When to give and what to bring:
If you're stumped about whether you should bring a gift or not, always err on the side of generosity. What cocktail hostess wouldn't appreciate a delightful little addition to the kitchen from one of her guests? Let the gift match the occasion, and you'll be right on track.
Cocktail Party or Holiday Open House
Though not necessary, especially if you are close friends with the host or hostess, bringing a small gift along to informal occasions such as a cocktail party or open house is a wonderful way to thank them for their hospitality. It's not a time to be showy, but a great time to choose something that says 'thanks' in a fun and casual manner. A Folk Flora Rolling Pin or Chalkboard Spice Jars are both delightful small gifts that would be perfect for such an occasion.
Holiday Dinner Party
It takes a lot of effort to pull together a formal dinner, especially around the holidays. Express your gratitude with a unique gift your host or hostess can enjoy year-round. These Hedgehog Measuring Cups are an adorable addition to any kitchen. Though they're so cute you'll want to leave them out on display, they also nest inside one another for easy storage. We also love the cupcake-covered Baker's Delight Apron for its retro graphics and cute cut.
Weekend with Friends
Being a houseguest calls for something a little more special than a bouquet of flowers or a scented candle. Bring along a carefully chosen home or kitchen accent, such as Anthropologie's Wise Ol' Canister. This Italian-made, bright orange cookie jar adds a bright, quirky punch that is perfect for friends with eclectic or vintage tastes. If your weekend hosts have more subdued decor, consider bringing along some accent tableware, such as this Piecrust Dinnerware. Rimmed with geometric pastry-inspired patters, these dishes are sweet as pie.
Whatever you decide to give, present it in style. For casual occasions, "wrapping" can be as simple as tying a pretty ribbon or colorful twine around the gift so the host or hostess doesn't feel obligated to stop and unwrap your gift while they are busy welcoming other guests and making final preparations. For bigger gifts, get creative with wrapping paper alternatives or have the gift professionally wrapped in-store.
Images: Anthropologie
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I say if you're going to be staying with someone and are unable to help around the house, then definitely bring a gift. Or if you're meeting a significant other's extended family and will be a houseguest. If you're seeing a close friend or family and are going to be right along with them in the kitchen or helping clean, your help is your gift. Bring some food or drink along and call it good. But who would turn down those hedgehogs, amIright?!
Consumable is the rule if the hostess has downsized. Match the gift carefully, please, otherwise we all look like hoarders. Too much stuff.
Agree with Jzzphan. I have spent the last few years working hard to whittle down all the stuff I used to own to more manageable proportions, and then this past summer I moved to NYC, where most people don't have room for extra anything, much less the space to display it. Consumables are often best!
A personalized gift from a close friend who knows my taste would be appreciated. Otherwise, I say a bottle of wine or flowers are great!
If you can't come up with something personal and relevant...comsumable or practical is the way to go. I love the hedgehogs--but really, will I use them--do I have space for them? Not really. I am a fan of bringing cookies wrapped in a dishtowel or a tiny plant like a succulent which can fit on a window sill or go to the office--or get booted to the curb without shame.
Yeah, I also prefer consumables. I host someone in my apartment sometimes twice a month. I don't need any more things - I have measuring cups (that won't break when I throw them into my drawer), and if you bring me a new rolling pin, my other one will have to either go in the trash or be donated (or I'll just re-gift yours! :S). There is absolutely no more space for anything.
Also, if you're staying with someone and really want to get them something, buy it after you have been there a day or two if possible. That way you can scope out what your host might need or appreciate, rather than burdening them with having to find a place for more tchsotchkes.
Hostess Gift post again?? As always, consumables only please.
I live in New Hampshire. Local maple syrup is always a winner to give.
Or chocolate, interesting non-grocery store jams or preserves, (if local and fresh) crusty bread or other baked goods, flavored/spiced nuts, cut flowers...
He who insists on giving me something concrete is likely to spot it at a thrift shop the next week. I'm guilt-free in offloading things I don't want, since I have way too many things I do want (and need to deal with...)
agree unless you know them very very well & know exactly what they can use, go consumable. Doesn't have to be wine or candy, could be a fresh herb plant.
One more vote for consumable gifts, in particular unusual spirits like aquavit or amaro. Amaro Nonino is a tasty digestif that comes in a lovely bottle. Unless your host/hostess is in a program (something to be sensitive to) almost everyone enjoys having their array of alcoholic offerings expanded. A nice alternative to alcohol is a mason jar filled w/ wax-wrapped salt caramels.