Following up on an entertaining etiquette post earlier this year, we thought we'd offer some ideas to help gracious guests with what to bring the host or hostess. Here's a short list of items ~ all around $40 or less ~ shared by other Savvy Hosts as hostess gifts they greatly enjoyed receiving (or giving!).
1. Flowers or potted plant ~ fresh cut flowers are always appropriate, but if you are feeling a little creative, consider a seasonal green plant or potted herbs (see Photo from www.proflowers.com). Note: if you are incredibly organized, you can arrange for these to be delivered directly to the host on the day of the event ~ we use ProFlowers for easy online ordering and delivery (flowers arrive in a long box!).
2. Wine or champagne ~ this can be a challenge if your host is a sommelier (or similar), but don't stress too much on the points and ratings. Either bring a bottle of something you know and enjoy ~ or simply ask at the wine store for an "interesting" recommendation within your price range. For a celebration, a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne is a guaranteed winner ~ and even authentic French Champagne can be found around $30-$35.
3. Chocolates or candy ~ even local grocery stores now stock gourmet chocolate truffles and sea-salt caramels. It's easier than ever to find a lovely gift box of something sweet to offer your host. The Savvy Host is crazy for Vosges ~ conveniently available online, at Whole Foods, and in the airport!!
4. Nuts or specialty snack ~ prefer salty rather than sweet? There are many options to choose from - but try to find items that are well-packaged for a gift. We like the 1lb assorted tins from Garrett's Popcorn (a Chicago classic starting at $28) or Dean & Deluca's Asian Snack Mix ($14) or Harvest Nut Mini Bar ($22) both available online.
5. Specialty Candle or Soap ~ we're not referring to tapers or a box of Irish Spring of course ;-) Our favorite candles are 100% soy Colette's Candles, packaged in an elegant mini-hatbox in such delicious scents as French Fig, Mod Lavendar, Southern Pear and California Chai ranging from $18-$26 (available from SavvyHostMarket!). Gift sets of hostess soaps are also a good idea - Mistral offers a beautiful wooden gift box set of 9 bars for $19!.
6. Serving Piece or Utensil - there are many unique and distinctive serving utensils or pieces that could make a perfect gift for the host, especially if their event or gathering is more elaborate. We like Wild Eye Design's High-Heel Cake Server ($20), our Bauhaus Bread/Fruit Basket in Red, Black or Silver ($26.95 - see photo below) or the Island Bamboo Salad & Pasta Servers ($24.99) from Amazon.
7. Hors d'Oeuvres accessory - especially around a holiday occasion, we find that sets of accessories to use with the cocktail nibble or hors d'oeuvres are appreciated. Cheese knives or spreaders are very popular hostess gifts. Even a special demitasse spoon set for the host who loves their cappuccino or tea works well.
8. Napkin Rings - One of the easiest ways for a hostess to update table decor is with a unique set of napkin rings. And, with so many hosts and hostesses focusing on "green" entertaining and eco-friendly households, there is renewed interest in using cloth napkins which beg for napkin rings. Stockholm Enamel Napkin Rings in Black & White (set of 4, $19.95) pictured to the right with the Bauhaus Bread/Fruit Basket.
9. Wine or Bar accessories - another creative area of host gifts revolves around the bar and around wine. Hosts and hostesses will enjoy accessories that add pizzazz to their wining & cocktail-ing including wine stoppers, wine drip collar, or wine grips, specialty olive & garnish picks, and humorous cocktail napkins.
10. Themed item to match the occasion - if the gathering has a theme - a "Mexican Fiesta" or an "afternoon BBQ" or an "Italian Pasta Night" consider bringing a hostess gift to complement the theme ~ a CD of Louis Prima music, or a Molcajete (pictured above from Crate & Barrel, at $32.95) for making guacamole, or Grill Charms (pictured below at $19.95) for the BBQ enthusiast who has every possible grilling accessory.
The moral of the story ~ a gracious guest doesn't forget a host/hostess gift! Any of these gift ideas ~ and so many more creative options within a reasonable budget ~ will keep you on any Savvy Host's "A" list.
3 comments:
It's always a nice gesture and doesn't have to be expensive. I have a boutique and carry a great small cheese knife by a well known French firm. $8 but still a special thank you.
But I think some people confused. I've had people bring a bottle of wine to an event at my home; if we didn't get to their bottle, they'll grab it on the way out and take it back with them! I would rather they not bring anything than further this practice!
And not a great time for re-gifting. People know, trust me!:)
you hit the nail on the head about re-gifting ;-). thank you!
I'm a Southern gal transplanted to Montana, and the best hostess gift I've received during this season of houseguests: 4 pounds of real, stone ground grits from Charleston, South Carolina, and a jar of Duke's mayo! Regional specialties are always a winner, especially ones the hostess has to otherwise order via internet.
Courtney Fullerton
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