Lifestyle

Lambic Framboise Belgian beer & Liberty Orchards' Deluxe Assortment of fruit and nut candies (photo credit www.pischilein.typepad.com)

Here are a few simple yet original welcome & thank you gift ideas for the holiday season.

Hand Soap & Hand Lotion gift wrapped together. These will come in handy for holiday hosts and hostesses~ small details they won't want to run out of. As well as a thoughtful reminder of you, their guest. Recommended: Avalon Organics Soaps & Lotions, Hugo Naturals Soaps & Lotions (no sodium lauryl sulfate and natural fragrances only)

Alcoholic & Non- Alcoholic Drinks Sparkling cider (non- alcoholic) is available in various flavor choices these days, in Organic or the usual fare. Just as presentable as a bottle of wine, sparkling cider is kid friendly, too. Martinelli's is a well- known traditional label. Or, check out local seasonal cider businesses. Larger health food stores often carry their own in- house bottled ciders.

Belgian beers and ales make wonderful, unexpected surprises. Lindeman's Lambic Framboise (Belgian Framboise Beer) and Duvel (Belgian Golden Ale) are two fantastic choices. Lambic Framboise (pictured above) is a merry, crimson red color.

Bottled European and other natural sodas are tasty and refreshing. And, they are much lower in sugar than standard soft drinks.

Candle with Glass Holder Warmth, a pleasant aroma and light. Perfect for the holidays during these Winter months.  A few recommended scents: Bourbon Island Vanilla & Russian Fir by Pacifica, Pineapple Ginger & Lavender Spice by Archipelago Botanicals

Packaged Hot Beverages Packaged quality coffees, teas and other warm drink mixes such as ciders and cocoas make wonderful gifts. Republic of Tea (especially the Pomegranate Green Tea) is a personal favorite for gifts. It brews crimson red, and is available in regular and decaffeinated, loose tea and teabags. For coffee, try a quality local brand or an exotic roast recommended by the seller.

Snack Staples Here is a fun take on the usual box of chocolates: Liberty Orchards' Turkish Delights fruit and nut candies. Dried cranberries served with your favorite nuts are a great idea for holidays. Pecans in particular go especially well with cranberries.

Where to Buy Whole Foods Market carries Lindeman's Lambic Framboise beer, Duvel ale, Pacifica and Archipelago candles and Republic of Tea Pomegranate Green Tea. Many other quality retailers carry these items, too. European style bottled sodas can be found at Whole Foods Market, and at other health food stores and markets. Martinelli's Sparkling Cider can be found at supermarkets, health food stores and gourmet shops as can Liberty Orchards' Turkish Delights. Some of these items can be purchased at the links provided above in blue.

The Back Issue exclusively for EXO Limited

thebackissue.blogspot.com