Handmade Gifts for the Thanksgiving Hostess

Even if everybody brings a dish, the Thanksgiving hostess takes on the largest brunt of the work for creating a Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends. She or he is doing most of the cooking and shopping not to mention cleaning, decorating, inviting and generally organizing the whole day. A Thanksgiving hostess is offering up their home, their time and talents and that's a lot to be thankful for.

By all means offer to bring a dish, but either way a hostess gift is certainly in order for the hosts of Thanksgiving dinners. Perhaps you have more time than money to spend on a Thanksgiving hostess gift. Perhaps you really want to show your gratitude with a thoughtful handmade gift to say thanks for the hard working hands of your hostess. Perhaps you're just over the commercialization of the holidays and want to make old fashioned the new modern.

Everyone has different talents but everyone has some talent. This varied homemade hostess gift list has something that everyone can make.

A Knitted Dishrag:

People who cook are also people who wipe counters and wash dishes. If you're a knitter, a handmade dishrag is an awesome hostess gift. People who use knitted dishrags know that they are the best. If you're new to knitting dishrags be sure to use cotton yarn. They are super absorbent, wash up nicely, dry quickly and are 100 times better than yucky, germ holding sponges. Consider making one in fall colors or better yet go ahead and use Christmas colors to get your hostess in the mood for her next big holiday event.

Breadbasket Liners:

If you have even the most basic sewing machine skills, you can create square basket liners for breadbaskets or cracker trays. I've given these easy sew bread basket liners as gifts several times and I always see them in use when I am invited back. You may choose a print in the color of the hostess kitchen or simply a fall color scheme. A breadbasket liner is a simple square with the edges tucked under and stitched. If you're an experience sewer, of course you could create a double side one but it isn't necessary.

A Rag Wreath:

What is a rag wreath? A rag wreath is a super simple craft that makes a nice hostess gift. To make a rag wreath form a wire coat hanger into a circle or even a heart. Cut strips of fabric about 6 to 8 inches long. These do not need to be cut neatly. Even the kids can help. Now simply tie the fabric onto the hanger, bunching it up all along the way. It looks questionable at first but when you get all the way around the rag wreath it is very attractive. You can choose the hostess favorite color scheme, fall colors or even Christmas colors. After all, it's Thanksgiving and tomorrow your hostess may start decorating for Christmas. Use at least three different coordinated colors of fabric. Some prints worked in with solids looks best. Got old tablecloths with stains or tears? They are perfect for upcycling into a rag wreath.

More handmade crafts that make nice hostess gifts for Thanksgiving hostesses:

The Stacked Sticks Vase: This craft is super cheap and beautiful but best made with a hot glue gun.

Creating Accents Pillow from Recycled Pants: This craft can be created with a sewing machine or by hand.

Christmas Tree Crafts using Styrofoam Cones: You'll need the Styrofoam cone but you'll be amazed at the items you have around the house that can be used for these fun Christmas craft.

Unique Homemade Christmas Tree Ornaments: These Christmas tree ornaments are easy and have a vintage look.

Maybe you don't lack the talent but unfortunately you're out of time. Don't overlook the Cookies in a Jar hostess gift. Sterilize a jar and dry thoroughly. Choose a cookie recipe that you have the basic ingredients for. Measuring out the ingredients layering them in the jar. Handwrite or print out the directions and attaché with a ribbon. Adding a clean fabric square under the jar lid makes your hostess gift look festive and now you have a homemade hostess gift in hand for your Thanksgiving hostess.