Hostess gifts. How do you handle this one?
I enjoy giving the host a gift like flowers, wine or chocolate. I always choose something that will not make the hostess feel obligated to use at that particular event. Share your experiences---both successes & nightmares. Have you ever re-gifted one of these host(ess) gifts?
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12 Comments:
My boyfriend is a sommelier, so people rarely bring us wine. When they do, they usually spend more than they are used to because they think we won't drink inexpensive wine (meanwhile my man prefers beer when he's not working). At a recent dinner, a couple we had just met brought us a bottle of champagne, but by the time they had arrived, we had all started on a rich white and then moved to red and we never got around to opening the champagne they brought. When it was time to leave, I saw them conference by the door and then one of them walked back - through the apartment - to the fridge and took back his bottle. We waited until the door closed and then burst out laughing. I'm sure they were offended that we didn't open their bottle - but a gift is a gift, right???
Phoebe Damrosch at 10:16PM on 06/25/07
I often bring fleur de sel or flowers, or both. I never bring wine unless I am asked to, because I won't serve a gift wine that doesn't "go" with my meal. I may bring an interesting cheese if I think that host would be intrigued by it, and I have known to bring already-ground coffee to a host whose coffee is excreble, and laughs about it herself. Chocolate is nice, too.
dksbook at 9:29AM on 06/26/07
I usually ask the host or hostess ahead of time if they would like me to bring anything for the dinner. If not I usually bring something that isnt meant to be used at dinner, a basket of different salts is good, including salt free alternatives. I think the most thoughtful gift is something the hosts can use for a lovely evening for just the two of them.
huney_bumper at 10:22AM on 06/26/07
I hate it when people bring me flowers. I have to stop what I'm doing in the kitchen, hunt up a vase, and make a show of arranging the gift.
Cathy at 10:34AM on 06/26/07
My first husband and I were invited to dinner by one of his friends.Since the friend was single and still in college we went to his parents' house so his mom could prepare the meal, and they joined the 3 of us. I took a bottle of wine not knowing that both parents were alcoholics- can't remember if they were both actively drinking or if both were in recovery, but that is neither here nor there. Luckily the friend met us in the driveway and snagged the bottle before his parents saw it. I felt like an ass for bringing it, then felt worse when we basically showed up empty handed after the friend rightfully confiscated the bottle. I've never given alcohol as a gift since then!
AuntJone at 10:38AM on 06/26/07
I love getting wines as gifts....either its really good (I'll save label - buy next week!) or its really bad (I'll save label - add to list of not-buys). Its always helping me refine my repertoire of wine.
Steamy Kitchen at 12:52PM on 06/26/07
Other than baking some cookies, a cake or a pie, I usually try to find a local bakery near the giftee's house. There, I can buy some fresh rolls or bread. No one ever turns their noses up at fresh bread.
On the receiving end, most people who know me, know what 1. I like or don't like and 2. can eat or can't eat. What really bugs me is when someone buys me strongly scented candles. They always smell terrible to me. Fresh flowers are always a bonus and greatly appreciated. Even more so, a blooming plant.
hereandthe at 12:59PM on 06/26/07
This is a toughie. If I like you I make something. If I don't know you I bring bread or rolls. If I do not like you I re-gift bottles of wine or chocolate that someone gave me that I am too fancy to ever open.
JerzeeTomato at 3:11PM on 06/26/07
I love getting anything home made as a gift. Since I now line in Massachusetts I am thinking about giving people Homemade Green Chili Sauce as gifts - It is hard to find around here.
I once got a great laugh from a couple when I handed him the flowers and her the Guinness.
Chef Tori at 5:01PM on 06/26/07
Simple. I ask what the host(ess) would like me to bring; if he/she says nothing, I bring flowers. Or wine that can be used at another meal.
emily20008 at 5:32PM on 06/26/07
I usually bring a bottle, and never expect the hosts to open it that night. If the wine is appropriate and the hosts open it, that's great, but it's not why I bring it. I sometimes bring chocolate. I hardly ever bring flowers, (see Cathy, above) and also, you never know about allergies. I like receiving them, though. If I have something I've made that seems appropriate, I may bring that, but not dessert, unless I'm asked to. A bottle of my home-made peach aperitif is always appreciated, but I don't often have it around to give away. If I've recently made some unusual jam, I'll bring that.
Lippy at 3:04PM on 06/27/07
Flowers are a perfect host gift, but only if they're already trimmed, arranged, and in a vase. Even if the table already has a floral centerpiece, they can use the flowers in another room. As someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, I still enjoy receiving flowers, even though I'd never buy them for myself...I just keep them near a window and only for a day or two.
producestories at 12:58PM on 06/28/07