Small gift for party host a classy way to show you appreciate them
BY BRAVETTA HASSELL World Scene Writer
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
11/27/12 at 6:52 AM
Giving host gifts is not going out of style any time soon.
Etiquette School of Oklahoma president Jana Christian said the practice shows a touch of class.
Gifts need not be expensive - and can be anything from a bottle of wine (an elegant go-to) or a box of chocolates to a stationery set, a small plant, candles or a home-decor object.
"I think it just says that you're grateful to have been invited or included," Midtown Market's Susan Fielstra said. "It's just a 'thank you' gesture."
A great gift can be bought for less than $20, and Fielstra said often the most memorable gifts are the ones you can use.
When she can use a gift, she will always think of the giver behind it, she said.
Some of Fielstra's suggestions include a herringbone wine bag trimmed with faux fur and featuring an embroidered pine cone. Another idea is herringbone handtowels featuring faux mink with some embroidery. The items are $11 and $19, respectively, at Midtown Market.
Christie Ray, sales manager at On A Whim in Brookside, said it is important to keep in mind the host or hostess' style, taste and home. Candles can be a great idea, as can wine coasters, cookbooks and other lifestyle literature that is great to read and looks pretty on coffee tables. Gift baskets featuring hand lotions and soaps can also be appropriate and well-received.
She would guess that a good hostess gift costs between $15 and $20, "But if I love them, I don't mind spending money."
Kohl's has a holiday-themed, two-piece wine bottle cover set by Food Network that is a fun alternative to giving the gift of wine itself.
See Crate & Barrel's "Sidewalks: A journal for exploring your city" book that will prompt the reader to look at the familiar surroundings of their community from a different perspective.
And depending on your party host's taste, he or she may enjoy the retro style of World Market's Japanese-inspired Kokeshi Ceramic Pepper Mills.
Parting tips
Etiquette coach Jana Christian offers some basic words on giving gifts to hosts.
1. Gifts shouldn't be awkwardly expensive. Awkward as in, generating a "You shouldn't have! Seriously. You shouldn't have ..." response.
2. It should take into consideration the host's tastes and lifestyle. What good is a bottle of wine to someone who abstains?
3. It can be food. Just don't expect the host to incorporate your dish into the party menu. The gift is a gift intended for the host's enjoyment.
Original Print Headline: Touch of class
Bravetta Hassell 918-581-8316
bravetta.hassell@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Food Network snowflake 2-piece wine bottle cover ($6.75, kohls.com) Courtesy photo
Vanilla rum brulee pillar candles ($4.95-$13.50, kohls.com) Courtesy photo
Clear luster crackle tealight holder ($30, Pier 1 Imports) Courtesy photo
Lavanila Healthy Candle in pure vanilla, $12, Lavanila.com Courtesy photo
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