Hostess Gifts

If you get invited over to a party or for dinner at a friend’s house, you want to make sure you let the hostess know how much you appreciate the invitation. But how do you do it? One way is with a lovely gift for the person welcoming you into their home.

Ideally hostess gifts should convey a small gesture. Don’t go overboard with a complicated present, and try to keep the budget fairly small. The gift represents a thank you for the invitation and an acknowledgment that the person had to clean, cook, and prepare for you to come over. So don’t overshadow all the hard work your hostess has put in. (In other words, if you get invited to a dinner, don’t bring ham and rolls as your hostess gift!)

If you’re stumped for what to bring, here are a few ideas:

• A pretty plate filled with candy petit fours
• Flowers
• Wine
• A small herb growing kit
• A homemade baked dessert
• A beautiful loaf of bread
• A small set of candles

A thank you note at the end sent immediately upon returning home will also let the hostess know you enjoying your time with them.