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The holidays are here and this means visiting loved ones, sharing the evening with coworkers and partying with friends. Hosting any one of these events is more than just a kind gesture. It's a chore.
If you have ever been brave enough to share your home for the holidays, you know the work that goes in to not just preparing the perfect event but surviving and overcoming it. From cleaning the house, prepping the kitchen and decorating to entertaining, maintaining a flow and cleaning up late in to the night, being a host or hostess is tiresome and laborious.
This being said, it's a shame that the tradition of bringing this brave host a small token of appreciation for all of their efforts has gone to the wayside.
Hostess gifts are a common idea, but many people have overlooked or dismissed the practice, saying that bringing food is gift enough. Not true.
If the host or hostess themselves are preparing any portion of the meal, guests bringing their own recipes is not considered a gift, but a responsibility. It's only fair, and doesn't constitute a token of gratitude to bring a dish when everyone is required to do so.
A true hostess gift is taking the extra step to bring a little something that says, "We appreciate you opening your home" or "We are grateful for the work we know you put in to this great event".
This gift need not be expensive or formal in nature. Some great ideas for hostess gifts include a bottle of wine, a bouquet of fresh flowers from your local florist, a decorative platter for them to use and keep, a delicious smelling candle or sweet treat such as a preserve or jam.
Most gifts that are given are usually used that evening so all can enjoy. However, it is not required by the host to open that wine or burn that candle or share that jam. It's their gift and may be something they want to save for a later date.
If money is tight and a gift can not be afforded, it is also completely appropriate for a guest to assist in serving drink and hors d'oeuvres or stay late and clean up. Also, a handmade trinket is acceptable when an actual store bought gift is out of the budget.
The holidays are a busy, hectic time for everyone. So, if you know an over-acheiver who took the time to create a fun-filled, cozy environement for you, the guest, please take the time to honor him or her with a small token of "thanks".
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