On Gifts for Your Host
When visiting someone’s home, it is important to note that your presence is not present enough. A tenet of Colettiquette is never, ever arrive empty handed. And if, for some reason, you do arrive without a gift, promptly send one to your host after. A hostess/host gift does not have to be expensive or extravagant but it should be thoughtful. Also bringing something that will be consumed at the party, like a platter of cookies, does not count as a hostess gift.
A failsafe hostess gift is alcohol. A bottle of wine or champagne is always appreciated but make it clear to your hostess or host that the bottle is for them to enjoy at another time and not to be consumed currently. I believe it is rude to expect to consume the gift you have given. If you’re attending a housewarming party, might I suggest liquor to help stock the hostess’s new bar cart?
Something delicious for breakfast the next day is also a fantastic gift (perhaps wrapped in a dishtowel that is also a gift for your hostess). Homemade is best but if there is a great bakery near you, that will also suffice. That being said, I don’t recommend bringing dessert unless you are asked to. To impose your own baked goods without prompting is rude to your host.
Flowers are a tricky gift. If they’re arranged in a vase, great! But if you’re gifting a bunch of flowers out of a vase, you have now burdened your host with the task of handling them. Likely, they have enough to do already. Don’t add to their list.
Linen cocktail napkins make for a great gift. See my post on my Colette-tion and click the images to shop. I personally really appreciate gifts that contribute to my collections - salt and pepper shakers, egg cups so think about your host or hostess and gift them something specific to them.