclear solution with the sugar syrup in an airtight container (two if necessary, space wise) and refrigerate 1 day.
Strain out the lemon peels and bottle. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Hot Buttered Rum Mix
As you make your cocktail party rounds, drop off homemade jars of hot buttered rum mix. This seasonal cocktail will be a sweet and cozy reminder of your kindness all winter long. You can make one large batch and divide into smaller jars.
Ingredients:
One stick of salted butter (1 cup), softened
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
How To: (Recipe Courtesy of Popsugar)
Combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
When gifting, section off into tiny mason jars like these Ball Jars Elite Wide Mouth ($12), and attach to a bottle of dark rum. When serving, mix one shot of rum with one tablespoon of the buttered rum mix. Pour over hot water.
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