Invites are Coming! Invites are Coming!

Our homes and those of our friends are being opened to gather again and I, for one, am delighted to return to entertaining and enjoying those experiences with my people.

After the past few years, the simple pleasure of being invited into someone's home to celebrate and reconnect is one of my greatest joys. I’ve always been a fan of the hosting gift. Even though Emily Post let us know the gesture isn’t a requirement, right now it seems spending time with the people we love is a celebration we can’t pass up without marking the occasion.

Whether it’s an afternoon visit for a cup of coffee and a catch-up conversation, a formal dinner party, backyard barbecue, or a weekend stay, a thoughtful hosting gift is a way to express gratitude for being included and make the time together even more special. 

Flowers, food and wine are all welcome hosting gift ideas. However, a post-pandemic twist is to think about gifting as an experience. A traditional hosting gift can be channeled through #designlife, and with a little imagination it’s possible to elevate these gift ideas to add some #everydaybeautiful to your host’s day, ensuring your continued invitation as a welcomed guest for years to come. 

Immerse their Senses. 

Delighting a host with flowers is a gift tried and true. However, if you choose to give flowers, the trick is to bring them arranged so they are ready to be a part of the event as soon as you walk through the door. This allows the host to continue their hosting duties and doesn’t require them to pause entertaining to find a vase, cut and arrange a bouquet. With this in mind, an unusual vessel or vase can elevate flowers from mundane to spectacular.

Think beyond the mason jar. Pitchers, sugar and creamer bowls, tea cups, silver pieces, small ceramic flower pots, colorful drinking glasses or mugs can all be put to use as a vase alternative. Don’t rule out thrifted or vintage options to add a delightful twist to your hosting gift. Thoughtfully choosing a unique piece for the arrangement leaves your host with a lasting memory of your visit long after the flowers have wilted and lost their petals.

Tasting the Good Life. 

My first thought is always chocolate. (And it’s usually my last thought too.) For dinner parties, I’m fond of a local chocolatier that creates delicious candies that are almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. They are special pieces that feel celebratory on their own. 

An option for the savory side that does the trick is a bottle of olive oil. Now, we’re not talking grocery store olive oil here; we’re going for that special bottle, the one you want to grab to drizzle over a plate of handmade pasta, or use to dip fresh-out-of-the-oven bread.

I have two personal favorites. First, Frantoi Muragli: This Italian olive oil comes packaged in ceramic bottles, with artwork ranging from colorful stripes to an octopus and everything in between.

Next up, Calivirgin: Their sleek white bottle is a lovely choice for the minimalist in your life. Tie a ribbon on the neck of the bottle and you are gift ready.

Want to add a little something more to your hosting gift? Why not combine the olive oil with a bottle of balsamic vinegar and fancy sea salt to make it a dipping trio. For added good measure, throw in a loaf of bread. Fingers crossed, your host wants to share.

For those summer soiree’s there is nothing quite like a white ceramic berry bowl filled with fresh seasonal produce. And just because it’s called a “berry bowl” doesn’t mean you can’t fill it with juicy tomatoes or colorful squash blossoms. Extra points for adding a linen tea towel—there are never enough tea towels around when you need them.

Cocktails and Conversation. 

Wine is like chocolate, always welcome, if a bit expected. However, to leave an impression,  think about gifting a “drink experience,”  instead. The possibilities to create a unique drinkable gift are endless, and you’re only limited by your imagination. 

Does your host enjoy tequila drinks? Pick up your favorite bottle of tequila, add a bag of fresh limes and some fancy salt. For those longer weekend visits, include a set of tequila glasses.

Or what about a martini? In that case, combine a bottle of gin or vodka with a jar of artisan blue cheese stuffed olive or spiced cocktail onions, a bottle of vermouth and for that extra kick, a set of Stainless steel cocktail picks to add to the host's cocktail bar.

For those friends who abstain, a set of fancy mugs and a bag of fresh roasted coffee, or fancy tea, gives them a hosting gift they can enjoy the morning after their party. 

The Gift of You.

Lastly, when invited to celebrate in a friend’s home, the most important thing you can contribute is your best self. 

Tiffany’s Table Manners for Teenagers urges us to “Remember that a party is not a funeral nor has your hostess invited you because she thinks you are in dire need of food. You’re there to be entertaining.” 

Arrive with enthusiasm, show interest in the host, their home and the other guests. Shortly afterwards, follow up with a thank you note, email or text of gratitude and you’re on the short list for best guest, guaranteed.

In my mind, the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel is a sparkling flame of a votive candle lovingly placed for a dinner party. May you arrive in style and not empty-handed.