Hostess Gifts

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First of all, there’s never a wrong time for a “thank you” gift. That said, it’s appropriate to bring a small gift when attending a brunch, dinner or cocktail party at the home of a friend, colleague or family member you don’t see regularly. Many people bring host/hostess gifts when they’ll be staying overnight or for the weekend. That’s absolutely appropriate, as there’s usually a dinner included in that. However, it would also be fi ne to send a gift after your visit, especially if you can personalize it to their décor or tastes. It’s important to remember that hostess gifts are meant to be a small token of appreciation. It should be something you can discreetly hand to your host which they can, in turn, tuck away for future enjoyment. (For anyone reading between the lines; no, they don’t have to open the bottle of wine you brought for dinner. The gift is for them to enjoy however they see fi t.) If you fi nd yourself struggling to come up with a gift to say "thanks" to your host or hostess, we have some ideas that will feel fresh and thoughtful. STATIONERY A custom set of notecards, a notepad, letterhead or pens is a classic way to thank your host while also demonstrating that you’ve been thinking about them. It also invites them be a small token of appreciation. It should be something to send you a letter once in a while, which is a win for you can discreetly hand to your host which they can, in everyone! turn, tuck away for future enjoyment. (For anyone reading TOP Source: Cartwheels Papers & Gifts Cartwheels Papers & Gifts

POTTED PLANT

If your host/hostess has ever demonstrated any skill at all in the garden, a plant would be a lovely way to thank them for their hospitality. Christmas cactuses, paperwhite bulbs and amaryllis are popular winter options. Snake plants, ZZ plants, philodendrons, peperomias and spider plants are great houseplants for hosts of any skill level; just be sure to check whether these plants might be dangerous for children or pets before you purchase. And if you know your host doesn't mind high-quality silk arrangements, we support it! TOP Sources: Digs, Petals

LUXURY SOAP & SCENTS

We know that you're probably rolling your eyes at the thought of a chintzy gift set, but that's not what we're thinking. A truly luxurious soap, diffuser, candle or lotion is a gift that anyone will recieve gladly. TOP Sources: European Splendor, Mamili

PICTURE FRAME

I feel like in this digital age, we have forgotten the beauty of a simple picture frame as a gift. A nice one is a beautiful décor element, sure, but it’s also a reminder to the host to actually print out some photos to enjoy. TOP sources: Bliss Home, Details

CHOCOLATES

Unless your host is allergic, no one will turn their nose up at a box of nice chocolates. To make your gift feel special, we recommend either selecting something from a local chocolatier, or choosing a box that is of the fi nest quality. And if your host likes Bourbon? Yeah, go with that. Our Pick: 16-Piece Rabbit Hole® Bourbon Truffl es ($44 arteatables.com)

HAND TOWELS

We love a monogram! It’s a small detail that takes a gift from ordinary to thoughtful, personal and touching. Everyone loves something that feels like it was made especially for them. Our best suggestion is that if you’re not sure of your host’s décor, stick with classic white towels with either a seasonal or neutral monogram. If you can't get it monogrammed on the spot, a cute seasonal image or message is perfect. TOP Sources: Trunk & Hutch, Cartwheels Papers & Gifts

MULLING SPICES

This one is just for the holidays! Fragrant, lovely mulling spices will help them use that bottle of wine the other guest brought. (For the uninitiated, it’s a blend of cinnamon, cloves, allspice and dried orange that you warm with wine and/or apple cider.) This is one hostess gift we do invite you to DIY, so long as you package it beautifully and include instructions for use.

Our picks: Williams-Sonoma Mulling Spices, Nordic Glögg Mulling Spice, something DIY!

BOURBON

Gifting someone a bottle of Bourbon always feels like a hug. It’s like a little swig of home and comfort. A word of caution; if you’re not absolutely certain that your host can safely imbibe, skip alcohol-related gifts altogether. Our picks: Michter's US 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Angel's Envy Mizunara Finish, Eagle Rare 10 Year

FRESH FLOWERS

A bouquet of fl owers is a cliché, but for good reason; there’s no gift more universally loved. And if you’re attending a party, it may be useful as a decoration. That said, we actually recommend having fl owers delivered before you arrive, as it will give your host time to place the fl owers. Handing them a cellophane or paperwrapped bouquet is a no from us; this leaves your host to fi gure out what to do with them when they’re probably already a bit frazzled. TOP Source: Nanz & Kraft

GET COOKIN'

If you’re dining at someone’s home, it’s safe to assume that they have a culinary side. A gift that belongs in the kitchen is a safe bet. Olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fancy spices are popular picks. Cheese boards, stylish tongs, trays and etched glasses are all great options, as well. To circle back to the idea of a potted plant, culinary herbs would be a great blend of the two ideas; rosemany, lavender, basil or mint would be lovely! TOP Sources: Bourbon Barrel Foods, Digs, European Splendor Bourbon Barrel Foods, Digs, European Splendor

WINE

You've gotta respect the classics! Wine is simple, elegant and (honestly) easy. TOP Wine Pick: Plungerhead Cabernet Sauvignon Plungerhead Cabernet Sauvignon