Hostess/host gift

[jdw]

Need suggestions for a hostess/host gift please. My boss is having us over for a cookout next weekend. He and his partner do not drink wine. Not sure about flowers? Suggestions?

Thanks.

[California Girl]

A friend recently came to stay with us and she brought me a really neat straw beach bag with a beach towel rolled up in it! It's all color-coordinated and super pretty!

[indianaizzy]

My husband and I have fallen in love with Il Volo's CD. They are 3 Italian teenagers and they are fabulous. I think it would make a great gift.

[jayseadee]

Chocolate

[AH]

Where you live may make a difference on appropriate options. Books and music come to mind as a general consideration if they do not drink wine.
AH

[greta gotrocks]

How about an edible arrangement? Cut up fruit designed to look like a bouquet. Everyone will munch on it and I think it will be a big hit.

[ms411]

I generally give CDs, too, and that Italian trio is awesome.

What about fancy cupcakes?

[djmom]

While people mean nice, I really don't like food gifts (to be used at the party) unless I know it is coming. It is kind of disruptive and also sometimes can clash with what I am serving (or be too similar). Or it is kind of a bummer if I spent a lot of time on something and then someone brings something else.

Sometimes I'll bring a few packs of nice napkins that match the season and tie them up with a bow.

[PA Girl]

I also don't like uninvited food when I host a party.

Some gifts I was given that I still remember:

Nice kitchen towels, like the 4 packs from Williams Sonoma with seasonal motifs

Dry mixes for bread and cookies (to be enjoyed later)

[California Girl]

Actually, if you have a World Market or a Pier 1 near you, just go walk around and you'll get a hundred ideas! Maybe you could make up a little gift basket of coffee samples, a couple of mugs and some chocolates. There are millions of things at World Market to fill a small basket!

[Xislandgirl]

I love hostess gift giving:

Cocktail napkins or guest towels with Initial (paper)
Kitchen towels
Kitchn or Bath hand soap ( I love the Williams Sonoma line of kitchen soaps)
Wine bottle stopper
A good Bottle of Vanilla (if they bake)

[mbw1024]

I love hostess gift giving:

Cocktail napkins or guest towels with Initial (paper)
Kitchen towels
Kitchn or Bath hand soap ( I love the Williams Sonoma line of kitchen soaps)
Wine bottle stopper
A good Bottle of Vanilla (if they bake)

come to my house. I will take all of the above!

[djmom]

I also like to put the gifts in a bag so it is very clear that it is not intended for use that night. And ideally I leave it in a spot in the kitchen or somewhere they will open it after everyone is gone, especially if it is a large party. I don't want the hostess to have to open it in front of me at a time that she is probably really busy.

[Greenskeeper]

I know this is late but I always pick up pretty napkins when I see them and a plate or something that coordinates along with spreaders. I have used raffia in fall or seasonal ribbons and put the little package together and have them on hand for hostess gifts. I got the idea from an expensive gift shop in the neighborhood. Places like Home Goods, Marshalls etc. are great places to pick these items up and I've been able to make up a gift that sells for $25+ at gift shops for $5 to $10. I also like Archipelago candles, liquid soaps (Homegoods again) and if I am going all out, I will pick up a pretty Mariposa wine stopper or other nice accessory. Hope you had fun!

[jcyrus]

Well that is actually quite a tough call because you want to make a fair impression in a very subtle kind of way - usually I always go for doing the basic but good things like send a bottle of wine, or maybe a bouquet of white lilies. But they are not wine drinkers so I would suggest something like cigars for him (if he smokes) and a bouquet of beautifully arranged flowers for the hostess.

That is simple but still a great gesture. Always keep it simple and subtle - because it seems less insincere but as if you really do care (what you do, of course - but not everybody does.)