Your friends, family members, or coworkers are hosting holiday parties this year and you’ve been fortunate enough to be invited. If you’ve ever hosted a holiday gathering before then you know just how much hard work, blood, sweat, and tears go into making the day special.
Best Hostess Gifts Ideas
Though not required, showing the host(ess) how much you appreciate their generosity is recommended. What kinds of things would a host/hostess appreciate? Check out these gift ideas below:
Food/Drinks
Do you have a signature dish or drink that you’re good at preparing? Maybe you can bake a good apple pie or other dessert or you’re great with making sangrias. If so, this would be a great gift idea for the holiday host. The extra food and/or drinks ensures that all of their guests are satisfied and adds a bit of variety to their spread. Just be sure to ask in advance so that you don’t prepare duplicate dishes or step on anyone’s toes.
Alcoholic Beverages/ Beverage Adjacent Gifts
If you know that the host/hostess is a lover of certain alcoholic beverages, you can thank them by purchasing a nice bottle of wine, scotch, or other drink as a gift.
Along with alcoholic beverages you might also consider purchasing gifts that can enhance the drinking experience (or make things easier on the host). For example, purchasing a wine cooler, bottle opener, or wine glasses can also be thoughtful.
Chocolate
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What better way to say, “thank you for having me”, than with an assortment of gourmet chocolates? Whether they keep them for themselves or they decide to share the sweet treats with their guests, if you give a chocolate gift set to the host or hostess they are sure to appreciate the gesture.
Serving Dishes/Utensils
If you’re heading to the home of someone who entertains frequently, they’ll love to get a gift that helps make it easier. There is no shortage of serving dishes and utensils you can purchase. A nice wooden cutting board and knife for cutting fresh bread or a basket to hold the bread in, for example, would work wonders.
Candles
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Another great gift to give a host or hostess for a holiday party are candles. They’re not only therapeutic, but they can add to the decor and ambiance of the event. You can purchase holiday scented candles (apple pie, peppermint, gingerbread) or opt for something more therapeutic (vanilla, lavender, eucalyptus) that the host(ess) can use after the event is over to just relax and unwind.
Holiday Gift Baskets
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If you’re going to a holiday gathering at someone’s house you’re not quite familiar with or aren’t sure what to bring you can still make a good impression by purchasing a holiday gift basket. This time of year you can find gift baskets with an assortment of items in them from cheeses, sausage, and jerky to an assortment of teas, hot chocolate, gourmet popcorn, and cookies. You can even insert your own gift card to make the basket even more enjoyable.
Flowers or Potted Plants
Another ideal gift idea for a host or hostess that you’re not that familiar with (like your spouse’s coworker) is a bouquet of flowers or a potted plant. There are plenty of holiday arrangements you can purchase that will look great as a centerpiece on their dinner table. As for plants, Poinsettias are beautiful and in full bloom at this time of year and can help to add to the festivities.
Games
What’s a holiday party without a bit of entertainment? Help the host of the event by purchasing a game or other activity that can keep the guests entertained. Whether you opt for a traditional board game like monopoly or scrabble or you get creative with a holiday mad libs or Pictionary, everyone will have a blast.
Someone was nice enough to remember you during this time of year and invite you into their homes for a good time, great food, and even better company. The least you could do is show your appreciation by bringing a small gift for the host or hostess. Whether it takes the stress out of their hosting duties, entertain their guests, or serves as a gift they can use to relax and unwind after the event is over, it’s something the host or hostess will truly appreciate.
Featured Image Source: Pexels
