I loved the Chinoiserie Baby Shower feedback on Style Courts blog this week. I thought I would post a question to all of, as I love all the varying ideas and opinions.
I believe that being a gracious guest is giving a gift of thanks to your hosts. I always bring a small gift to let the hosts know how much I appreciate the invitation.
Of course the best gifts are thoughtful and personal, but so many times it’s easiest to grab a bottle of wine. And, I’m well aware that some people say flowers are not the best hostess gift because it requires the hosts to stop and look for a vase. Kate Spade suggests having flowers sent ahead of time as to free the host while greeting guests. What do think? What gifts do you like to give? What gifts do you like to receive?
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7 comments:
I think it depends on who your host is -- if they're a foodie, maybe bring them some sort of hard-to-find cooking ingredient or tool. Or if they adore their dogs, bring them some gourmet dog biscuits. I think the more you can personalize it that way, the nicer the gift is for the receiver.
I love the idea of sending flowers ahead of time, but since so many of my friends work full-time, it's hard to do that. I like taking a special bottle of champagne, some chocolates or something else special that they might not buy for themselves. I would never, ever arrive empty-handed.
I often take a beautiful orchid in a beautiful pot that way the host doesn't have to arrange anything and it lasts for weeks.
Erin, I think you are right on. Unfortunately, I do just the opposite (so greedy, am I, I know). I bring gifts that I would like to receive myself - often that means some beauty product for the bath - like a delicious shower gel, citrus soaps, etc., or wonderful scented candles. And I always make my own tag to attach to the gift.
An orchid, champagne, delicious shower gel...I want all of you at my next party.
Erin, being a foodie myself, I can say that one of the best hostess gifts that I have received was extra virgin olive oil infused with Porcini & Truffles. Great ideas, thanks for sharing
I love this question so much that I even decided to send out a gift giving/receiving survey to my friends post-Christmas one year when I realized how many people just buy gifts to scratch if off the list! I think at this point in our lives giving luxurious consumable products is a great idea - truffles, olive oils, a collection of dark chocolate bars, note cards, etc. I have received so many picture frames that do not suit my decor and candles whose fragrance I do not enjoy over the years and I have them all in boxes. Besides, the little luxuries are things that most people won't buy for themselves since they are not a necessity. I also like to get books - either ones that the reader felt very strongly about and knew I'd love or cook books. I also try to find coffee table books about the friend's hobbies or interests. Thanks for putting this question out there! One friend gave me a very cute set of disposable plates/napkins and plastic cutlery since we entertain outside quite a bit. They were a lot of fun to use.
Stacey Schettler
Raleigh, NC
I like to bring a small box of soap, a few bars of chocolate from a local candy-maker or some other treat that can be used for a little while and then done with. None of us needs more items that will "stick around" and cause additional clutter in our homes. I always, always make sure to wrap whatever I take with a beautiful ribbon; presentation makes a nice wee gift seem like a sumptuous decadence!
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