Twelve Host Gift Ideas
Houseguests are expected to give a gift to the host(s):
Something along the lines of a good bottle of wine is sufficient for an overnight stay. A longer stay may require something a bit more expensive. Here are some gift ideas:
New best-selling book you know will interest the host- Hand towels for the powder room or beach towels for sunning
- Packages of cocktail napkins, perhaps with the host's monogram
- Desk calendar for the coming year (appropriate in late fall or winter)
- Bottle of liqueur or cognac you know the host is fond of
- Sturdy canvas tote bag (preferable without a logo)
- For a keen cook, two or three unusual kitchen utensils, such as a pasta lifter or egg separator
- For a golfer, a dozen golf balls
- Set of nicely packaged herbs and spices or a selection of peppercorns (black, white, red, green)
- Picture frame, with a picture taken during your visit sent later
- Candles and informal candlesticks
- Houseplant in a permanent, simple-yet-decorative pot