Community Chat

[Sooner]

To me a hostess gift for someone you don't know well is something small and impersonal, some "one-size-fits-all" item.  

From suggestions above, a bud vase and flower, tea, or note cards seem to fit the bill.  They aren't tempting someone to eat what they shouldn't, be served when it wasn't planned for, be a smell someone hates, doesn't have to be displayed long or take up space.  AND doesn't have to be dusted!  

[gidgetgh]

Must there actually be a gift????

Can't one just sincerely say "hey, thanks so much for inviting me to lunch"?  

Seriously, that would make me the happiest. 

[bonnielu]

I have given gifts over the years only to find that I did not "hit the mark" and they kindly said THANK YOU.  It took me awhile figuring out that I did not exactly give a gift that they REALLY liked.  I simply gave up and found a gift certificate and put it in a really nice card with a message of friendship. The gift card??? Perhaps something from a restaurant,or Amazon, or a local store. THEN THEY COULD PICK OUT WHAT THEY REALLY WANT OR NEED.  As for me I kind of like that approach when someone wants to gift me something.  I do this also for my grandchildren for their birthdays.  

[PINKdogWOOD]

Love this too @LTT1   A lovely hand-written note to go with the stunning colorful bouquet of flowers such as Alstroemaria.

Doesn't get any better!!!!

[RealQuiet]

Lots of great suggestions here!  If I know the host is a tea drinker, my go to is the Tea Forte tea. There's one on Qvc that includes a steeping cup with 15 single serves.  They are cute and a bit fancy with a tea leaf at the end of the string.  The item# is M83640 for $35.50.  You can also get less expensive without the cup included.  Always appreciated by those whom I gifted!

[walker]

Personally, if I invite people over, I don't expect anything and am happy if they like what I serve and have a good time.  "Thanks for inviting me...it was fun and delicious..." would please me.  That said...IF a gift is brought...small flowers or plant would be nice....no bouquet that I have to run and find a vase for....no food item that I feel obligated to add to my meal.  I like the special towel idea...always useful.  I have taken muffins before for hostess to enjoy next day.  One suggestion I don't think mentioned here would be a nice hand lotion....small and in a pretty gift bag.  Simple is best.....and I am sure hostess would really appreciate a call after luncheon telling her how much you enjoyed it.  

[occasionalrain]

@lynnie61 

Tea is the perfect gift since, whether we drink tea or not, there are always visitors who prefer it to coffee.

Also, there are all sorts of attractive tins of tea available. I received one that was a red British bus, another, larger round floral one, that's perfect for keeping cookies.

[Tinkrbl44]

This may be a minority opinion, but I'd skip the bud vase unless they are just setting up a household. 

Don't we all have too many vases and jars that flowers came in and we can't throw them out?  Why add to that collection?

JMO, of course .....  

[gidgetgh]

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

This may be a minority opinion, but I'd skip the bud vase unless they are just setting up a household. 

Don't we all have too many vases and jars that flowers came in and we can't throw them out?  Why add to that collection?

JMO, of course .....  

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@Tinkrbl44 - I agree. Appreciate the thought, but please don't.  I own one vase. And I'm the same way with the tea. I don't drink coffee or tea. But again, I am extremely hard to buy for. 

[CatsyCline]

i will never again bring a candle gift. i found and gifted a lovely artisan crafted candle with a wood wick.  the hostess loudly declared she hates anything scented VANILLA!

it's just a luncheon.  a bunch of sunflowers would be a welcome gift for me.  a tea towel is a nice idea too.

persoanlly i like to bring wine, such as Cupcake Angel Food or  pretty blush wine  but that might be a no-no.