I love to throw parties. It’s a proven fact and you can even check my blog for reference. I love to host game watches, Bachelor premieres, empty apartment parties, Caturday parties, and more. I even just finished a book called The Southerner’s Handbook which details the art of throwing a true southern party! So when I discovered the Mostess Box, I was beyond excited.

What is the Mostess Box? Essentially it’s a curated hostess kit with fabulous taste. Instead of scouring racks at World Market or the Target dollar shelves to try and find something fun to spice up your party, the Mostess Box is filled with hand-picked, one-of-a-kind items that will be a treat to your guests and you!

How does it work? Once you subscribe, you get a box mailed to your house every other month. Each box contains 4-6 handpicked items that you can use to host a party or give as hostesses gifts at the next party you attend. (No more cliché wine and candles!)

How do I sign up? Click here! The boxes cost $120.  And while this price seems high, it’s actually a great deal because the box items retail over $155 and the price INCLUDES free shipping (yay!). This makes a difference because sometimes the box clocks in at over 8 pounds! PLUS as an #ItsNotHou reader if you sign up here, you can get 20% off your first box! If you’re in the mood to #treatyoself it’s worth it to get surprised by the delightful beauty in each handpicked item. Bonus: It’s a Houston based start-up, so we’re excited to see them succeed!

What’s in a box? The first box I received was part of the “VIP Launch” and it was wonderful! First off, the wrapping was impeccable with an embossed box, ribbons, straw packing and cute envelopes and a bit of shimmer–Christmas came early. My box contained the following items:

• Dore Rosanna: Five pieces of tableware
• Jack Rudy Cocktail Co: Aromatic Bitters and Bourbon Soaked Cherries
• Sugar Paper: Set of six thank you cards
• K Style: Four linen cocktail napkins

The box also came with ideas on how to use all of the items, some entertaining tips, and cocktail suggestions!

How’d you use it? I threw a party of course! For none other than The Bachelor Finale! I created a make-your-own cocktail bar with Tekeen Wine Coolers and filled the Dore dishes with all sorts of fruit to top off the cocktails–kiwi, strawberries, limes, oranges, apples, and more! We also tried out the “Mostess Original” cocktail that was suggested on the handout. Basically it’s a glass of champagne with two bourbon soaked cocktail cherries, a dash of agave syrup and bitters–and it was PHENOMENAL.

What’d you think? I’m quite obsessed.  After reading the Southerner’s Handbook and researching recipes on how to make bitters from scratch, it was perfect timing to try some of the handcrafted ones from Jack Rudy. I feel like any drink that has bitters added is all of a sudden way more cool. Also, the Jack Rudy bourbon cherries are to die for! I will never drink champagne the same way again. I look forward to repurposing some of the Dore Rosanna tableware to hold jewelry–anything gold and shiny is a win in my book (boys take note). I can’t wait to see what’s in the Spring box that comes out in April!