With the holidays rapidly approaching, your social calendar may be filling quickly with holiday dinner and festive party invitations. Are you wondering if you should bring the host a gift? Have you ever struggled to come up with that perfect little token of appreciation? Although it is not expected, a gift is a thoughtful gesture to show your gratitude for the time, effort and expense that went into hosting the get-together.
Here are a few tips that may make it a bit easier to find the ideal gift.
- Consider how well you know the host. If you have known the host for a long time, then you probably know their likes and dislikes, personal tastes, décor, style and preferences. You could choose a personal gift for them or their home that you know they will love. If you don’t know the host well, then stationery or an unscented candle is a safe bet.
- A gift from the heart. Your gift does not have to be expensive, but should reflect thoughtful consideration.
- Make a list before you shop. Prior to heading to the stores, you may want to jot down a few details to make your shopping experience a success. Decide how much you would like to spend. Then determine if there is a party theme, what are the host’s likes and dislikes, etc. Finally, come up with a few gift ideas.
- Fresh flowers. Flowers are beautiful, but they can be a burden to the host if they are not already arranged in a vase. The host will be greeting guests, taking coats, serving food and drinks, and so forth. Having to find a vase, clip stems and arrange the flowers could cause even the most patient of hosts to come unglued. If you choose to bring flowers, make sure they are ready to be placed on display without any effort on the host’s part, or have them delivered to their home several hours before the party starts so there is plenty of time for arranging.
A few host gift ideas include: organic chocolates, homemade treats from your kitchen, a festive bowl or serving dish, holiday ornament, bottle of wine or host’s favorite beverage, festive cotton cocktail napkins, unscented candles, personalized stationery, a book, spa type gift set, a warm and cozy blanket, a basket of fresh fruit.
Do you have a favorite host gift that you gave or received? Let us know.
Happy Holidays!
Patricia Rossi, America’s Business Etiquette Coach
