Gifting the “Mostess” to your Hostess

The tradition of the hostess or hospitality gift spans many cultures and goes back through time. Many of us have been taught never to arrive empty handed at the door for a party or dinner. But what should you bring?

Gifts do not need to be elaborate, but should be thoughtful and personal. $15-$30 is a good rule of thumb for a budget. Simple wrapping is also a great idea, a bit of tissue or a nice bow go a long way. To make the gift extra special, order a PersonlizedFree ornament as a gift tag that also commemorates the event.

Wine

Wine is a good gift, but please, put a little thought into it — don’t just buy what the corner store has on special. Do not necessarily expect the wine to be served with the meal, the host may have already made careful wine selections for the evening.

Food Items

If you’ve been asked to contribute a dish to the meal, an additional gift is unnecessary. But, the converse is true; unless you’ve checked with the party planner in advance, bringing a prepared dish can upset a menu plan. Instead give something that can be enjoyed later; gourmet coffee or chocolate, a fine cheese, homemade cookies, etc.

Flowers

Flowers are a lovely way to say thank you; however, you want to present them so that they do not require your host to drop what they are doing and put them in water. Instead, bring them in a simple container, such as a Mason jar, or ask where a vase is and take a few moments to arrange them yourself.

Other ideas

If none of the above strike the right note for your hospitality gift, consider the following:

Scented candles — well-crafted quality candles, not Glade from the supermarket.

Kitchen gadgets — think fancy cocktail skewers, fine napkins, or a set of unique coasters.

Fancy spices — a selection of salts in grinders, or a gourmet blend, like Herbes de Provence.

Fresh produce — if you are a gardener, share your bounty, or buy a basket of perfect berries.

Any of the above can be made even more special with the addition of a PersonalizedFree ornament; a meaningful way to remember the occasion for years to come. Happy gifting!