5 Tips for the Perfect Hostess Gift
December is a busy party season. Whether it is a casual football party, a festive holiday cocktail party, or a formal dinner party, invitations abound. For attendees, it is important to have a slam dunk cache of host gifts at the ready — items you can pull together attractively and quickly, which will more than adequately thank your host for their generosity.
To help you get ready for the gift-giving season, here are five tips for pulling together a great thank you-gift basket everyone will love:
1) Include crowd-pleasing content: Skip the predictable bottle of wine and give a gift that can be put away for later. Start with an item you know your host will love and build the rest of your gift around it. For example, select a naturally delicious cheese like Arla Dofino’s Smoked Havarti or Reserve Gouda, add a cheese knife, and pair that with a container of fancy nuts or rich chocolates.
2) Make it the right size: Three items is the general rule of thumb for when creating a gift basket. If you feel the need to add a fourth item, add a non-edible gift like a pretty cheese board or set of cocktail napkins. Continue building around your theme to make an attractive package.
3) Stick to a budget: There is no need to break the bank when shopping for a host gift. Although it’s a nice gesture to provide a little something special, people don’t invite you to their home for the gifts you bring. A thoughtful basket can be built for $15 to $20. A larger gift can cost up to $30, but there’s no need to spend more than that. Remember, the sentiment of what you give is more important than the price.
4) Keep the design simple: The simpler the gift design, the better. For a crisp, festive look, place your gifts in a clear cellophane bag or simple woven basket. Then add a seasonal ribbon and a gift tag.
5) Don’t forget the finishing touches: A homemade, crafty touch lends personal flair to any host gift. If you are visiting family or friends, have your children write a card or draw a picture to include in the basket. If you like spending time in the kitchen, consider using cheese to bake homemade biscuits that you can pack-up fresh from the oven. Pair them with a fancy butter and jam set so the hostess can enjoy them for breakfast the following morning.
(Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Arla Dofino Cheese. A longtime sponsor who’s products I adore. The opinions, photographs, and video are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make The Naptime Chef possible.)
