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With modern etiquette on the rise at many gatherings, you may be wondering—Have hostess gifts gone out of style? I’ve thrown many parties, but I never expected guests to arrive with gifts. But with party season upon us and paperless posts upon us, I find myself thinking about hostess gift ideas. Is leaving empty-handed to be expected…or is there still value in arriving with some sort of gift of thanks?
Etiquette expert Heather Wiese has an idea. Her advice on dinner etiquette in general always points to gratitude—especially when it comes to gifts. “When used as intended, etiquette is a gateway to compassion, thoughtfulness and even empathy,” she explains. So, the hostess’s gift──is it still necessary? “If you helped prepare dinner, you might also bring something small to say, ‘I appreciate your hospitality.’ However, when you arrive as a carefree guest, a simple but thoughtful gift is A big yes.
When you have a close relationship with your owner, it’s easier to think of what they would appreciate. But what do you do when you’re invited to your partner’s great-aunt’s house for a family dinner and you don’t know what she wants? oh! So what about impromptu gatherings? “Last week, I was invited to the home of someone I didn’t know very well,” Heather shared. “I don’t know their style. On the way to a dinner party, I pulled a gift tag and a fresh orchid from my collection. Last night, I made a last-minute trip to a friend’s house for an impromptu dinner. I pulled a gift tag from my collection Grabbed a bottle of wine from my collection so I wouldn’t leave empty-handed.
In short, when you’re invited somewhere, it’s always good to bring a gift. Why not make the mistake of being generous? When choosing a gift, Wiese has two simple rules: first, consider the owner, and second, contribute something material. Go the extra mile and bring a gift that doesn’t require the host or hostess to stop what they’re doing and take care of the gift. Flowers are great, but keep them in containers or choose potted plants or herbs.
Read on to discover a collection of thoughtful hostess gift ideas, perfect for a variety of gatherings any time of year.
