The holiday season is always the best excuse to either throw or attend a party: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year s Eve, and all the days in between. But so much labor goes into preparing for and hosting the party and perhaps showing the hostess (and host if she can persuade her husband to lend a helping hand) she deserves a small token of appreciation. There are as many gift ideas as there are reasons to celebrate: Sweet gestures. Christmas cookies, packed with raisins and nuts, gingerbread . all delectable reasons to indulge your sweet tooth this holiday. For a selection of Christmas deserts try The Atrium at Conrad Hotel or the Semiramis-Intercontinental in City Stars, Heliopolis. Or, if you re feeling especially festive, you can whip up a batch at home (go to www.epicurious.com for suggestions). For a present to put under the Christmas tree, chocolate lovers will appreciate the stockings from Passionelle (LE 30-LE 120). Floral traditions. Poinsettias take center stage at floral shops during the festive season. Although it's become a traditional Christmas gift, few know the legend behind it: A Mexican girl, Pepita, had no gift to present the Christ Child at Christmas Eve Services. Her cousin consoled her, telling her that even a humble gift would be appreciated. Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of weeds, and fashioning them into a small bouquet. As she approached the altar, she remembered her cousin's kind words, and felt her spirit lift as she knelt to lay the bouquet at the foot of the nativity scene. Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes. From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night, for they bloomed each year during the Christmas season. Red and white Poinsettias are available at most floral shops around town. (Prices range from LE 25-LE 40) Aromatic suds. For a gift that awakens the senses, hop over to & Co boutique in Maadi for their selection of all-natural handmade soaps. Choose from carrot, orange, lime, and lavender (LE 20 each). Their aromas are irresistible and promote an immediate sense of indulgence. If you pick up one of their fluffy hand towels, together with the soap, they make a nice gift basket for the hostess who deserves the occasional pampering. Clearly crystal. Swarovsky's crystal tree ornaments make great gifts for special friends. If you opt for the holly, snowflakes, snowman or Georgie the gingerbread man (LE 200-LE 600), you'll be remembered when the tree is being decorated every year. Head over to their outlet in City Stars, Heliopolis. Mood lighting. Nothing sets the mood of a party like lit candles. For a selection of festive candles, try & Co in Maadi or Nourzein in Zamalek (prices range from LE 40-LE 160). In keeping with the holidays color scheme, choose from a selection of green, red and berry adorned candles. Also, you can choose a glass candle holder, or place the candle of the mirror for a more dramatic effect. Bowled over. For a festive twist on a classic gift, choose a deep glass bowl, vase of bell jar and fill it with a handful of ornaments. The end result is a lovely gift, with dramatic presentation. For a choice selection of glass bowls try Touch of Glass in Zamalek, or Clara s Accessories - branches in Zamalek, Mohandiseen, and Heliopolis.
