I’ve had friends ask me about Hostess Gifts. Are they necessary, required, expected? What do I do?

I thought about an Open House that my husband and I recently attended. It was lavish, first-class, in a beautiful setting with wonderful friends. They were sharing their blessing with all of us and we were honored to attend.

But, what do you give to someone who seems to have everything?

Or these questions may even be going through your mind:

What if you are on a tight budget?

What if you normally bring a small gift, but you forgot to get one and at the last minute you are scrambling?

Will the hostess think less of you if you don’t bring one?

What if you are a working mom and it’s all you can do to get your family there on time?

What did I bring to this Open House? At the last minute I searched through my “gift closet.” After checking it out and deciding I am definitely low on gifts, I had to come up with something else.
(On our way to an Open House with great friends, Minor and Jeannie)

I wanted to keep it simple. I am not into impressing or out-doing. After all, it’s the thought that counts!

I ended up taking jars of homemade applesauce, zucchini relish and apple butter! I know that most people do not can, but this worked for me. I’ve also taken any excess from my garden in the summertime (top photo of garden cherry tomatoes). You can be very creative in how you present these to the hostess!

Here are a few inexpensive gift ideas that I have both taken and received:

· I keep on hand Pampered Chef mini spatulas ($4) which everyone LOVES
· Also the Pampered Chef mini whipper ($3)
· A fresh loaf of bread (I take cinnamon chip – great for weekend French toast the whole family can enjoy) from you local breadstore
· A bag of nuts is always yummy
· I stock up on kitchen towels when they come on sale
· Candles are lovely, especially one that is used in the kitchen
· Fresh-baked cookies
· Chocolates (just for the hostess!)
· Anything from Harry & David (we’re lucky – it’s right down the street from us!)
· Lotion or hand soap
· The most common, I’d say, is a bottle of wine (if wine drinkers)
· Anything from your garden!

If you’re short on time, how about skipping the hostess gift and sending a heartfelt “thank you” (read “thank you” post here) in the mail the following week. If the hostess is like me, she will cherish that card and remember the memories more than a gift!

When I entertain I never expect a hostess gift. However, I’m always delighted and surprised when I get one. I love everyone’s unique ideas and individuality went it comes to this special act of thoughtfulness.

Although etiquette is good to follow, sometimes it gets in the way and becomes bondage. Not always, but sometimes.

In light of that, I want to keep the blessings of entertaining simple.

I sometimes think to myself: What if this is my last meal ever with my guests?

Isn’t the memory of the time together a gift in itself?

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Speaking of gifts, who wants to peek at the package I sent Mrs. B at the Starcrossed Blogger, who won my Fall Package giveaway, and beautiful customized apron, for my one-year blogiversary?

Check it out yourself! But Shhhh, don’t tell Mrs. B! It hasn’t arrived on her doorstep yet!!

(click on photo to make larger)