Be a thoughtful Diva and bring a hostess gift

We all know how much work goes into planning a gathering so try to find a thoughtful gift that’s meant for the host/hostess as a personal thank you and not something to be consumed at the party.

You can’t go wrong with chocolate:

A good candy bar tied with a ribbon, (if you’re coming to my house bring Cadbury Fruit and Nut please) or make truffles.

The Divas Secret Recipe for Microwave Chocolate Truffles (don’t tell anyone!)

What You’ll Need:

• One 12-ounce bag of dark, semi sweet, white or milk chocolate chips

• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

• ¼ tsp. Almond or Vanilla extract — optional

• Cocoa powder for rolling, or substitute finely chopped nuts, sugar, coconut or peppermint. (check your pantry for inspiration)

Here’s How:

1. Put the chocolate chips in a bowl.

2. In a Pyrex measuring cup or coffee cup heat the cream in the microwave until just simmering but not at a full boil.

3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will melt the chips.

4. Now stir by hand until smooth, add the extract and blend. If the chips aren’t softened enough put the mixture in the microwave for 20 seconds and stir again.

5. Put the mixture in the fridge for about 1 hour or until firm.

6. Line a baking sheet with waxed or parchment paper. Put your cocoa powder (or whatever you’re using) in a small shallow bowl. Shape the chocolate into 1 inch balls and roll in the cocoa powder. Place on baking sheet and pop in the freezer for 30 minutes.

These can be refrigerated for up to 2 months, if they last that long. Put in a pretty box or bag and take them to the party with a note. This makes about 40 pieces so you can have some too!

Bring Breakfast!

Homemade or store bought; give the gift of breakfast after the party. I like to make a quiche. Other ideas would be bagels with a cream cheese spread or a special coffee and coffee cake.

Candles:

Bring taper candles tied with a beautiful bow. Add a note telling the host “This is the high light of your week” or “You Glow Girl!”

Offer Your Time:

Make yourself available to come over in the morning and help clean up after the party. Print a certificate on the computer entitling the bearer to good company for clean up duty. Bring coffee and some fun music. Hangovers love company. Now that’s a Diva friend!

Other cool things you can do for the host:

• Don’t just ask what you can bring, call on the way to the party and ask if they need anything from the store. There’s always something at the last minute, usually ice.

• Offer to be the late night taxi for those who shouldn’t drive home. This means you’ll be a designated driver so no drinking. This spares the hostess from unexpected overnight guests.

• Bring your camera to the party and send photos to the host the day after the party. Thank them for a “Picture Perfect Party.”

The only thing better than a being a super Diva hostess is being a super Diva guest. You’ll be guaranteed to be invited every time there’s a party!

Frugal Festivity contributed by Patti Diamond from Divas On A Dime — Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! www.divasonadime.com Join us on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom.