It’s the party season and your calendar is filled to the brim with social events, many of them house parties. Of course, you shouldn’t arrive at their doorstep empty-handed, but nothing’s more awkward than showing up with an inappropriate or lazy gift.
Above, a list of ideas for every type of party — consider these to impress your host.
When it comes to gifting for a dinner party, the common mistake that many make is to give the hostess a bottle of wine. Unless she mentions that it will be a potluck party, never show up to their apartment with booze, or worse, food. Such parties usually entail a planned menu, perhaps even down to specific wine pairings for each course, so your gift will probably not make it to the table. Instead of getting something that complements the dinner, present a gift with the host or hostess in mind.
Some examples:
- A bouquet of flowers for decoration, based on her preferences.
- A tin of cookies if she has a sweet tooth.
- Condiments, to spice up her home-cooked meals.
- Decorative scented candles, for that extra ambience.
- Artisan bar soaps, for an enjoyable bath after.
Holiday parties are usually boisterous affairs and rollicking good fun. Such shindigs are where you can bring alcoholic beverages — the more the merrier — since bubbly and wines are pretty much the first to run out. Still, it doesn’t mean crates of booze is the only thing you can cart to a holiday party. Keep in mind who your recipient is, and your relationship with him or her. If he or she is your best friend, any holiday-themed gimmicky items work. The same does not apply if your boss is the one doing the hosting. For the latter — sophistication wins.
Some examples:
- Booze. It boils down to your host’s preference, but steer clear of the bargain bin. Go for something extra special.
- A few boxes of holiday-themed cookies or candies for late night snacking.
- Elegant gift baskets that are decorated according to the festive season.
- Coffee-table books or cook books to adorn their table tops.
- Themed accessories (i.e. Santa hats on Christmas and “2019” glasses for New Year’s Eve) to celebrate the festivities with a bang — but only for good pals.
It’s a brand new pad, so getting your host something that jazzes up the interior will be a sure win. Bonus points if it’s personalised. We suggest you do your research first. Try to get an idea of what your host’s taste in decor is like — is she a minimalist or is she a fan of Baroque art? Is she into Japanese zen or does she like quirky homeware? Finding out the colour scheme of her newly furnished home is also a good way to start. If you think that she’s the sort to have a Pinterest board on that, weasel it out of her and peek on there to see her preferred aesthetic. Get something that complements her home.
Some examples:
- Wine glasses or glassware. Better still if they are engraved with their names.
- A set of tools that will be handy in times of need.
- Hand towels that match the bathroom’s colour scheme.
- Mini potted plants that will add splashes of green to a monochrome room.
- Classy art pieces or ornaments that can be the centrepiece of the room.
Meeting your future in-laws for the first time can be nerve-wrecking. After all, their first impression of you is the one that truly matters. To avoid getting on their blacklist, you should never show up empty-handed. Check with your partner on their likes and dislikes and make sure that your gift shows that some effort has been put into it. Remember, there’s no need to overdo it with pricey and flashy items. His or her parents would simply appreciate a thoughtful gesture.
Some examples:
- A basket of wine and cheese for something elegant and delicious.
- A vase of beautifully decorated and artistically arranged flowers for their dining table.
- Potted herbs, if they are into cooking.
- Artisan coffee or tea with a few boxes of baked goods for a hearty afternoon tea.
- Monogrammed items, like journals or cushions, for that extra touch.
Since your hostess will be accommodating you for an overnight stay, it’s only polite to bring a gift that expresses your gratitude. After all, she’ll be taking care of your meals, the bedspreads and the cleaning after. For an extra sweet gesture, your gift can be something you can both use during the sleepover, but make sure it’s luxurious and fun. You can also go the extra mile and include gifts that your hostess can enjoy in the future.
Some examples:
- Spa vouchers for the gift of relaxation.
- Fresh linen spreads or bath robes you can both enjoy during your stay.
- Artisanal hand soaps for sweet smelling baths.
- A gourmet food basket with a bottle of wine for peckish days.
- TAGS:
- holidays
- House party
- lifestyle
- party