This time of year there's so much to do, it's easy to rush out the door to one of the many holiday events and forget a host/hostess gift. A small gift is a nice way to thank your host for their hospitality. And if you've never been to the house before you should absolutely bring something with you. I keep wine, champagne and special spirits in my cabinet with tags next to them so I can write a quick note. I tie ribbon around the ones that I want to keep for gifts so they don't get used for daily wine consumption. While wine always works, you could also bring something little to eat like spiced olives, savory nuts or chocolate but don't be offended if the host doesn't put out what you've brought that night. They may have a plan for what they're serving and will use your gift at another time.
If it's a housewarming consider something personal like a book that you know they've been lusting after or a candle with monogrammed matches. I've killed several maidenhair ferns over the last few months so I while I would appreciate a new fern not everyone appreciates a house plant. Flowers are lovely and always welcome, just remember to bring them in a vase so your host doesn't have to stop to arrange them.
Photo via Summerwind Blog.
