So, you were invited to a holiday party, but now you’re unsure about what to purchase for the party’s hostess. Although you’re certainly not required to give a pricey present, it is polite to give a small token of your gratitude for the fun gathering. Here are a few great sites filled with gift ideas for the holiday hostess.

Mark and Graham
Mark and Graham’s hostess gift selection includes a number of seasonal goodies that can all be completely personalized. From leather-wrapped cocktail shakers to rustic coasters and linen dinner napkins, these monogrammed gifts will be a hit at any holiday party.

Jonathan Adler
The popular interior designer is beloved for his modern, stylish home décor collections, and his website includes a number of gift suggestions at any price range. Browse candles scented like your favorite cocktails, plush throw blankets and much more.

Terrain
If your hostess has more of a rustic, vintage-inspired style, Terrain is the perfect place to shop for a thoughtful thank-you gift. The site features trendy plants and topiaries to brighten up any home, as well as soaps, candles and cheese boards ideal for future get-togethers. Whether your budget is large or small, Topiary’s gifts also come at price ranges that just about anyone can afford.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Morgan

As sweater weather approaches we hope you all stay warm and cozy this season! What are some of your favorite winter activities?

When Fort Delaware was constructed in 1859, its purpose was simple in theory, but not so simple in reality: to protect Wilmington and Philadelphia's ports in an era distinguished by civil war. It went on to house Confederate prisoners of war, and, eventually, to serve as Fort Delaware State Park.

Hop a ferry from Delaware City, and it'll shuttle you across half a mile of waves to Pea Patch Island. From there, you'll have to board another jitney to get to the fort itself, a menacing building crafted from brick and granite. Once you're inside, you'll be transported back to a time when the fort was still in full operation: summer of 1864. The costumed docents will teach you about the ins and outs of life at the fort, including how blacksmiths made cannons and how the staff did the laundry. If you're interested in a day of learning local history, Fort Delaware is your spot.

Fort Delaware State Park
45 Clinton Street
Delaware City, DE 19706
(302) 834-7941
www.destateparks.com/park/fort-delaware/index.asp
www.yelp.com/biz/fort-delaware-state-park-delaware-city

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr pavlinajane