There are many lessons in life that my mom imparted to me growing, one of which was you never arrive at an event empty handed. Gatherings that call for a dish to share are easy – I’ve already become known for our family tex mex dip (recipe coming later this week!) – but I always struggle a bit more when selecting a non-food hostess gift. Fancy soaps sit unused in a bathroom drawer and, although classic, a bottle of wine is undeniably a bit trite. Here are my top ten hostess gifts with a pop of personality that your host or hostess will appreciate.
- Bring tomorrow’s breakfast! A jar of homemade jam and a fresh loaf of artisan bread from a local bakery will have your hosts singing your praises come morning.
- If you know the color scheme of your host’s kitchen, a quality dishtowel will be used and loved long after the event. I like 100% organic cotton and think these, these, and these are beautiful.
- An interactive party game is always a good thing for someone who loves to entertain to have on hand. We’ve had some legendary game nights playing this and this.
- Although it may be a bit more responsibility than some hosts will appreciate, a small plant or potted herb is one of the favorite hostess gifts I’ve ever received.
- A stack of gossip magazines! Something everyone can indulgence in but rarely would buy for themselves.
- If you are visiting an out of town guest, bring something local from back home. For example, we’ve been known to bring a bottle of high quality olive oil from Olympia Olive Oil or a bag of coffee beans from Raven’s Brew Coffee, a roaster in Tumwater.
- As someone who has paid more pickles than I should have for paper grocery bags, a reusable shopping bag would make a lovely, yet practical, hostess gift. I think this one is adorable, this one so clever, and this sassy one would make a fabulous gift.
- A set of stationary cards. I feel as though I’m frequently dashing off to the grocery store to grab a thank you card, a thinking of you card, etc. What a sweet gesture it would be to give your host a set with their initials or a generic design so they could always have some on hand. These are carried at Target across the country.
- I am the messiest cook you’ve ever hoped to see so I’ve tried the full apron and I’ve tried the half and I find the half gives me somewhere to wipe my hands but doesn’t get in the way nor require constant adjustments the way a full apron does. I think this one is darling for a hostess gift.
- Finally, when in doubt you can never go wrong with a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers.
Great ideas….I think you should bring a hostess gift on those Sunday dinners!! xoxo