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When I go to a dinner party I usually get the host a gift from Pulp on Fairfax (Los Angeles). I can usually find a cute gift that costs between $20-$30; although there are more high end things there too. Some of the dinner party gifts that I have gotten there have ranged from an adorable wine stopper to scented candles.

I'm actually about to go out to buy some stilton cheese as a gift for the in-laws over Thanksgiving. I don't think that will make it onto the safe gift list for most people though!

Caldrea dish soap, wrapped in a pretty dish towel and presented with a sincere (well, sorta sincere) offer to help with the dishes.

"Despite our success with our fallback gift selection, we've heard some horror stories from friends of ours who have opted from the trusty wine bottle to more...personal host gifts like homemade desserts and spreads, monogrammed tea towels, or fancy soaps."


This sentence makes no sense. Horror stories? Opted from?

marlo = Grammar Nazi. Just kidding, I noticed that too and it bugged me (Also cool name!) The last time i gave a hostess gift it was my favorite cookbook:

Deep South Parties: How to Survive the Southern Cocktail Hour Without a Box of French Onion Soup Mix, A Block of Processed Cheese, or A Cocktail Weenie

It's ADORABLE and cheap.

Marlo-I was thinking the same thing. The horror story about the time someone brought...(whisper) soaps! And the ...personal implies that personal is being used as some sort of euphemism. I was waiting to hear about the sex toys or lingerie that were brought as a hostess gift. I mean, "homemade spreads?" Could anything be more inoffensive? It shows effort (homemade), doesn't need to be served with the meal (thereby screwing up a well-planned dinner), doesn't require fuss from the hostess (like flowers do, much as I personally love to receive them). And what's the difference between that and local jam?

That's what I was thinking, marlo.

Your friends have horror stories about giving desserts and soaps...yet you're suggesting we do just that?

More explicit horror please.

I'll admit I'm biased since I make these myself, but I think my VinoDots make a fabulous hostess gift. They're a fun and functional new take on wine charms and are always a great conversation piece. Basically, each charm comes with a matching button you can pin onto your clothes. There's no need to remember if you were the grapes or the wine bottle charm because you're wearing a matching reminder!

You can see them here ViviDotStore.com/vinodots.html

This is a great idea for an article. I would like more ideas than I currently have. I tend to take wine or live plant or cut flowers. I am interested in learning what others do. As a recipient (and I don't entertain very much) I have received wine, cheese, baked goods, candy and homemade appetizers. I haven't received anything horrible (or even close).

A few months back, one of the AT bloggers wrote about giving a fly swatter as a hostess gift and did this in all seriousness. Sorry, AT, I'm not going to let you off the hook for that one for a while!

Never mind picking a wine and fussing over whether to bring red or white: bring Champagne! So much more fun & festive, and lots of people don't think to buy it for themselves, saving it for "special occasions". Just go ahead and buy a case (it's like getting two bottles free) and bring a bottle everywhere you go.

I like to bring something that the host has mentioned they like in previous conversations, it shows that you were paying attention.. even if it's something non dinner party related, like a book, or a pair of slippers or whatever. It shows you care and the happiness the host relieves may help reduce the stress of , well, hosting...if only for a fleeting moment.

if I don't know the person well, meh, you can go wrong with alcohol....

*can't*
CRAP, I am banning myself from any more posts today.

Don't beat yourself up, brick. We know what you mean.

I have given that L'Occitane soap a few times and I think it was appreciated. I really love it myself. Also sometimes give a cookbook: "Louisiana Entertains". It is formulated as menus for parties that LA hostesses might give. Was written by ladies I know and benefits the Alexandria, LA Symphony. I buy a case at a time.

Take something edible to contribute to the dinner or dessert if the host/ess takes you up when you offer. Then, send flowers 3 to 6 days later with a "still thinking about the wonderful time we had ___ nights ago! Thank you,hope to do it again soon, etc" Works like a charm every time.

I did this for one of my friend's parents after they put us up in their RV for the night before my friend's wedding (I was a bridesmaid). It was the only time I met them and ten years later my friend says his mom still talks about the flowers I sent!

I have the first one, and i love it, so practical anda cute :D

My friend use asker from ikea like a pig salt. look: http://x4durosdesing.blogspot.com/2008/09/nuevos-usos-recipiente-asker-de-ikea.html

Regards from http://x4durosdesing.blogspot.com