No Fail Wedding Gift Ideas

The warm summer months tend to bring with them lots of weddings.  Still have a few weddings to attend?  Not sure what to shop for?  Especially if you don't know the bride and groom very well, or if the couple has decided not to register, selecting what to give the couple as a wedding gift can be hard.  Don't despair, there are plenty of thoughtful, useful wedding presents to be had.  Here are our five favorite "no fail" wedding gifts.  All these pretty pieces are elegant, timeless, and will match with almost any decor.  Best yet?  They're all under $80.

First up?  Chic servingware.  If you know your bride and groom enjoy cooking or entertaining, then a simple multi piece serving set makes a nice gift.  I love the sleek lines, contemporary feel, and stackable nature of these Martine 10 Set of Three Triangular Bowls (shown above, $42).  The newlyweds can use them seperately or together for anything from Thanksgiving side dishes to a snack dish for crackers, and the fact that they nest inside each other for storage is perfect for a small, first home or apartment. 

Another no fail gift option?  A timeless vase.  Any vase in a classic style will find a home in the permenant decorating collection of any bride.  I find myself reaching for my simple crystal vase given to me by a family friend at my wedding all the time.  Kacey Mini Open vase, $21.

Does you wedding couple love to toast?  Any couple that enjoys a glass of bubbly would love these old fashioned Champagne flutes.  Gallery Champagne Coupe, set of 6, $77.  A set of fun, everyday stemware with a pop of color is perfect for impromptu cocktail parties or just as a way to brighten the evening after a long work day.  Opt for classic clear pieces or a set in fun colors in the couple's favorite drink shape.

Another classic gift any bride is sure to appreciate - classic crystal candlesticks.  They go with everything and add instant elegance to any table.  Even if they couple doesn't throw dinner parties yet, a few years later when they're hosting their Thanksgivings and family dinners, they'll be glad they have a chic candle set to adorn the table.  Crystal Candlesticks "IC08MA," set of two, $67.

Our last great gift idea?  For anyone who enjoys cooking, baking, or eating at home - unique cookware.  Everyone registers for the basic pots and pans, but why not treat your future husband and wife to be's with something different.  Playful mini terrines are perfect for baking mini desserts or servings of casserole or even heating up leftovers.  This simple set in white comes complete with a trivet!, Playtime Mini Terrines set of three and serving tray, $41.

Hostess Gifts with a French Flair

Europeans love their color!  They're not afraid to accent their kitchens with bright colors and fun designs.  So for the next hostess gift you find yourself giving, look to the French for inspiration.  Here are my top five favorite hostess gift ideas.

1.  A Chic Apron - Our Cuistot Aprons are durable, well constructed cotton, and feel as good on as they look on the hook.  If your hostess loves to bake or cook, she'd love a poppy colored apron.  Shown above in green and black.  Also available in select other colors and prints.  $70 each.

2.  Pretty Dishtowels - We all have dishtowels in our kitchen, but think back to the last time you actually treated yourself to some new, pretty designed towels.  Chances are your hostess hasn't either.  Try the Cuistot Green Jacquard Dishcloth, $17 (Shown above left) in green, fuschia, or black.

3.  Fancy Soap - Treat your hostess to some gourmet, made in France dish soap.  This little Soap and Brush Block, $27, comes complete with the soap and built in bristles.  (Shown on the chair, above) Created by Aquamanile and made by Marius Fabre, one of the last savonneries de Marseille that still uses the coulee method, a traditional manufacturing technique that guarantees the soap's purity and quality. 

4. Candles - visiting your hostess for a very short time or don't know her very well?  Candles are an excellent gift.  They're simple, chic, and inexpensive.  If you don't know your host's candle scent preference opt for a fun color or design in a scentless candle.  These pretties above, clockwise from top center, Small Cylindrical Candle, $10 each, MMI Pink Bird Candle, $21, and Malibu Kiwi Candle, $7 each.

5.  If you're looking for a hostess gift that is personable and something to be used and treasured often, look to European breakfast cups.  These large coffee cups are perfect for sipping coffee with the morning paper or on the back porch during a summer evening.  Best yet?  They come in beautiful gift boxes so all you have to do is pick up and go.  One of my favorite breakfast cups are from the Tanganyika collection (shown above).  Breakfast Cup Gift Set of Two, $58. 

Regardless of what hostess gift you select, don't forget that it's the thought that counts and your hostess will be flattered that you thought of her.