24 Homemade Gifts + Foods to Give

Homemade gifts are so thoughtful, and they’re also great to have on hand for some other reasons. Unexpected guests, coworkers, and stockings to name a few! I’ve pulled together twelve simple DIY projects and twelve recipes that would make for great give, I’ve also shared what to pair them with to create and extra sweet and thoughtful gift!

 

 

PAIR WITH a bottle of wine or new book

 

PAIR WITH a set of vintage candleholders

 

PAIR WITH a bottle of lavender pillow spray (see below)

 

PAIR WITH a simple soap dish

 

PAIR WITH a pair of linen pillowcases

 

PAIR WITH a package of your favorite pasta and a jar of sauce

 

PAIR WITH a nice box of matches

 

PAIR WITH a bouquet of fresh eucalyptus

 

PAIR WITH a pretty candlesnuffer

 

PAIR WITH a tray to arrange them in

 

PAIR WITH a pottery dish to set it in

 

PAIR WITH a few tiny baskets to set them in drawers, closets, etc

 

 

PAIR WITH toothpicks and a large bowl

 

PAIR WITH a loaf of fresh local bread

 

PAIR WITH the recipe!

 

PAIR WITH quality hot chocolate mix

 

PAIR WITH a pair of small glass tumblers

 

PAIR WITH a wooden cutting board

 

PAIR WITH a nice candy dish

 

PAIR WITH a linen dish towel – tie them up in a bundle

 

PAIR WITH a small dish or cake stand that can be used year-round

 

PAIR WITH a recipe for English muffins or crumpets and a spreader

 

PAIR WITH a pair of new mugs and tea strainer

 

PAIR WITH an air-tight tin that can be reused again and again for storage

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November Favorites

1/ 3 Pack of Assorted Mini Air Plants
After the sad little air plant (tillandsia) that never grew, but that I’d managed to keep alive for three years, kicked the bucket last month I picked up some new babies/victims. I also bought some for my Grandma as a Christmas gift because she’s another plant lover and had never heard of them! Now to keep those alive for at least a few weeks…

2/ 7 ft Pre-Lit Alberta Spruce Tree
I picked up this tree last year post-holiday season and love it! The lights are so bright that I don’t plan on using any lamps in my living room until I take it down in January, and the white branches create such a pretty canvas for all of my ornaments.

3/ House Bud Vase
If you haven’t checked out Target’s Hearth & Hand collection yet please do so, because it’s one of the best I’ve seen there in many years. Along with a few large vases and potholders, I picked up one of these house bud vases to add to my collection.

4/ Bombas Socks
I love a buy one/give one business model, so I couldn’t resist when Bombas asked me to check out their socks. My expectations weren’t all that high and I ended up being beyond impressed – no stretching out and no slouching down! Right now get 20% off using code COZY20, and returning customers can get 20% off any holiday product using FAVORITES20.

5/ IKEA 365+ Glasses
These short little glasses are perfect for so many things, though I uses them most frequently for wine. They’re safe for both hot and cold temperatures and can act as glasses or bowls, and for $3.99/6 pack you can’t beat ’em.

6/ Tatiana Loafers
Loafers are everywhere this autumn, and I couldn’t resist this burgundy suede pair. The first time I wore them I received so many compliments that I knew I’d made the right call. They’re also available in desert rose and metallic leather options. Right now ABLE is offering free shipping on all jewelry orders and all orders over $99.

7/ Case Study Planters
I’ve owned three of these for a few years now, but every time I water my plants I’m reminded of just how well-crafted and beautiful they are. The planters themselves are available in both black and white pottery while the plinths and stands have a light and dark wood option.

8/ Aera Diffuser
This is a new addition to my battle against having a home that smells like my pets. Since I started using it about two weeks ago my home has been smelling consistently good. Aera has an adjustable strength setting and is so quiet that I hardly notice it’s working. Oh, and it works with your smartphone!

9/ Trap Pitcher
You just can’t wrong with a simple glass pitcher. This one was a Black Friday purchase last year that I use for water, cocktails, and even as a vase. It’s just the right size – not too big and not too small – at about 9-inches tall.

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You’re Invited: Thanksgiving Dinner

 

If I had a gigantic studio I’d like to think that I could invite you all over for a meal. One that says thank you for hanging around and keeping Design Crush afloat for over ten years, for your kind words and encouragement, and just for being an incredible group of human beings. After all, Thanksgiving is about being grateful and saying it out loud. So go get dressed in your favorite outfit – sparkly dress or sweatpants, there’s no judgement here – and join me for a delicious time. (Thanksgivings past: 2012, 2013, 20142015, 2016)

 

Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Sour // Basil Fig Vodka Smash // Chilled Spiced Apple Beer Punch // Harvest Berry Sangria // Honey Crisp Spiced Hard Cider // Persimmon Mojito

 

Easy Goat Cheese + Honey Bites // Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic Bacon Aioli // Super Simple Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Bites // Sweet Potato Tahini Crostini // Toasted Red Chili Salsa // White Bean Buffalo Hummus

 

Eucalyptus Bundle Doormat // Live Olive Eucalyptus Wreath // Modern Brass Candleholders // Various Sticks // Twinkle Leaf Garland // Sheafs of Wheat

 

Animal Placecard Holder Set // Stoneware Metallic Vase // X Pattern Napkins // Emma Salt & Pepper Shakers // Velvet Table Runner // Farmhouse Trivet // Gold Metal Taper Candleholders // Hipped Glassware // Kaloh Mugs // Neona Flatware // Bistro Dinner Plates // Pink Pampas Grass

 

Arlo Smoke Glass Ice Bucket // Copper Punch Bowl with Ladle // Curved Handle Pitcher // Dobra Carafe // Hammered Gold 2-Piece Carving Set // Melrose Gold Serving Bowl // Marble & Dark Wood Servers // New England Ash Bread Board // Pie Set // Serving Platter // Tondo 12″ Round Platter // Stoneware Serving Dish

 

Apple Cider Green Beans // Brussels Sprout Chopped Salad with Pears, Gorgonzola + Vinaigrette // Buttery Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls // Caramelised Onion, Mushroom & Hard Cider Soup // Crispy, Cheesy, Tahini-Roasted Cauliflower // Hasselback Butternut Squash with Bay Leaves // Honey Brined Turkey // Roasted Cauliflower Gratin with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese // Roasted Potatoes with Thyme // Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks // Rustic Bourbon Spice Applesauce // Turnips with Garlicky Breadcrumbs and Parmesan

 

Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake // Italian Apple and Fig Polenta Torta // Maple Pumpkin Cake Roll // Orange Cranberry Torte // Pumpkin Flan Cake // Simple Chocolate Mousse

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