
Photo courtesy of Bissinger's.
Bissinger's Hand-Decorated Holiday Mints are an elegant, and welcome, gift for houseguests.
Thoughtful, experienced hostesses know that making a guest feel at home is high-priority. With the season of guests’ upon us, consider adding a welcoming touch to their room. It'll go a long way in making a friend or family member feel comfortable and at ease. We’ve found a selection of goodies that guests are sure to appreciate.
Bedtime story: Goodnight St. Louis
A few years ago, two moms published what was supposed to be a children’s book about their favorite places in St. Louis. “Goodnight St. Louis” ($18.95) became a hugely popular read for all ages, highlighting some of the most visited spots around town from the Arch to The Magic House and Grant’s Farm.
What to Do: Show off St. Louis
Place a catalog on the night stand with information about current exhibits at the Saint Louis Art Museum. St. Louis Modern, for example, explores the time period between 1935-1965. The dozens of items and artwork on display include a 1954 Chevrolet Corvette, the first model year the car was manufactured in our city. (One Fine Arts Drive, 314-721-0072)
A Quick Fix for Holiday Hips: Shred415
Houseguests might appreciate knowing it’s ok to take time for themselves. A gift card to Shred415, or another local gym, is also a terrific way to help melt away unwanted holiday pounds. (8384 Musick Memorial Drive, 314-735-0368)
A Spa Experience: Provenance Soapworks
Take a stroll down historic Main Street in St. Charles and find plenty of items for your houseguests. Provenance Soapworks sells handmade soaps, sugar scrubs, and body oils. The Vanilla Chai sugar cubes add a subtle scent to a bath, making guests feel like they’re staying in a luxury hotel. (311 S. Main St., 636-577-1972)
Sweet, Salty and Savory
Leave enough snacks to last the length of your guests’ stay. A bag of “softies” or “nuggets” from Pretzel Boy’s is a real treat for travelers, and Bissinger’s after-dinner holiday mints or chocolate lollipops are always a welcome sight. (Pretzel Boy's 11750 Manchester Rd., 314-835-9698, 3802 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 314-843-0131; Bissinger's 32 Maryland Plaza, 314-367-7750, 97 Plaza Frontenac, 314-432-1329.)