The lost art of the hostess gift...
Posted by: traveler2
has not been forgotten here in France.
I love it.
This week we had 2 dinner parties. At each one we received a gift from each guest. How delightful!
Chocolates, wine and even a gift from a woman who couldn't make it due to a family emergency! She showed up the nest morning with these lovely bulbs in a basket.
I caught the baby with a chunk of moss in her fist and another in her mouth today. She was sitting there frustrated and crying that she had fallen because her hands were too busy trying to stuff moss into her mouth to hold her steady. She really shouldn't be pulling herself up at 7 months anyway.
I still love hostess gifts, even if my daughter eats them when they aren't edible.
01/18/2010 - 11:00
I really like the idea. I'm just a little afraid if I started doing it that it would send the message to my friends that I expect them to do the same and we have people over for a meal ALL THE TIME!
01/18/2010 - 15:00
on one hand, i see where you are coming from.
you don't want your friends to feel obligated to have to buy you things.
so what if you limited it to things you make yourself? that will make you seem thoughtful, not spendy...
so, candles, baking mixes in a jar, a small pack of homemade cards...
don't fear starting something good because you may get good in return!
01/14/2010 - 07:34
OK - I never knew you were supposed to take a hostess gift!! Shame on me - and shame on my mom. I'd like to start. :)
01/15/2010 - 13:10
Kristi,
I was actually raised with this idea. And I remember my mom giving little things like a tea towel cutely wrapped with a ribbon to the hostess. So, I kinda took that on, but it France its SERIOUS! The other day we went for crepes at a french friends home and I took her one of my homemade candles. The gift does not have to be expensive, its really just a token, although I have received some nice things here! Let me know if you start doing this and what you decide to give. :)
01/13/2010 - 15:26
How nice! It's not quite as 'popular' here but I always bring something and I see it happening more & more here in Spain. At my thanksgiving dinner my Spanish friends brought me a plant, a shawl, and a box of chocolates. The one family who didn't felt embarrassed I think... I felt bad for her.
01/15/2010 - 13:11
yeah, its definitely not good to be the lame dog who doesn't bring one in a group who does! erg!