The Hostess Gift

In this fast-paced time of year, don’t let the season of giving and gratitude slip by without

remembering a hostess gift. There are no hard and fast rules about what qualifies, but

if you’re invited to a holiday gathering, you shouldn’t show up empty-handed.

The gift’s value is unimportant but what matters is that you made the effort to bring a

small token of appreciation for being invited. Of course, a bottle of wine is nice but if

you want to be remembered, show up with something more unique.

One of my most favorite items is a tabletop rosemary plant that’s shaped like a

Christmas tree. They smell great and you can usually find them in the floral department

of the grocery store, so you can pick it up last minute. Here, you can also find a small,

festive arrangement if you prefer.

Another hostess gift idea is a curated crate of candies, popcorn, or other seasonal

treats. You can find both a wide range of options but also prices online, including

Amazon. Here, I typically buy several inexpensive Christmas food boxes and keep

them handy.

If you want to steer away from foodie gifts, a nice option is a small candle or set of hand

soap or lotion. These tend to be items which most people may not buy for themselves,

but nonetheless appreciate.

In the end, anything can serve as a hostess gift. If you find you arrive empty handed, a

handwritten thank you note will be just as meaningful to the recipient.

Tammy’s Truism: When choosing such a gift, make it something you may use too in the event you don’t end up giving it away. Also, you can save the non-perishable gifts for use next year.