I love this week’s topic. I have real joy in bringing something special to a party, something that will make the hostess happy, and I’m tickled when I’m on the hostess end of a lovely gift. Here are some of my ideas for a great hostess gift. If you need more ideas, well, just take a look at all the ToT participants’ lists, which you can get to from Carole’s blog.
1. Quilted Coaster set. These are fun to whip out, and since they don’t require much fabric, if you have even a little stash, you can make them at the last minute.
2. Bubble bath basket. Hostessing, even a lunch, can be tiring. A bubble bath cures all. Put in a scented candle, a loofah, and, of course, the bubbles.
3. Fantastic bottle of wine. I’m lucky in my package store. There are several people who work there (including one of the owners) who are so great about recommending excellent wine in whatever price range I need. I’ve read some etiquette guidelines that deplore wine as a hostess gift, but the hostess does not have to open it during the party! She can tuck it away!
4. Breakfast basket. I am compelled to clean up before I go to bed after a party, and in the morning, it sure would be nice to have a fancy breakfast. Include a beautiful loaf of bread, maple syrup, jam, and maybe a jazz cd (my favorite breakfast/brunch music).
5. Homemade delights. I canned nothing this year, but when my shelves are stocked, hostess gifts are a breeze: pop an apple butter, a peach butter, a relish, tomatoes–whatever–into a brown bag with some raffia tying it up, and your hostess will invite you right back!
6. A Good Book. If the party is themed, give a related book. Or, pick your favorite novel, memoir, or book of poetry to share. If you’re reading this, you are probably crafty, so make a book mark to go with it.
7. Flowers. To my way of thinking, there are two approaches to hostess-gift flowers: either get something inexpensive in great quantities (carnations come to mind), or get something really showy and dear, but a minimal number of stems. I miss the local florist I used when I lived in New York. She always, always had something unusual that I could bring to my hostesses.
8. Soap. A big bar of amazing handcrafted soap makes a beautiful gift.
9. Bowl of fruit. Not just any fruit, though. Find something really ripe and perfect, buy a few of it (figs! or pomegranates!), put it in a pretty bowl, wrap it in tulle, add a wide-ribbon bow, and you’ve got a lovely offering.
10. Extravagant tea or coffee. Don’t bother with mugs; we all have enough of those. Consider what the hostess prefers, then find the poshest brand around.
Really, I don’t think you can go wrong if you simply consider what may make your hostess’s next day a bit more pleasant.
What’s your favorite hostess gift to give? How about to receive?
I hadn’t thought about fruit…really nice idea!
Great list Beverly! The book idea is great!
Okay. I’m definitely including YOU on my next party invitation list! Great list — full of thoughtful suggestions. 🙂
You can come to parties at my house ANY time!!
Great list, I either take a bottle of wine (very boring), or send flowers during the day, that way the hostess doesn’t have to worry about finding a vase during the party.
Ooooh…. I love the bubble bath idea… something that is just frivolous enough that it doesn’t make the regular shopping list, and makes the hostess feel like a princess. 🙂
I love the idea of giving hostess gifts that are luxurious and engage the senses – you have so many on your list! I am going to have to bookmark your page so I remember to check it next year!
I wish you lived close enough I could invite you to my house – your list is great!