Should I bring a Hostess gift to this?

[misskitty100]

DH's boss is having everyone over to his house this year for their dept. Christmas party. My assumption is that the meal will be catered. The company will be covering the cost of all food and beverages (DH works for a multi-national corporation). Should I still bring a hostess gift? If so, what would be appropriate?

[shscharles]

Absolutely! It's not just about the cost of the food...she's hostessing which means making sure the house is clean, kids are taken care of, caterer is searched, contracted, supervised...it's a big chore whether it's paid for by the company or not. I'd take something like guest soaps and towels, candles, something you've baked with the recipe tucked in, not flowers she has to arrange while greeting guests...wine is always good. Be sure your name is on it...I've found gifts after guests have left and have no idea who brought them!:rolleyes:

[BucknellAlum]

I can't think of a downside to bringing a hostess gift. True, the boss is not personally paying for dinner, etc. but he is still opening up his home to you.

I would bring something small, that is beautifully wrapped, with a nice card. Perhaps gourmet chocolates, or note cards, or a Christmas ornament.

[VictoriaL]

One of the best hostess gifts I received was from a friend who likes to bake. She made us a gorgeous coffeecake, wrapped it beautifully, and attached a note that told us it was for our breakfast the next morning. Believe me, nothing has been appreciated more. :)

Ever since then, that has been my standard hostess gift.

[Canice]

Oh, I would definitely bring a hostess gift! Who cares who's paying for the event - she's still opening her home to you, and IMO any time someone invites me to her table (literal or figurative) I want to give a little something to say "thank you" and to recognize her hospitality.

I've had a few recent occasions to bring hostess gifts, and I suppose the appropriateness also depends on familiarity/intimacy with your hostess. I've brought:

Simon Pearce candles
Hand-printed note cards
A locally made fruit preserve
Bubble bath from Provence

I don't see how you can do wrong by being gracious.

[cherylopal]

One of the best hostess gifts I received was from a friend who likes to bake. She made us a gorgeous coffeecake, wrapped it beautifully, and attached a note that told us it was for our breakfast the next morning. Believe me, nothing has been appreciated more. :)

Ever since then, that has been my standard hostess gift.

ditto ditto ditto

i usually always take a gift because like others have said, she is offering her home, making sure it is clean, and being responsible for things.

may i rec the easy cinnamon bread with some coffee and or tea in a pretty bag or basket?

[SusanMac]

Absolutely! I don't think it is tied to how much $$ the hostess spends throwing a party. It's simply a nice thing to do. And definitely politically correct for work.

[buffygirl]

Just chiming in to say that I LOVE the coffee cake idea. I'm going to use that one! Thanks for sharing Victoria!

[misskitty100]

Thanks for all the great ideas! I love the coffee cake idea too! I also plan to look into the bubble bath or chocolates as well.

Thanks again!!

[DmOrtega]

Flowers or a seasonal type arrangement is also appreciated.

[TKay]

Just chiming in to say that I LOVE the coffee cake idea. I'm going to use that one! Thanks for sharing Victoria!

Ditto that. I think that's a lovely idea.

[maisies1]

Simon Pearce candles
Hand-printed note cards
A locally made fruit preserve
Bubble bath from Provence

I don't see how you can do wrong by being gracious.

Canice, when can you come to my house? :)

[Canice]

My calendar's wide open! :D

I like picking up hostess gifts (and I like getting them - I like gifts that are consumable). I guess what I enjoy is that they don't have to be personal (easy to pick out) and that they're an excuse to buy something that's pricey for its category but not pricey in the absolute. If that makes sense.

[hollysmom]

It would be hard to ever go wrong with a Christmas-tree shaped Rosemary bush.

SSM