I am a big fan of hostess gifts—flowers, wine or little treats are my favorites to give for casual get togethers. When invited to someone’s home for more formal meal, a hostess gift is customary. I never expect them, but am delighted when I receive one. The point of a gift is to show appreciation for a host’s thoughtfulness and to “give back” an experience that the host can enjoy later. My favorite things to give are homemade muesli or granola, a book or a plant. My favorite hostess gift that I have ever received was a drawing made by a 4 year old tucked into a frame. Of course it is displayed in a place of prominence in my house!
If you are going to be company in someone’s home this Thanksgiving, consider the host’s needs. If they are having overnight guests, a Banana Toffee Drop Scones or impressive Easy Cheesy Drop Danish would be thoughtful. Hosts with a sweet tooth might adore Marvelous Chocolate Truffles or Peanut Butter Candy Jumble Cookies.
I wish that I was going someplace rather than hosting, just so I could put together this Thanksgiving hostess basket to give: an assortment of interesting flavored mustards, mayonnaises, and spreads to dress up turkey sandwich leftovers. Maybe even some fancy pickles for a side!
Where are you heading this Thanksgiving? What do you like to bring when you are a guest?