Whether you’re attending a dinner party, a holiday event at a coworker’s home, or staying overnight with someone, bringing a gift to your host shows gratitude. It’s still in vogue to bring a gift for the host even to a casual get-together. The problem is many people aren’t confident in proper guest etiquette and struggle to decide what to give. Remember, the size or price of the gift isn’t important. Focus on what the person will like and make it appropriate for the situation. For example, a gift for a single person or couple’s dinner party is different from what you’d give a family hosting you for the weekend.
Dinner Party: When bringing a food or drink gift to a dinner party host, don’t expect it to be served. This is a gift, not an accompaniment to the meal. If the host asks you to bring a dish to share, they’ll mention it during the invitation. Give it at the door so the host can put it away before greeting other guests. The host may choose to share your gift during the party. If so, be gracious and wait until everyone else has a chance to try it before you partake. Let the host announce the gift rather than doing it yourself. If it’s a costly item, don’t brag about the price. If invited to a dinner party at a restaurant, it’s generally not necessary to bring a gift. However, if the host is paying for the entire party, a gift will be appreciated. You don’t have to match the gift price to the bill. Appropriate gifts for a dinner party host include: bouquet of flowers in a vase, boxed candies, potted plant, bottles of wine, tin of cookies, decorator candles, guest soaps, flavored vinegars, coffee table book, tickets to a movie or event. Holiday Parties: Holiday parties are perfect occasions for host gifts. Keep your relationship with the recipient in mind when choosing. You wouldn’t give your boss the same gift as your best friend. Ideas for holiday party host gifts: ornament or other holiday decoration, gift basket with cookies, popcorn, coffee, teas, and hot cocoa mix, holiday-themed tins of candy or baked goods, bottle of wine or holiday-flavored liqueur. Overnight Stay: A gift for a host who accommodates you overnight should be better than a dinner party gift. More preparations are needed, including extra laundry, cleaning, and additional meals.When giving a gift to a host, you can include items you’ll use during your stay and add something extra for the host to enjoy later. For overnight stays, consider these host gifts: Spa basket, His and her robes, Restaurant gift card, Gourmet food basket, Wine basket with various wines and a couple of wine glasses, An item the host specifically mentions wanting, A gift card to a specialty store that caters to the host’s taste. Discover the 28 Gift Baskets That Truly Stand Out After Testing Over 70. If invited to a housewarming party or open house, bring something suitable for the new residence. Try to find out the color scheme beforehand or choose something in a neutral shade or style that goes with any decor. Housewarming gift ideas include: Tree saplings that can be transplanted in the yard, Dish towels, Bath towels, Picture frame or collection of frames, Glasses or stemware, Boxed toolset for a new homeowner, Basket filled with small items like coasters, soaps, pens, notepads, etc., Maps, restaurant menus, and information about the new area accompanied by a personal gift, Basket of homemade treats like muffins, cookies, or candies. When visiting the home of your future in-laws, bring a gift to ease nervousness. Know their tastes to avoid giving something inappropriate. Appropriate gifts for future in-laws are: Flower arrangements in a vase, Plant in a decorative pot, Variety of potted herbs, Basket of wine and cheese, Coffee or tea basket. After a dinner, party, or overnight stay, send a handwritten thank you note to the host as soon as possible, even if you brought a gift. The note doesn’t have to be long but should be heartfelt. A simple show of gratitude is all that is necessary.