Here are 10 gifting ideas to spark your imagination and delight your next party host.
Though not dictated but certainly strongly suggested, a host/hostess gift is an affirmation of appreciation for being welcomed into someone’s home. As elaborate as gifts can get, all that’s required to show gratitude is a simple, heartfelt gesture. Here are 10 gifting ideas to spark your imagination and delight your next party host.
Flowers & Chocolates
Though you may not be showing up for a first date, when a person opens their home to you, treat the occasion with the same level of importance. Showing up at someone’s door with flowers and/or chocolates may seem a bit clichéd, but not if you do it with panache. Consider exotic plants or floral arrangements that don’t require your host/hostess to do a last-minute scramble for a vase. And don’t settle for the grocery store candy aisle box of chocolates. Choose from gourmet selections in a specialty shop or consider gifting with truffles or sweets of your own creation.
Wine
A quality bottle of wine is the unmatched standard when it comes to a host/hostess gift. To put a new spin on presentation, include some wine accessories (glasses, corkscrew/opener, wine glass gems, etc.). When presenting a bottle, ensure the recipient knows it is, indeed, a gift so he/she does not feel obligated to serve it to guests.
Books
Generally those who enjoy hosting gatherings also enjoy learning about new ways to enhance those occasions. Gifting with an attractive book on cooking, party planning, home décor, or even presenting a guest book, is sure to delight the amiable host/hostess. Consider pairing your gift with household accessories such as a serving tray or a kitchen gadget.
Gift Cards/Certificates
Keeping in mind the likes and dislikes of your host/hostess, gift cards/certificates are always an acceptable solution to the gifting dilemma. If your recipient has a favourite shop, a small monetary gesture in the form of a gift card/certificate is more than enough to show thoughtfulness and express gratitude. When in doubt, give grocery store, liquor store and/or home improvement shop certificates.
Uncommon Household Accessories
For the host/hostess who has (almost) everything, consider presenting unique or uncommon household accessories. Bar accessories, martini/cocktail sets, personalized wine glasses or exotic drink mixers are those little extras we don’t tend to purchase for ourselves, but which are always received with delight. Go a little further and look into sushi making or sake sets, elaborate serving accessories or homemade pottery.
Homemade Creations
Be it crafts or home-baked goods, gift with your personal specialty. When presenting baked goods, consider including the recipe: printed or hand-scripted on an attractive card, or even in a recipe box.
Gift Basket
Buy pre-packaged gift baskets or assemble one of your own to dazzle your recipient. Gift baskets can be created to almost any theme such as cheese, fruit, chocolate, or more specific themes. Combining store-bought and homemade items is ideal, allowing you to put a personalized spin on your gift.
“Me” Time
After hosting a party, there’s nothing your recipient will appreciate more than a gift that offers or enhances personal or “me” time. Soaps, lotions, candles, bath products, and spa certificates are all ideal gifts conducive to pampering.
Themed Hot Drink Sets
Along the line of the gift basket, present a gift tailored to the tea, coffee or chocolate lover. Include exotic brands of tea/coffee/hot chocolate alongside mugs and spoons. Consider including gourmet flavourings, sugars and stir-sticks.
A Gift For Every Occasion
Theme your gift toward the type of gathering being held. At a housewarming: home improvement gift cards/certificates, household accessories, etc.; at a cocktail party: drink mixers, attractive martini glasses, bar accessories; at a holiday party: ornaments, home baking or a holiday music mix.