I grew up in the kitchen helping to prepare for parties.  Nothing gave me more joy than a well dressed table, perfect lighting and wonderful people enjoying it.  This love for entertaining led to a love of all things related to the house and what really makes it a home. I get to talk about all the issues related to home as an editor at Apartment Therapy LA and on my own blog, At Home At Home.

So here we are in the middle of December with the holidays just around the corner.  What better excuse for staying indoors and enjoying life's simpler pleasures: people, food, love and just being at home.  Of course, having beautiful things doesn't hurt either! (And giving beautiful things is even better.)  In the spirit of Etsy and all things handmade, I've put together a selection of beautiful, practical accessories for the home to help you get ready for entertaining, and to gift those that open their homes to you this season.  

I've stayed at the affordable price point (almost all the items are under $25) so that each piece can pack a lot of punch and make your guests or host say "Oh!".  I'm big on etiquette and anything old fashioned (some might say I'm into rules), so anything I can do to bring it back I will.   Bringing a gift for a host (other than a bottle of wine) used to be expected and now is somewhat of an anomaly. This is all the more reason to surprise your host with a thoughtful addition to their home. The same goes for party favors: I mean, little kids can't have all the fun!   

So give a little heart, give something personal, buy handmade this season for the holidays, for your home and for your friends!

Pomegranates Cushion from Lalitah

This cushion tells one part of  the story of how the pomegranate (an ancient symbol of love) grows its seeds to help nurture and grow other fruit.  I think it's a cute pillow: nice and simple and adequately graphic. Great for the couch, the bed, or a little reading nook.

Modern Floral Cushion Cover by quiltification 

I had trouble choosing just one pillow from quiltification. This modern floral cushion does the trick for me, though.  I'm a sucker for bold florals that don't get too sweet.  

Set of 4 Turquoise Dessert Bowls by magicforestcreations

If you're bringing a dessert to the soirée, why not bring along these sweet bowls for the host?  After all, you can never have too many turquoise things, or bowls. 

Soup Size Pebble Bowls in Chestnut Brown by kimwestad

These elegant bowls will make people smile as they sip your sublime soup. (Or give the set as a not-so-subtle hint that you'd love a bowl of their famous carrot soup.)

Dots Tea Towels by theorangebicycle 

When I'm baking or preparing for a shindig, I go through more dishtowels than I thought possible.  I'd love to be gifted a set of these tea towels.

Natural Dryer Sheet Alternative by lollipopguild

We're all looking for ways to save natural resources, and using reusable all natural dryer sheets is a great way to start.  Bring a set of six (that will last six months) cushions filled with dried herbs and flax to your host - they'll thank you later!

Art Nouveau Lavender Sachets - Set of 4 by PoPkO

Art nouveau anything makes me swoon, and these lavender sachets are no exception.  These come as a set of four individually wrapped bags, so you can give all four at once or spread them out as stocking stuffers and party favors.  They're also beautiful enough to place out in plain sight to freshen up some smaller spaces for your own parties.  

Retro Brown Floral Vintage Wallpaper Boxes by drawflowers

Boxes are ever useful around the house.  Use it to gather up odds and ends that made their way onto the coffee table.  (Or bring your host a gift inside one!)

Pine Cone Coasters by greenchairpress

So woodsy and festive, I just love these.

Snowflake Letterpress Coasters by albertinepress

Double duty. These Snowflake Letterpress coasters make a great hostess gift but that's not all. Strung together they'd make a great garland, or one at a time would be wonderful christmas tree ornaments.

Laundry Powder - Ultimate Sampler by Nanu

This sampler pack of all natural laundry powder gives you the chance to try out all the different scents. From eucalyptus, to lavender, to fresh woods: another great host gift that's green! 

Cherry Blossom Platter by wonderful

Cherry blossoms are all about spring (and if you hadn't noticed, I love flowers on anything!), so why not cheer up the dead of winter with this platter?

Small Fuchsia Pink Felted Bowl by knitpotato 

These give me the warm fuzzies. There's just nothing like felt on a cold winter's day, and these fushia and aubergine colors are striking.  Bring these for your host, or use one for each place setting at your own table. You can affix a guest's name to the front with a sweet little pin.  At the end of the night, each of your guests has a useful, beautiful bowl to take home and remember the evening by.

Block Printed Sunbursts in Orange by yellowcanoe 

If you're comfortable enough with your host (like they're your sister), you can bring something to help decorate the house. This print will liven up the winter in any room. 

Peppermint Silk Cold Process Soap by cavendishsoapworks 

Give your host or your guests a real pick me up with this festive peppermint soap.  Not only is it lovely to look at, but we imagine the scent is intoxicating, and the good news is that it's all natural, so you know what you're spreading all over your hands!

Artwork Frame - Round Modern from mudpuppy

I love the idea of three of these handcast white porcelain resin frames in the bathroom.  Your hostess will, too.  Added bonus if you fill them with beautiful images.  This is another great party favor too depending on how many people you've invited!

Bounty by Monarch

I can't help but love this photograph. This is just an indulgence. It's so beautiful and the thick leaves and buds remind me of mistletoe.

Choose Two Silkscreened Votives by maryink

Set the mood! No party should be allowed to start without the perfect lighting: candlelight.  Nothing is more flattering and nothing sets the mood as well. Get some of these silkscreened votives from maryink and light up your party, let your guests take one home at the end of the night.

Confiture Cup in Caramel by mollyhatch 

This mug seems like the perfect size for a nice hot cup of chocolate at the end of the evening (or to help start the morning after).  Bring a set for your host and maybe add some hot chocolate or your favorite tea. You could also send your guests home with the same little present, to keep the warmth of the evening going for at least a little longer. 

What would you give a hostess? Leave it in the comments!