When I was a little girl, my parents had a large circle of friends and family, so it wasn’t uncommon for us to be invited to dinner almost every weekend. I wish at the time I would have had more mature eyes to notice mom’s sweet ways of saying “thank you,” as we’d be greeted at the front door.

Mom would give a hug and she’d hold her hand out with a precious gift.

A thank you gift.

A hostess gift.

They were never expensive and were rarely store-bought.

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Many times, in Mom’s hands were garden treats or flowers from her yard.

Or something yummy in a jar.

Today it might be a fun potholder or a lotion or soap.

A fresh couple of kitchen towels.

It could even be a roll of MyDrap paper napkins.

The point was not to impress, but to say thank you.

The reality today is that, even if you don’t have time to bring a specific hostess gift when you’re invited out, a hug will usually do. (But there’s always chocolate, wine, baked breads or a fun kitchen gadgets, if you really insist on more than a hug.) :)

What are your favorite hostess gifts to bring?

Next time you want to treat your favorite hostess, consider one of these delicious recipes instead:
Homemade Chocolate Sauce
Homemade Salsa
Flip-Over Strawberry/Raspberry Jam
Apple Pie in a Jar

I’m linking to Add a Pinch today. Every Monday you can link and share on Robyn’s Mingle Monday!