The holidays are a time for celebrating and giving. You want to give a little something special to everyone on your list or those that drop by for a quick hello. Plus, a good guest always arrives to a party with a fun hostess gift. Whether there’s an unexpected guest at your home or a spur of the moment party, it’s always a good idea to keep some extra presents on hand so nobody feels left out. These are some of our favorite quick and easy gift ideas to have ready for your unexpected holiday guests.
Throw Blanket
You can never go wrong with a warm and cozy blanket. This plaid throw blanket is perfect for those chilly winter mornings or just snuggling up for a movie. It’s also gender neutral so you’re prepared no matter who shows up to your home for the holidays! Wrap it in a festive box or simply tie a bow around it, and you’re good to go. Grab yours from World Market here.
Box of Chocolates
“Memorable and mouthwatering”, chocolates have become a holiday staple throughout the years. From nuts and caramels to chewy centers, this gift also requires virtually no wrapping on your part. If you’re feeling extra festive, we recommend filling a few decorative glass jars with chocolate and tying it off with a holiday ribbon. Or just head down to your nearest See’s and grab a keepsake tin like this one.
Coffee Beans
Give your guests the gift of a fresh cup of coffee with their very own coffee beans. Whether they prefer a dark roast or a breakfast blend, most coffee shops such as Starbucks have a huge variety of beans to choose from. Not sure if they’re a coffee lover? Grab some hot chocolate instead!
Portable Charger
Everyone has some type of electronic device these days. From phones and iPads to headphones and watches, we could all use a little more power on the go. This portable charger from Target is small enough to fit in your pocket while fully charging your devices.
Holiday Candle
Spread a little holiday cheer – and smell – this year with a scented candle from your favorite store. Choose from a wide variety of scents to cover all your guests. Many even come with festive packaging! With a 25-hour burn time, these candles from Anthropologie are sure to last your guests through the holidays.
Gift Cards
There are endless possibilities when shopping for gift cards. Whether your guest is a foodie, makeup lover, or techie, there’s a gift card for almost everywhere! Many places such as Ulta also now allow you to purchase an E-gift card if you choose to send them directly to their inbox for any amount you desire.
Homemade Treats
Do you love whipping up holiday treats in the kitchen? There’s no shortage of goodies you can throw together for any guest who may show up. We recommend checking out Good Housekeeping for recipes like these Peppermint Kiss Oreos for a delicious treat for an unexpected guest!
Take a little stress out of the holidays this year and be prepared for any unexpected guests who may show up at your door. Whether it’s a homemade treat or something as simple as a gift card, it’s great to have some easy gifts on hand. And don’t forget to decorate your home with festive luxury this year with our 7 stunning holiday decorations, including beautiful tree toppers and ornaments! What are some of your go-to gift ideas for the holidays?
![In 2014, Fodor’s Travel said that there are four main reasons to visit Shanghai: sights new and old; multi cultural museums; one-of-a-kind shopping; and, new food and drink. They were right about all of those reasons. We’d add the beautiful luxury accommodations and continue to stress the importance of the city’s rising quality of cuisine. So much so that 26 restaurants were awarded the highly coveted Michelin stars in 2017. We’ve combed that list and chosen our picks of musts in a culinary tour of this vibrant and dynamic city. DaDong (IAPM) & DaDong (Park Place) [caption id="attachment_4020" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Foodie Traveller[/caption] While there are actually two DaDong locations in Shanghai that each earned one Michelin star, we’re counting it as one entry on our list but hoping you’ll sample both. Renowned for their roast duck, both Da Dong locations require reservations but they can accommodate parties large and small and have private dining options as well. This popular restaurant is not only busy but has a menu worth exploring beyond the roast duck. Pro tip: add the braised sea cucumber with scallions to your order, you’ll be happy you did. UltraViolet [caption id="attachment_4023" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Digital Trends[/caption] Billed as one of the world’s most high tech restaurants, UltraViolet marries food, wine, light, and sound, and it does it well enough to earn a two-star rating from Michelin. Reservations are, of course, required as they seat ten people each evening who are instructed to meet at Mr. & Mrs. Bund. They’re then driven to a location where the guests are seated at a communal table for the immersive 22-course dinner. L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon [caption id="attachment_4021" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Dining City[/caption] One of several locations, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon boasts a 32-seat teppanyaki, the largest in Asia. The French gourmet restaurant was inspired by Robuchon’s travels through Japan and Spain and his passion has spread worldwide as have his restaurants. L’Atelier not only has an enviable menu but with views of Shanghai’s towers, this two-star Michelin-rated restaurant is one of the loveliest settings in the city for a beautiful dinner. Reservations are possible, yet not a requirement. Canton 8 [caption id="attachment_4019" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Fine Dining Lovers[/caption] Another restaurant that earned two Michelin stars, Canton 8 is a Cantonese restaurant that is most notably the world’s least expensive two Michelin-star restaurant. Forget about that, though, because Chef Jie Ming Jian will dazzle you with his use of local fresh ingredients and his humble demeanor. At the Michelin award ceremony, he said he never dreamed of earning such an accolade for his food. That food includes the popular lobster porridge and crystal prawn dumplings as well as their dim sum. Even though they’re the least expensive on the list, they require a reservation. T'ang Court [caption id="attachment_4022" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Langham Hotels[/caption] The first and thus far only recipient of a three-star Michelin rating in all of mainland China, T’ang Court features a mix of traditional and modern Cantonese cuisine under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Justin Tan and a team of culinary masters. With several set menus or an a la carte menu, T’ang Court promises a unique dining experience and invites you to experience their artistry and the reason they earned those three Michelin stars. Pro tip: According to Michelin, you’ll want to try their braised sea cucumber with dried longan and sautéed Wagyu with organic mushrooms. Reservations are required and with that rating, that’s no surprise. As you’re planning your travels through Shanghai, be sure to experience the best cuisine they have to offer. Any one of these Michelin star-rated restaurants will be a meal to remember. In addition to the five we’ve highlighted and the other 21 star earners, there were 25 more restaurants awarded the Bib Gourmand, a more affordable dining option recognition. It’s an exciting time to visit Shanghai!](https://discover.luxury/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Michelin-Star-Restaurants-in-Shanghai-vertical-377x214.jpg)
