How To Choose and Give the Perfect Hostess Gift

Have you been invited to a formal dinner party by a close friend or coworker? Then you need to make sure you show your gratitude with a thoughtful gift. Your hostess will greatly appreciate that you cared enough to get them something. It's also just proper etiquette to give your hosts a gift for inviting you to their party. It's a tried-and-true tradition that stretches back hundreds of years. If you aren't sure what to get your hostess, don't worry. We compiled a guide on how to choose and give the perfect hostess gift.

Consider Their Tastes

What does your hostess value the most? Do they love to dress up for formal occasions, or are they more of a creative type? You should always take their personality into account when selecting a gift. If fashion is their thing, you could go with a glamorous yet affordable accessory that complements their style. If they love art, you can get them some valuable supplies for their favorite hobby. Your hostess will love gifts that align with her tastes the most.

Be Discrete

When presenting your gift, it's important to be discrete. You don't want to draw too much attention to your gift or harp on how much it cost. Instead, give your hostess a warm greeting. Scan the room quickly to see if there's a common area for gifts. If there isn't one, you can politely ask where to put your gift, or you can set it on the entry table. Leave it up to your hostess to comment on the present.

Don't Get Too Elaborate

Dinner party gifts should cost no more than $50–75. If you're going to a lavish cocktail party, you could even go for a humorous gift. Quirky shot glasses or an entertaining adult card/board game can be a good idea. You want to buy unique gifts so that you stand out from the crowd. However, if it's a more formal affair, a nice bottle of wine is always an excellent addition to a dinner party.

Never Show up Without a Gift

Gifts are a must for any party. It's much better to be the only person that brought something than to be the only person that didn't bring something. Showing up empty-handed is never a good idea. You want to express your gratitude to your hostess, and a gift is the best way to do so.

There you have how to choose and give the perfect hostess gift. Follow this guide so you can impress the hostess at your next party or formal event.