Host gifts were previously referred to as “hostess gifts” – tokens of appreciation of flowers or a bottle of wine for whom previous generations would refer to as the “lady of the house”. Now that today’s hosts who cook and keep house can be of either gender, such gifts are referred to in a gender-neutral term – but the tradition of showing appreciation remains the same.
The gesture is usually a small token, such as flowers, a bottle of wine or a centrepiece for the table. Budgeting being on everyone’s lips lately, it doesn’t necessarily have to be lavish, but it can be eco-friendly, without breaking the bank.
Reasons to Give an Organic Host Gift
Among some of the reasons, buying organic wines and flowers supports the following:
- Doesn’t create pollution, by not using hydro, gas or electricity to produce synthetic fertilizers; no waste is created or leached into water or the air
- Protects farm workers health and help keep a healthy environment for wildlife
- Prevents genetically modified organisms (GMO) from becoming the main source of food
- Keep carcinogens found in most herbicides and pesticides out of our water systems
- Helps small and local organic farmers
- Motivates farmers to embrace sustainable agricultural practices
Eco-Friendly Wines
An organic wine, or champagne can really be treat: Something that is not made with pesticides benefits both those who are drinking the wine as well as the growers. The good news is that they are not necessarily any more expensive than some average bottles of wine. You can get your buzz without wondering if some of it may have be due to residual pesticides.
The following labels are organic wines that come from France, Australia, Israel and Argentina. (While there are likely more organic vineyards, the following vintages are among some that are available for sale in Canada.)
For extra “green” points, try looking for an organic wine that is made closest to your city: Anything that has to travel overseas may well be organic, but it also leaves a large carbon footprint. A local wine wouldn’t need to use as much fuel to transport from the vineyard to your local shop.
- ‘02 Semillon Barossa Valley Certified Organic (by Loan Wines)
- ‘05 Shiraz Cabernet (by Organic Vignerons)
- '06 Cotes Du Rhone Villages Valreas Organic (by Bottle Green Ltd)
- ‘06 Odem Organic Chardonnay (by Yarden Inc.)
- ‘06 Corbieres Organic (by Faillenc Sainte Marie)
- ‘07 Ch. Jarr Blanc Organic (by Jean Baptist Audy)
- ‘07 Tempranillo Organic (by Winery Vinecol Sa)
- ‘07 Vacqueyras Organic - Domaine De L'Oiselet (by Jean-Paul Selles)
- Alios De Sainte-Marie 2005 (By M.T. Vins)
- Battle Of Bosworth White Boar Shiraz 2005 (by Edgehill Vineyards)
Organic Flowers Show You Care
Flowers that are certified organic mean that they have to be submit to governmental inspection and adhere to rules that adhere to the National Standard of Canada for Organic Agriculture for Canadians, and the USDA for the United States.
Flowers or plants that are merely labelled “organic” do not have any inspection or way of certifying the soil, seeds or storage. Looking for a certified organic label is one way of ensuring that your gift is indeed supporting sustainable agriculture.
Where To Find Organic, Fair Trade Flowers or Chocolates
Look through the Yellow Pages online, or ask your local health food store if they know of any pesticide-free organic florist. If all else fails, try resorting to buying organic, fair trade chocolates. If your local health food store doesn’t supply the following companies, try going online to pick up some sweets for the sweet host: Organic Fair has several gourmet organic fair trade chocolates, and Canadian companies such as Sitting Around Eating Bon Bons has a website for ordering chocolates online.
Fair Trade and Organic Chocolate Brands to Check Out:
- Cocoa Camino
- Green & Black’s
- Ten Thousand Villages
- Divine Chocolate
In all, showing your host your appreciation for their efforts is key. Some may choose to buy unscented, beeswax candles to set the table with, or even a simple offering of cheese; Whatever you choose, a gesture that indicates how much you care, and keep the hosts’ taste in mind. They will likely appreciate the gesture, and something that reduces waste is always in good taste.
