Tim McGraw, Gwyneth Paltrow Give Leighton Meester the Gift of Music

It isn't uncommon for actors to bestow presents upon one another after working together on a project. When the filming of 'Country Strong' wrapped, the movie's leads, Tim McGraw and Gwyneth Paltrow, presented actress Leighton Meester with a unique parting gift. "[They gave me] a guitar," Leighton tells 'Allure' magazine.

The acoustic guitar has become the young actresses constant travel companion since receiving it. She has also been teaching herself how to play, and she has even begun writing songs, similar to the perky dance music she's recorded in the past. "The stuff I'm doing now is a little more complementary to my heart and my vibe," Leighton says. "I think people will understand when they hear it."

As far as her experience filming 'Country Strong' with Tim, Gwyneth and actor Garrett Hedlund, Leighton says it's a moment in time she will always remember. The time she spent with the movie's stars left an impression in her heart. "Gwyneth's just chilled-out, well-balanced," she explains. "She's not uppity in any way. She's got a family and the kids and a really healthy lifestyle."

And what about country music's own Tim McGraw? "He's a prankster and a flirt," she says. "He'll make up a little song about you. He's got a devious twinkle in his eye."

'Country Strong,' hit theaters in Nashville and Los Angeles Dec. 22. The movie opens nationwide Jan. 7.