The problem is that many people aren’t confident in their knowledge of proper guest etiquette, so they feel uncomfortable having to decide what to give. Remember that the size or price of the gift is insignificant. What you need to focus on instead is what that person will like. It also needs to be appropriate for the situation. For example, a gift for a single person or a couple’s dinner party would be different from what you’d gift a family that’s hosting you for the weekend.
Dinner Party
When you bring a food or drink gift to the host of a dinner party, don’t expect it to be served while you are there. Remember that this is a gift, not an accompaniment to the meal. If the hostess wants you to bring a dish to share, she will ask you during the invitation. Give it to her at the door so she can put it away before greeting other guests. The host may choose to share your food or beverage gift during the party. If that happens, be gracious and wait until everyone else has a chance to try it before you partake. Allow the hostess to tell everyone where the gift came from rather than announce it to the group. If it is a costly item, never brag about how much you spent. If you are invited to a dinner party at a restaurant, it generally isn’t necessary to bring a hostess gift. However, if the host is footing the bill for the entire party, a gift will be much appreciated. You don’t have to match the price of the gift to the bill, but consider bringing something you might bring to a home dinner party. Appropriate gifts for a dinner party hostess include:
Bouquet of flowers in a vaseBoxed candiesPotted plantBottles of wineTin of cookiesDecorator candlesGuest soapsFlavored kinds of vinegarCoffee table bookTickets to a movie or event
Holiday Parties
Holiday parties are perfect occasions to bring hostess gifts. The time of year lends itself to celebration through giving. As with any other host or hostess gift, keep your relationship with the recipient in mind when selecting the item. You wouldn’t give your boss the same type of gift you’d give your best friend. Ideas for holiday party host and hostess gifts:
Ornament or other holiday decorationGift basket with cookies, popcorn, coffee, teas, and hot cocoa mixHoliday-themed tins of candy or baked goodsBottle of wine or holiday-flavored liqueur
Overnight Stay
A gift for a host or hostess who is kind enough to accommodate you overnight should be a step up from a dinner party gift. After all, more preparations will have to be made, including extra laundry, cleaning, and additional meals. You may include items you will use while staying there, but add something extra that the host or hostess can enjoy later. Host and hostess gifts for overnight stays may include:
Spa basketHis and her robesRestaurant gift cardGourmet food basketWine basket with a variety of wines and a couple of wine glassesAn item the host or hostess specifically mentions wantingA gift card to a specialty store that caters to the host’s taste
Housewarming Gift
If you are invited to a housewarming party or open house, you should bring something suitable for the new residence. Try to find out the color scheme beforehand. You may also consider purchasing something in a neutral shade or style that will go with any decor. Gifts to consider for a housewarming:
Tree saplings that can be transplanted in the yardDish towelsBath towelsPicture frame or collection of framesGlasses or stemwareBoxed toolset for a new homeownerBasket filled with small items, such as coasters, soaps, pens, notepads, etc.Maps, restaurant menus, and information about the new area accompanied by a personal giftBasket of homemade treats, such as muffins, cookies, or candies
Meeting Future in-Laws
If you are visiting the home of your future in-laws, you can help alleviate a case of nervousness by arriving with a gift. Make sure you know their tastes to prevent the embarrassment of giving something inappropriate. Appropriate gifts for future in-laws:
Flower arrangements in a vasePlant in a decorative potVariety of potted herbsBasket of wine and cheeseCoffee or tea basket
After the Dinner, Party, or Overnight Stay
As soon as possible after you return home, send a handwritten thank you note to the host or hostess. You will want to do this, even if you brought a gift. The note doesn’t have to be long, but it should be heartfelt. A simple show of gratitude is all that is necessary.
