Modern polite society barely remembers the repercussions of the Trojan horse and that old adage about Greeks bearing gifts. Bearing gifts really has nothing at all to do with Greeks or any other nationality when it comes to being polite to someone who has invited you over for an evening of food, fun and fine conversation. A little gift is a way to show your appreciation. The offering can very small because in this case, it really is the thought that counts above all else.
When bringing a gift, think about the host or hostess and what THEY would like. Someone once brought me a box of chocolates, which would have been fine except for the fact that I am diabetic and they knew it. (Whatever hidden agenda lay there, I have no idea, but I suspect it was simply a case of not thinking things through.) If you are bringing food or drink, clear it with the host or hostess ahead of time to avoid embarrassment and unexpected complications.
Once I went to a dinner party where a guest had brought some wine and put it on the table. The busy hostess didn’t notice and when she saw the bottle, asked her husband to “please bring up a nice bottle from the cellar. Our guests deserve better than that!” I will never forget the exact shade of red her face turned when she realized that the guest had brought the wine. It matched the roses on the table!
Consider some of the following “always safe” small gifts to bring to your host or hostess:
• a set of cocktail napkins
• a bottle of wine (that the hostess sees and knows about)
• a small funny or inspirational paperback
• a pair of beeswax candles
• quality potpourri
• boxed notepaper
• a flowering houseplant
• chocolate truffles
• gourmet (or homemade) preserves
• designer vinegar
•
If you are traveling and can’t fit a gift into an already bulging suitcase, buy one when you arrive or send one after you get home.
In short, think of the gift as a way of saying thank you to someone who has extended themselves. It’s not only a nice gesture, in all probability it will get you invited again!
Related Reading:
http://forums.families.com/easy-party-ideas,t36833
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