There are many traditions in our society that are becoming a lost art.  One such tradition is to bring a hostess gift when you are invited over by friends and family.  I am a firm believer that we should always take a small gift to say “Thank You” for them opening their home to us.  Hostess gifts do not need to be expensive but they should reflect the season and the reason for the invitation.  Frequent hostess gifts include a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine or a candle.  These are certainly good options, especially if you are not too familiar with your hostess.  However, I like to personalize my hostess gifts a bit.

Does your hostess have a special hobby or collection?  Is there a special food that he or she likes that they would especially enjoy?  Is their home styled in a specific way such as Farmhouse or Coastal style?  Having a “feel” for your hostess can help to make the gift more personal.  So instead of just a kitchen towel set, you can give a farmhouse inspired set.  Or you can give an herbal plant to the cook rather than just an arrangement.

Around the holidays when we are frequently being invited to get-togethers we often just grab an easy gift.  To help personalize those gifts you might remember these suggestions…

• Early in the season think about what activities you will be invited to and plan ahead.  Don’t wait until the day of to grab a gift.  Advance planning can help to make your gift special.
• Presentation is everything!  The humblest of gifts can be elevated to outstanding by how you wrap your gift.  Take it out of the box and wrap it in special packaging.
• Attach a tag or label that reflects your thoughtfulness.  For example, give your favorite baker a new rolling pin and attach a recipe for your best pie.
• Keep a record of gifts that you give over the years so that you don’t duplicate gifts to the same person.

The more you practice gift giving beyond the ordinary, the easier it becomes.  To get you started here are some of my favorite hostess gifts to give. The type of gift can be personalized for the individual.  Some are holiday specific while others can be given any time of year.

10 Best Hostess Gifts Ideas:

1. A plant that can be enjoyed now and planted into the garden later.
2. Kitchen tools that need to be replaced periodically.  Such as serving spoons, rolling pins, wine bottle openers or stoppers.
3. Kitchen bakeware filled with treats.  For example fill a muffin tin with seasonal candy or fill a bread pan with a buttery spread and spreader.
4. Kitchen towels, potholders and aprons.
5. Books make a great hostess gift.  What is your hostess’s favorite genre?  Cookbooks, home decor, self-help and fiction, to name a few.  There are so many options to choose from.
6. A holiday decoration for the table or home.  Seasonal salt and pepper shakers, candles that are embellished with a holiday motif or a small wreath.
7. A personal item.  You could give a new scarf or gloves, a lapel pin, lotion or lip balm.
8. A special journal or planner to track any number of things.
9. Fill an inspirational coffee mug with special treats and coffee samples.
10. Food gifts never go out of style.  Bring a small miniature version of your specialty such as Pumpkin Cranberry Bread or Applebutter. 

During the Holiday season we are frequently visiting with friends and family and it is important to remember to take a hostess gift.  Spend a little extra time planning your gift and your hostess will be thrilled to have you over again and again!