Invited to a Party, Don't Forget a Hostess Gift

Bringing a hostess gift to a party is always a nice idea especially if they won't let you help out with the menu. I don't like to come empty handed so I always bring something, not always a gift but I will contribute to the menu, bring a bottle of wine or drinks even if they say it isn't necessary.   I heard the other day that you should bring two bottles of wine, one to drink and one for them to save for themselves, otherwise it is just BYOB.  I don't totally agree with this.  I assume the host can keep the bottle I bring, it is their bottle.  If I want to open one of the bottles when I get there I wouldn't hand it to them, I would just bring it and open it.  In this case I think two bottles is best, hand them one and open one.

I host parties all the time and I don't expect gifts even though they are always appreciated and enjoyed.  It is nice when people ask if they can bring something to contribute to the party be it food or drink.  Also if someone has food allergies or drinks something specific it is good if they contribute in this way.

Here are some other ideas I have done or heard about over the years.

• Pitcher filled with a cocktail.  This way when the cocktail is done they have a pitcher to keep.  I brought mai tais once to a Hawaiian themed party in a festive parrot pitcher.
• Cutting board with assorted cheese, crackers and grapes.  One cutting board choice I heard about recently was shaped like the state they live in with a heart or a star burned into the board by their city.  From AHeirloom at Etsy
• Breakfast:  Bring them breakfast so after a hectic party they have something to look forward to in the morning.  Be careful who you do this for, it could come across as a bit forward.  One option is a coffee cake from MyGrandma.  Made in the USA!
• Canned Goods:  What about something homemade from your kitchen, like a liqueur, jam or jelly or any other canned vegetable, fruit or condiment.
• Lists:  I am a list person so if you know someone who is also here are a bunch of options from KnockKnock.  My favorite is the WTF stamp
• Garden Tools:  What about a pretty set of garden tools, not something you would buy for yourself from Aldea Home.
• Green shopping bag:  Get them a set of green shopping bags, a few for groceries and a set for vegetables.
• BabyCakes:  They have small cupcake or cake pop appliances.  Perfect for that gadget gal.
• Hot Sauce:  An assortment of hot sauces or this one from Tabasco ($29 for six)
• Honey's:  An assortment of 3 local honeys or this one from Kats ($35 for three)
• Tea's:  An assortment of teas
• Cookbook:  Good Foods to Share from William Sonoma, $30
• Wine:  How about something different for wines.  Cocchi Americano Aperitif has been produced since 1891. It is based on an all-natural recipe containing white wine, sugar, and alcohol-infused herbs and spices, including Artemisia flowers, gentian roots, and peels of bitter orange. Small batches of wine are spiced and then left to age for a minimum of one year. This excellent aperitif wine has long been a staple of Asti, and is now an important ingredient in numerous cocktails. $25
• Pickled fruits and Veggies:  An assortment from Dolce Nonas, like the green tomatoes to add to a cheese plate or sandwich.  If you are at home in the kitchen you could can your own goodies.
• Soda Syrup:  Give your guest a healthier alternative to canned sodas.   They can make their own with these syrups from William Sonoma for $19 each.