Since the
season of fun and festive get-togethers is rapidly approaching, you may
start having that usual guest anxiety: what should you bring for the
hostess? We all want to be thankful and gracious guests, and let's face
it; we want to make sure that this isn't our last invite.
So what
do you get for the hostess who has so kindly opened her home to you? Do
you just grab a bottle of wine, seasonal flowers, or something more
grandiose?
To start, let me say there isn't any rule that
requires you to bring a host gift. Your gift is heartfelt and desired,
not a necessity. If you don't have the time to get to the store and pick
up a gift, you aren't going to be banished from the group. By just
being present you are adding to the event.
If you do have time to
get out and get a gift, you may want to go with a live present. If you
are going to dinner party, and the host/hostess is cooking, you may not
want to bring a bouquet of flowers. Needing to find a vase and get the
bouquet situated may add more work to their plate. However, a bouquet
already in a vase (even if you put it in a vase yourself) is a perfect
gift. Potted plants, such as orchids and winter cactuses, also make
wonderful, lasting presents, as well.
If you are leaning more
towards a fragrance gift, you may want to go with a neutral scented reed
diffuser, like clean linen or white cotton. They last a long time and
can be used anywhere in the home. The old stand-by of a candle always
works, too. Almost everyone uses them, and a good quality candle will
last your host a lot longer than a bouquet of flowers.
For a
fragrance gift that is a little more unusual: how about an herb plant? A
rosemary or basil plant will make the room smell beautifully, as well
as provide fresh herbs throughout the season.
Finally, there is
always the delightful, edible present. The bottle of wine or favorite
liquor is always a useful gift. Many times these gifts will never make
it past the dinner table, adding to the meal! If you want a gift for the
hostess to savor herself, maybe a gift basket of local baked goods and
jarred pickles and preserves is right for you.
For a DIY hostess
gift, maybe try creating a jar mix. Take a simple recipe, such as
chocolate chip cookies, and create a jar mix of all of the dry
ingredients. Tie a bow around the jar with a copy of the recipe and a
wooden spoon. The hostess will love the personal touch, and the treats
that she will make!
source: LIWeddings