Host Gifts That A Host Would Actually Enjoy
What a shame it would be to stay cozily cocooned all winter long! How boring would it be to miss stepping out into those sparkling nights, properly turned out, your planner filled to the edges with social functions and dinners?
But no matter how stylish you show up to the party, nothing can make you look and feel more foolish than showing up empty handed, ready to partake in the fruit of your host's labor. The shame would be difficult to shake all evening, and while you could just settle for the usual host gifts, some are better than others. The first step to being invited back with a smile is avoiding some of these following pitfalls that many find themselves in:
1. Don't bring a gift that needs to be addressed right away.
Let me tell you, there is no activity that suits a multitasker more than hosting a party. You have to manage the kitchen, make last minute tweaks to the decor, chat with your guests, refill their drinks, and make them feel welcome, all while constantly opening the door for more arrivals. When it comes to hosting, some things are timed down to the minute in order to make sure the whole operation goes off without a hitch.
That being said, anything that disrupts the tempo of this complicated dance is less than ideal. Things like bouquets of flowers, which must be cut and arranged in a vase upon reception, do nothing to lessen the load for your host, and just tossing them on the kitchen counter would seem ungracious of them. Do you see the pickle your well-intentioned gift has put your host in?
2. Do bring something that can be easily consumed or stored.
Everyone has their own style and taste, especially when it comes to interior decor and matters of the home. You know that bulky vase your mother once received as a gift that she absolutely hates but is socially obligated to keep? Yeah, that's the kind of thing that we're trying to avoid here. Nobody wants to be known as the person that brought a gift the host secretly thought was ugly or useless. The embarrassment alone sends shivers down my spine. That is why, anything you get should be something that can either be consumed like a candle or a set of nice hand soaps, so as to limit the possibility of it turning into a piece of junk, or something that can easily be stored without taking up too much space and creating a hassle. This way, your host is less likely to have beef with your gift, and more likely to simply put it away out of sight, leading to a longer lasting friendship.
3. Don't bring a gift that would be opened and shared immediately with the rest of the party.
You know what's the worst thing in the world? A host gift that can't really be enjoyed by the host. You know who the worst people in the world are? The ones who bring a nice bottle of wine knowing that their host will feel obligated to open it immediately, and share it with the rest of the party to enjoy, giver included. Don't become one of those people. And if you are one of those people...stop it. Stop it right now.
Absolutely avoid anything, usually food or drink related, that is extremely shareable. I know what you're thinking, and I feel it in my soul too - good food is always a welcome gift. And it is a welcome gift, as long as it doesn't put your host in a moral dilemma over whether or not to share it with their fellow human beings. A great sigh of resignation has left me now as I think about it. I truly do empathize.
So, bring food or drink with your host in mind. Remember that they'll be working for most of the time, and won't be able to relax and enjoy the meal to the fullest, because it really is not meant for them, it's meant for their guests. If your gift happens to be something shareable that you would rather have your host truly enjoy, discreetly hand it to them and explain that they don't have to open it up during the party. Make sure they know that the gift is just for them.
4. Do Display Your Gift Nicely
I often find that the presentation of gifts is worth just as much as the actual gift itself. No one ever said host gifts must be expensive. Sometimes, they're just fun little gifts that you think the host could use or enjoy. That cute seasonal cloth napkin set you happened upon that costs only $15, and you just couldn't walk away from? Gift it. Those confections that are just too pretty not to give to someone as a gift? Go ahead and gift them (just remember the script I gave you to follow from #3). Whatever you choose to go with, make sure you display and arrange it very nicely in a decorative box, with all the ribbons and colors. Don't forget a little note thanking them for having you over, and you're good to go.
5. A Few Ideas
A Sampler Scented Candle Set
You can even create your own set from 3 small different scented candles found at your local candle maker. Everyone has a different nose for scented candles, so stick to a comprehensive theme as you choose which candles to bring your host, but make sure the candles differ when it comes to scent categories. Some people like woody, and some like gourmand.
A Single Chocolate Figurine From Your Local Chocolatier
Something beautiful and festive that the host would enjoy but be unlikely to purchase just for themself.
A Fine Dish Displayed In a Decorative Box
A nice porcelain serving plate would do well if you want to get fancy, or an artisanal glass piece of dinnerware (a salt shaker perhaps?). If you want something smaller and less expensive, a single, patterned tea cup and saucer set would make a darling gift.
Flowers Already Arranged In a Pretty Container or Pot
Miniature orchids or preserved floral arrangements are elegant choices and great alternatives to the usual bouquet of cut flowers. Of course, other species of potted flowers make great gifts, just take care that they are no larger than say, a bottle of water. And don't forget to do your research on what plants are toxic to pets, if your host has any.
An Attractive Seasonal Table Runner or Tea Towel Set
These items are the easiest for your host to fold and pack away at the end of the season, useful in the household, and can feature some of the most interesting designs to match their personality. What is there not to love about a pack of decorative tea towels?