Do you often feel at a loss for gift ideas for the host/ess when invited to a party, as a guest for dinner, or even to spend the weekend in someone's house? When someone opens their home to you or asks you to celebrate important moments in their life with them, of course you want to show your appreciation. You'd like to let them know you are thankful for being a part of your life and including you in theirs.
1. A bottle of wine for your hostess is of course the traditionally popular idea. It can be used for dinner that night (should she choose to serve it...this is up to her and whether she decides it fits in with her menu plan) or she can save it for later to enjoy with her family alone. A lot of guests tend to bring wine, so choosing one that is a little different and more exotic, and maybe accompanied by pastries, is a good way to go, especially if you are coming with a spouse or entire family. Don't forget to call your host and find out if anyone has any allergies, to guide you in your choices.
2. A basket of goodies for the host family to enjoy- bring enough for their entire family to have, in a pretty little basket lined with a colorful linen cloth and filled with delicious buns, muffins, cookies or chocolates.
3. Gift cards are a great way to say thanks. Gift cards to general stores such as Target or a large department store are preferable, as they can be used for anything the recipient needs...houseware, novelty items, books, clothes, etc. If you know that your host or hostess has a favorite store, such as a boutique or cigar shop, feel free to buy them a gift card for that. It allows the recipient to have fun shopping for themself without guilt, and maybe buy themselves something they've been wanting but weren't ready to splurge on. Don't forget to include a card that expresses your thanks.
5. Want to be unique or different? I understand...after all, how many bottles of wine does a host need? Other gift ideas that I have come across and loved include a tea chest (an assortment of gourmet teas in a beautiful wooden case) or a Godiva hot chocolate set (includes different types of hot chocolate, attractive mugs, and spicy flavorings). These are terrific because they last long after the items are used. I keep refilling my tea chest with new teas, for example, and it's a beautiful way to offer tea to guests at dessert time.
6. If you are staying at someone's home for the holidays, obviously you should do more to show your appreciation. Putting together a basket of goodies that you can be sure they will use is a good start, but these goodies should be a little bit finer. A basket with imported olive oils, some gourmet pastas and pasta sauce (marinara and pesto are popular), and a container of high quality organic parmesan cheese is a gift you know a family will use and enjoy. If you are staying at someone's home for more than a couple of days, I feel it is also very courteous to offer to take them out to dinner one evening before you leave. Someone inviting you into their home is being very gracious and welcoming (this is where their family sleeps!), so showing manners and gratitude are very appropriate. I recall a guest we had many years ago, who brought a gift of a carved jewelry box in the shape of a heart, made of pink marble and bearing an ivory rose on the top...I still have it and it's one of my most beautiful possesions. If you know a beautiful gift for the home would be greatly appreciated (and know the taste of the host or hostess), this is also a lovely idea.
7. Reciprocate. Show your family and friends how much they mean to you by hosting your own events and inviting them over as well, and being a gracious host. Offer them the warmth of your home for a day or evening, and entertain them with great conversation, delicious foods, and lovely company. When we have close relationships with others, the gifts we give do not compare to the quality time we spend together.
The typical gift presented to a host is dessert or a bottle of wine. There is nothing wrong with these, especially if your host asks you to bring them (what better way to get them something you know they need than for them to tell you what they need?), but if they won't give you a clue, tell you they have it all covered and just want your company, you have to rack your brain for an idea yourself. So what are some great ideas for gifts?
1. A bottle of wine for your hostess is of course the traditionally popular idea. It can be used for dinner that night (should she choose to serve it...this is up to her and whether she decides it fits in with her menu plan) or she can save it for later to enjoy with her family alone. A lot of guests tend to bring wine, so choosing one that is a little different and more exotic, and maybe accompanied by pastries, is a good way to go, especially if you are coming with a spouse or entire family. Don't forget to call your host and find out if anyone has any allergies, to guide you in your choices.
2. A basket of goodies for the host family to enjoy- bring enough for their entire family to have, in a pretty little basket lined with a colorful linen cloth and filled with delicious buns, muffins, cookies or chocolates.
3. Gift cards are a great way to say thanks. Gift cards to general stores such as Target or a large department store are preferable, as they can be used for anything the recipient needs...houseware, novelty items, books, clothes, etc. If you know that your host or hostess has a favorite store, such as a boutique or cigar shop, feel free to buy them a gift card for that. It allows the recipient to have fun shopping for themself without guilt, and maybe buy themselves something they've been wanting but weren't ready to splurge on. Don't forget to include a card that expresses your thanks.
5. Want to be unique or different? I understand...after all, how many bottles of wine does a host need? Other gift ideas that I have come across and loved include a tea chest (an assortment of gourmet teas in a beautiful wooden case) or a Godiva hot chocolate set (includes different types of hot chocolate, attractive mugs, and spicy flavorings). These are terrific because they last long after the items are used. I keep refilling my tea chest with new teas, for example, and it's a beautiful way to offer tea to guests at dessert time.
6. If you are staying at someone's home for the holidays, obviously you should do more to show your appreciation. Putting together a basket of goodies that you can be sure they will use is a good start, but these goodies should be a little bit finer. A basket with imported olive oils, some gourmet pastas and pasta sauce (marinara and pesto are popular), and a container of high quality organic parmesan cheese is a gift you know a family will use and enjoy. If you are staying at someone's home for more than a couple of days, I feel it is also very courteous to offer to take them out to dinner one evening before you leave. Someone inviting you into their home is being very gracious and welcoming (this is where their family sleeps!), so showing manners and gratitude are very appropriate. I recall a guest we had many years ago, who brought a gift of a carved jewelry box in the shape of a heart, made of pink marble and bearing an ivory rose on the top...I still have it and it's one of my most beautiful possesions. If you know a beautiful gift for the home would be greatly appreciated (and know the taste of the host or hostess), this is also a lovely idea.
7. Reciprocate. Show your family and friends how much they mean to you by hosting your own events and inviting them over as well, and being a gracious host. Offer them the warmth of your home for a day or evening, and entertain them with great conversation, delicious foods, and lovely company. When we have close relationships with others, the gifts we give do not compare to the quality time we spend together.
Great articles. let me recall what I used to bring when visiting friends/families
ReplyDelete1.flower in the vase
2. scarf
3. home made cookies n cuppies
4. basket of fruits
5. a box of donuts from Tim Houton ( last minute shopping)
6. toys for their kids
7. my signature dish- if i'm in the mood of cooking