How To Arrive Armed With A Stellar Hostess Gift

When it comes to bringing a gift to the host, it is much more than “the thought that counts.”   A hostess gift, while one does not have to be expensive or showy, it must be appropriate.   A hostess gift is an expression of gratitude, how grateful we are for the invitation.  Consider the thought and effort which the hostess put into the occasion.  The gift we offer requires consideration well ahead of the day we arrive.  A great stellar hostess gift is all about creativity. Of course we don’t always know our host well, their decor, their personal likes and dislikes but fear not these ideas are designed to make you look like a gift giving rock star and you’ll be sure to receive subsequent invitations.

STELLAR HOSTESS GIFTS

• A special bottle of champagne is always a great way to start
• Sets of matching cloth napkins and placemats or monogrammed cocktail napkins are a great cocktail party gift
• For those who like to cook; a special bottle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, set of gourmet spices, an assortment of potted herbs are all worthy culinary lover gifts
• For those who entertain outdoors a beautiful patio lantern, handled serving trays or a potted plant
• The latest techno gadget for the home, kitchen, patio, or entertaining
• Gift baskets either put together by yourself or specifically curated for the host

CREATIVITY COUNTS  DIY gift baskets are fun and easy to put together.  Theme a basket around the event or something you make which is truly special.

Photo: Coordinately Yours by Julie Blanner

If you are looking for easy homemade gift basket ideas for every occasion, Julie Blanner of Coordinately Yours offers gorgeous ideas which are sure to make you known as a supreme gift giver.

• Rather than a just a bottle of booze, toss in a new cocktail book, a shaker, and cute cocktail napkins.
• A basket with a hand written recipe and makings of your well-loved chocolate martini plus a set of pretty martini glasses are fun.
• A candle is nice but add coordinating hand soap, a little book of gratitude or humor and some guest towels.
• A gift certificate to the host’s local spa for a little pampering could include a fluffy white robe, or a couple of your favorite skin products.

OVERNIGHT STAY  When bringing a hostess gift for an overnight stay, a gift should be cleverly thoughtful rather than just a token.   A bottle of wine won’t cut it, six might, depending on the host.

When in doubt, make it easy by arriving with a small gift and follow-up with a decor or personally appropriate gift to accompany your thank-you note after you arrive back home.  It is perfectly okay to do a little observatory (not snooping) reconnaissance while staying at someone’s home.  Often our minds become flooded with gift ideas once we walk in the door.  Just don’t arrive empty handed or this can sully the tone of your entire stay. The same thank-you offered for opening a door is not the same thank-you one should offer when a guest in someone’s home.  Whatever gift you bring, make certain it is easy for the host.  Flowers should always be in a container or vase, so the host does not have to go running around searching for the perfect vase.

Being a good guest is an art which begins with gratitude.  The more personal the gift the better because this shows you thought about your host.  Arriving with a hostess gift which you’ve invested effort into will always be appreciated and remembered.