How to shop for a hostess gift
The holiday season brings a bevy of festive party occasions. It's a delight to reward your gracious hostess with a gift you've selected just for her, but with so many parties at this time of year, it can be tough to come up with gracious and original gift ideas for the hostess of every get-together on your social calendar.
On the next few pages, we've put together some of our favourite items to give (and to receive!). We hope our suggestions will inspire you to pick a gift that suits your hostess perfectly. Still having trouble deciding? Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect hostess gift this holiday season.
1. How well do you know the hostess?
If you're attending a party thrown by someone you're still getting to know, a gift that they can eat or drink is usually a safe bet. If the hostess is already a close friend, you'll know her tastes, preferences, decor style and what her favourites are, which makes it easy to select a gift for her home that you know she'll use and love.
2. Plan ahead
There are a few questions you should ask yourself before selecting a great gift: How much are you willing to spend? Does the party have a theme? Is the hostess notoriously picky? Does she love a specific colour? What are her likes and dislikes? Answering these question will help you narrow down your options. Being organized will keep you from wandering around the mall aimlessly at the last minute, suffering from confusion and frustration.
3. Get personal
Remember that you're presenting the hostess with a gift as a token of your appreciation for the time, thought and expense she has put into hosting you as her guest. Your gift doesn't have to be large, pricey or showy, but it should come from the heart.
4. Think outside the bouquet
Sure, fresh flowers are beautiful, but they can be a nuisance to a busy hostess. Finding a vase, clipping stems and creating an arrangement can ruffle even the most unflappable hostess when she's already occupied by greeting other guests, taking their coats, serving drinks and trying not to burn the hors d'oeuvres. Consider a gift that is easy for the hostess to deal with on her busy night.
Still not sure about what gift to buy? Not to worry, we've compiled a list of fabulous gift ideas in every price range that will appeal even to the hostess who has it all. Just browse through our slideshow of 11 fabulous gifts for a fabulous hostess.
