Gifts for the Host & Hostess: a guide to being a perfect guest

Hosting a great party takes a ton of planning and work. Show your host that you appreciate all their time and effort with a gift to match that thoughtfulness. It may seem obvious, but when choosing a host gift, it’s important to always consider the recipient first. If it’s an old friend, you can get something specific and quirky, but maybe you’ve never met them before! In that case, a classic gift is a good choice. Once you’ve determined where to begin, elevate your gift with a keepsake memento, so that your host will think of you every time they see it.

Enjoy this quick guide to help you break down and organize the factors towards finding the perfect host gift, for every party.

Here are 5 standards, to get you started:

Host: your boyfriend’s parents

THE GIFT: Flowers. Pretty, delicate, thoughtful. Something that speaks to the season is ideal, especially if you pick them yourself—which leaves fewer options in the wintertime. But holly leaves with red berries and sprigs of curly willows, even some evergreen branches with pine cones are great choices that your hostess can display as a centerpiece or on the mantle.
ELEVATE IT: with a decorative vase

Host: your boss

THE GIFT: Wine. Try to find one that expresses your personal taste, whether that means label art or country of origin, a unique wine will help her get to know a little bit about you.
ELEVATE IT: with a unique and handmade bottle topper or wine gift bag

Host: aunt/ cousin/ acquaintance

THE GIFT: Fancy cheeses with nuts and dried fruits. Who doesn’t love a nice assortment of fruits and cheeses? Plus, your host can set it out for other guests as one less thing they’ll have to worry about on the day of the party.
ELEVATE IT: with a fancy cheese knife or unique cheese board

Host: a new friend

THE GIFT: beer. Beer is less expensive than wine, more casual, but still good for a solid bonding session. Plus, there are some really great options for fair trade coffee stouts on the market these days.
ELEVATE IT: with a bottle opener

Host: your mentor

THE GIFT: cupcakes. A little something sweet for somebody sweet. By baking cupcakes yourself, not only will they taste better, but they’ll also show just how much time and thought you put into your gift. Arrange them on a cake stand, wrap with plastic and finish with a ribbon for a presentation that’s tough to beat.
ELEVATE IT: with a two-tiered cake stand

Or…

Three more unique choices, for a close friend:

The best parties are often the ones hosted by someone you’ve known forever. If the host is your best friend, a generic gift, while still appreciated, might not be the best option. For your closest friends, choose something personal and rewarding. Here are a few ideas for some not-so-conventional gifts that your host will infinitely appreciate:

Coffee and a mug...

…so you’re sure the host is well stocked for recovering the morning after the party.

Breakfast…

…your host may have spent so much time prepping for the party, that they forgot all about what she’ll eat for breakfast the next day! Don’t leave them eating party leftovers. They’ve earned a relaxing morning. Bring bagels with cream cheese and some fancy spreaders.

Something pampering…

…hand cream to soothe the hands that have spent hours washing dishes.

Say “Thanks!”

Good: send a quick text message the next day to tell your host how much fun you had.

Better: an email including some details of your favorite moments from the party will help preserve the memory so that you can reminisce about it for years to come.

Best: snail mail cards still make hearts flutter with delight. There’s something about that tactile surprise that makes the message all the more meaningful. { READ: How to Find the Right Words }

Also, don’t forget!

A perfect guest will always RSVP on time, and show up to the event on time (but not too early…unless you’re helping to set up). Always ask if there’s anything you can pick up on the way over because even the most organized host will run out of ice every now and then.

And there you have it! Follow these guidelines and go down in history as the world’s most perfect guest.