Holiday Entertaining Tips: Hostess Gifts

Hostess gifts play a part in both entertaining and being entertained all year round.  But the amount of gatherings, parties, etc. seem to triple during the holiday season.  Here are a few things to keep in mind about hostess gifts when being both the gracious host AND being the gracious guest!

Receiving Hostess Gifts:

• When accepting a hostess gift, make sure to thank the guest and offer your appreciation for their thoughtfulness.  However, be discreet so as to not have other guests feel bad if they did not bring a hostess gift.
• If the gift is edible –food or beverage– inquire if your guest wants you to include it with the party fare or save it for yourself.  This can save hurt feelings later on.
• Thank you cards are not required for hostess gifts but if your guest goes above and beyond, sending a little note in the mail is a very nice gesture.
• Keep track of hostess gifts that you receive and from whom.  Make sure that you are reciprocating appropriately.

Giving Hostess Gifts:

• Whenever possible, never go to someone’s home empty-handed.  It’s all about the gesture.  Hostess gifts do not need to be expensive.
• If you do not want your host to utilize an edible gift that you are giving during the party, make sure to say something if they do not ask.  Same goes for if you do want your gift to be consumed.  However, if that is the case, be prepared for the possibility that your host might have specific feelings on what is served that evening and may want to save your gift for another occasion.
• Think of your host when choosing what to make or bring as a gift.  Make sure the gift is fitting of the person and their likes/lifestyle.

I will be doing a series of posts in the coming days that will show examples of DIY non-edible hostess gifts, as well as some of my own recipes for delicious edible gifts to share this holiday season.