Hi grammatoncleric,
Thank you for an interesting question.
Q & A America - When is it appropriate to give a gift?
http://www.usa101.com/en/qa/index.php?zid=article&topicId=117&articleId=774
"Giving to a host/hostess
Many Americans bring a small gift to the host of a party or dinner or
if they are staying with friends overnight. The gift may be
unnecessary if one is a frequent diner or overnight guest of a family
member or close friend. This gift is usually presented upon arrival or
shortly thereafter.
Flowers, wine, or a souvenir from home are acceptable gifts, but be
cautious about giving wine to someone you do not know. Dinner and
party guests may call ahead to ask if the host or hostess needs
anything. Even if he or she says no, bring something to show your
appreciation."
=================================================
FrequentlyAskedQuestions of the Party411 Experts
http://www.party411.com/faq.html
Q. Should I take a gift when invited to a dinner?
"There is no specific list of events for which a hostess gift is
appropriate. Party411 generally advises that a hostess gift be brought
any time that a host or hostess either is providing a meal or is
hosting any event that is more than a couple of hours long. In other
words, a brief visit to return a borrowed garden implement would not
be a visit on which a guest would bring a hostess gift while an
invitation to a wine tasting would.
A hostess gift need not be elaborate -- some of the best hostess gifts
are as simple as a bouquet of flowers from your own garden or a
freshly baked banana bread wrapped in butcher paper with a bow."
=================================================
Hospitable Hosts, Gracious Guests
http://www.etiquetteintl.com/Articles/HostsGuests.aspx
"Bring a house gift as a token of your appreciation or send one
immediately after your departure."
=================================================
Hostess Gifts
http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/babyshowers/etiquette.htm
"Q. Should you give a gift to the hostess of baby shower?
A. A mom-to-be isn't obligated to give her hostess a gift, but it's
certainly a very nice thing to do. A lot of work goes into planning
and hosting a baby shower so it's appropriate to acknowledge her. An
expensive gift is certainly not expected or needed. Keep it simple and
from the heart."
=================================================
"Q: Should guests bring gifts to an engagement party?
http://www.bwedd.com/CEBride/CEBNewsletter_63.asp
A: Most guests should not bring a gift to an engagement party, however
many do. Engagement gifts are generally supposed to be limited to only
the closest friends and family of the bride and groom. However, the
bride and groom should never expect a gift from any of their guests."
=================================================
How to Be a Gracious Houseguest
http://www.ehow.com/how_9720_be-gracious-houseguest.html
"Bring a gift. Wine, delicacies, books, stationery or plants are ideas."
[edit]
"Taking your hosts to dinner at a nice restaurant is usually
appreciated. This way, you can give them a gift while alleviating the
workload."
=================================================
Gift Giving for Singles
http://www.singlesonthego.com/giftgivingforsingles.html
"Other Tips for Holiday Gifts and Etiquette for any Parties/Social Functions:
Do bring a bottle of wine or a small box of chocolates to the host or
hostess that has invited you to their party.
Do send a short note or email of thanks for the great time you had and
for being invited to the party."
[edit]
"Don't go to a party empty handed. Even if the hostess says bring
nothing, bring a small box of chocolates or a bottle of wine.
Don't bring cheap items. If the hostess is doing a potluck or a
party where everyone does bring something, do not bring boxed wine,
wine with screw tops, packaged off the shelf cookies. Bring a bottle
of wine that is unique that others will have a conversation about,
make something unique from scratch or pick up a gourmet type appetizer
or brie."
=================================================
Hostess Gifts with the Mostest
http://www.oprah.com/foodhome/home/gifts/home_20031022_hostgifts.jhtml
Our Dream Party Planning Team gives you suggestions on how to make
your hostess feel all warm and fuzzy inside with the perfect gift!
Food maven Ina Garten suggests bringing a homemade gift. Try something
you can bake, but small enough so that your hostess doesn't feel like
she has to serve it. It's something special just for her like a small
lemon cake or homemade cookies.
Nicole Miller says that a trendy, fun idea is to bring a sushi set,
complete with chopsticks and soy sauce dishes. Another favorite of
Nicole's is a fancy peppershaker with fresh peppercorn.
Allana Baroni, party planner to the stars, says that you don't need to
spend a fortune on hostess gifts. Your local coffee shop has great
ideas for a gift package like coffee, gift cards, a thermal press and
sometimes CDs!
Making things personal is always a nice touch Allana suggests photo
coasters, or a post-party gift...a framed photo of all of the party
guests!
=================================================
Creative ideas for host and hostess gifts
http://mt.essortment.com/hostessgifts_rdnq.htm
"Ideas for creative gifts to give the host or hostess of a party
beyond the traditional bottle of wine.
When you are invited to a party, it is often difficult to come up with
the perfect gift to take to the host or hostess. You don't have to
spend a lot of money on an expensive bottle of wine to show your
appreciation. You just need a little creativity to come up with a
great gift. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:"
[edit]
=================================================
"Don?t show up at the next dinner party without a something for the
cook! It will be greatly appreciated and will ensure you are invaded
back plus it?s the polite thing to do. Show you are grateful for the
hospitality..."
http://www.hostess-gifts.com/
http://www.hostess-gifts.com/barware.asp
One final thought - :)
"Mankind is divisible into 2 great classes: hosts and guests."
-- Sir Max Beerbohm
Best regards,
tlspiegel |
