Bringing a gift

When you’ve been invited to someone’s home, taking the host a small gift is always a nice gesture, even if the invitation instructs you not to. Bringing a bottle of wine, a flowering plant, or candy is a considerate way to show your appreciation.

 

Think about the host’s hobbies when you select a gift. If you know that the host loves to garden or cook, for example, consider a gift or memento for that special interest.

Don’t allow your gift to become a burden to the host in any way. For example, if you want to give cut flowers, try to bring them already in a vase so that the host doesn’t have to take the time to arrange them. Gifts of food, wine, and special blends of coffee and tea are acceptable, as long as you let the host know that it’s not necessary to open or serve them. The host most likely has already planned the menu so you should tell the host that you hope he or she will enjoy the gift of food or wine later.

Whatever you choose, the gift doesn’t need to be wrapped or come with a card. And it’s not necessary for the host to send a thank-you card.

When presenting the host with the gift, the ideal way is to send it ahead of time or giving it to him it as soon as you arrive.