Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)So, who isn’t baffled when it comes to gifts for a host/hostess? This may be a tricky situation with our ever changing modern social standards. Here are some guidelines which will help you determine if a gift is necessary for your next event. Are you attending an event or party hosted in honor of another person, such as a baby shower, bridal shower, engagement party, etc.? Then a host/hostess gift is absolutely not expected. It is more than likely you are bringing a gift for the mother-to-be, the engaged couple, or the bride –to-be, focus on them instead. The host/hostess won’t be upset!
Are you attending a cocktail party, casual brunch or bonfire? Host/hostess gifts are completely optional. If you know the person well, and wish to be overly generous, then feel free to bring a gift. A bottle of wine or selections of gourmet cheeses are perfect gifts for a cocktail party. If you are bringing a dish to pass or specialty drinks, then this gesture is a gift in its own right and will be much appreciated by the host/hostess.
Are you attending a dinner party? This would be the time to think of a creative and personal gift for the special host/hostess, especially if you know them well. However, if you are preparing entrées, appetizers or purchasing liquor and wine, these contributions most definitely qualify as a gift to the host/hostess. If you still feel obligated to bring a gift, choose something personal for the person or couple, but keep your spending below $25.00, this isn’t suppose to be equivalent to a birthday gift!
Are you attending a weekend at their summer home or lake house? This is most definitely the appropriate time to bring a gift to show your thanks! Keep it personal and within a reasonable price range, such as everyone chipping in for a spa or restaurant gift certificate. If you are purchasing a gift on your own, arrive with a bouquet of flowers, a selection of Brazilian coffees, a box of Godiva chocolates or a basket with favorite movies, popcorn and candy.
If you are having a difficult time deciding what to bring, just remember, keep it simple. It is the thought that counts! Even a handwritten mailed thank you note is such a special treat.
Remember to say thank you to the host/hostess when leaving the event, if you forget, then you should definitely mail a thank you card. If you did say thank you, but would like to express it again, then a quick email or text can be appropriate. However, an email is not appropriate if you did not express your thanks when leaving.
Here are a few additional gift ideas for that special host/hostess:
· A Woodwick candle, www.woodwick.com
· A small porcelain dish (for serving or decoration)
· The latest bestselling novel (for an avid reader)
· An assortment of tea, www.teaforte.com
· A set of oils for golf clubs or a box of their favorite golf balls (for the golf lover)
· Fresh flowers or a house plant, either from your local florist or made by you
· A bottle of wine, Port or an assortment of specialty beers
Or if you are the host/hostess, have a pineapple for your guests either to eat or use it as a table decoration to show your hospitality, warmth and friendship! http://www.levins.com/pineapple.html
Can you re-gift? This is always the taboo question of our times. Yes, you can re-gift, but if you do, the item must be new, still in the packaging and remember who gave it to you originally. Re-gifting bottle of wine, which you haven’t opened yet, is completely acceptable. Do not re-gift a handmade, personal gift. The receiver will know it was not truly meant for them! Think before you re-gift! Would you want this gift? Keep re-gifting for those rare occasions.
Picture from Hotel Chocolat.
Picture courtesy of Il Volo
Picture from Party Pieces