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Fran’s Party Etiquette Rules – The Host Gift (Part II)
More guest rules – these will make you the Party Star!
I accept almost all invitations to parties that come my way. And I go to a lot of them – that’s just the way I roll. Over the years, I have witnessed some massive faux pas at parties – more than I care to remember – mistakes that both hosts and guests make. Some are bigger than others but nearly all are remembered.
I went through my top 6 Guest “rules” in my first post. This time, I want to give you a list of ideas that could make you the Party Star! Now, that’s a nice way to be remembered, don’t you think?
In the previous post, my NUMBER ONE rule, if you’re the Guest: don’t show up to a party empty handed. In my book, it’s just rude. The host has gone to a whole lot of effort to throw this thing – show some appreciation.
Having said this, there are even a few things that you might want to reconsider.
- Don’t bring flowers – I know it’s your “go to” but don’t do it. The host has to stop everything, try to find an appropriate vase, cut the stems, arrange your lovely bouquet and find a place to put them in their carefully arranged party décor. Just don’t.
- Don’t bring wine/alcohol – Also probably one of your “go to” hostess gifts but don’t do that either. UNLESS you know what your host/hostess likes to drink – maybe it’s a dry, full-bodied Napa Cabernet, or a 25-year-old single barrel scotch. But, if you don’t know for a fact what it is that your host likes – don’t bring it. I don’t drink Merlot (I don’t like my wine jammy or chewy) but that hasn’t stopped some very well meaning friends from bringing that bottle because they thought it might be a good one. I have dozens in a closet that I will never drink. By the way, never re-gift. Don’t do it.
Those are some big DON’Ts, but I have a few easy DO’s that’ll make perfect host/hostess gifts – stuff that will surprise and please.
- Bring scented soap for the power room. As a hostess, I always make sure there is some, but sometimes I don’t remember to get a new one. Bring a cute dish with a small scented soap as a gift – it will be appreciated.
- A half-pound of some great coffee. Coffee is always welcome for the host that loves their cup of “joe”. They come in very cool bags/cans/containers now and that’s a fun gift to receive. But, always bring GROUND coffee. You don’t know if your host has a coffee grinder and even though those whole beans look cool if you bring them and your host can’t use them, they’re not so cool. Always ground coffee.
- Some fun wooden spoons! Especially if the host is a person who like to cook, but even one who isn’t. Either way, there never seems to be enough of them. Find ones that have colorful handles or are printed with words (eat, gather, etc.).
- A jar of “Starter Sauces.” Some stores (I find mine at William Sonoma) have a great selection of starter sauces. You can get them for all kinds of proteins and they have the instructions for usage on the jar label. It’s very convenient and easy to use for the host/hostess. And the best part? They’re delicious! William Sonoma has all kinds of things like this, dipping oils (for bread) in cool tall bottles, dry spice rubs for all kinds of things – some great stuff for the host/hostess whether they are a cook or not.
- If they love to travel – find cool luggage tags. I found some fun ones at a fun stationary store. Everyone needs them and if they are unique (read colorful) they are the perfect way for your black luggage to stand out on the carousel while you are searching for your bags.
- During the holidays, bring mulling spices. I find mine at my local William Sonoma. If you bring those and an infuser ball (like something you use for loose tea) and some basic apple cider, your host has the perfect ingredients to make their house smell wonderful at a moment’s notice.
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