We may not all agree on whether or not sugar belongs in cornbread (we support your choice either way) or if Maryland counts as the South (for what it’s worth, we say it does!), but there’s one rule on which we and our readers share an explicit agreement: You should never, ever show up empty-handed, whether you’re a guest at a backyard gathering or staying with friends for a weekend. We’ve given our fair share of bottles of wine as host gifts, and while plenty of folks will welcome such offerings, others may prefer something a little more creative—or a little less boozy. Recently, we shared our unconventional summer go-to hosting surcee, and our readers chimed in with all kinds of clever ideas of their own. Here, we’ve rounded up some of their suggestions for thoughtful host gifts that aren’t wine.
Breakfast Treats
Several commenters suggested presenting hosts with foods that can be savored or shared for the morning meal. We find this to be an especially smart idea for weekend visitors, as such a gift can lighten your hosts’ load. “I like to take a loaf of banana or pumpkin bread for the hostess to enjoy the next morning with coffee or tea,” wrote one. Another suggested, “We make our own maple syrup from our trees!” So they’ll present a little bottle of that, plus some homemade pancake mix if they’re sticking around for a couple days. A bag of nice coffee and a ready-to-bake quiche from a local bakery are other smart options.
High-Quality Pantry Staples
When in doubt, a practical choice, especially one that comes in pretty packaging, will always be appreciated—or at the very least, used. One reader suggested gifting “a really high quality bottle of olive oil,” while another suggested “fine vanilla extract.” A third wrote, “We have our own bees and love to give a small jar of honey!” (For those of us without our own hives, a container of small-batch, locally sourced honey will do the trick.) Tie on a ribbon to any of these, and you’re all set.
Homemade Condiments
If you love spending time in the kitchen, you can never go wrong with something you made yourself. “I often bring a loaf of my fresh herb bread wrapped in a pretty tea towel,” commented one reader. If baking’s not your thing, flex your culinary muscles in other ways: “I just gifted homemade salad dressing in a fun bottle,” chimed another. “My husband and son thought I was crazy. But they loved it!” Specialty sauces, like Jezebel or a meat marinade, are other good ideas.
Good Tunes
You can show your gratitude without spending a penny. One reader suggested curating a musical playlist customized to the host or occasion. “Text it to the hostess the morning of the gathering, and when you arrive present her with a handwritten card with the list of songs and why you chose each one. Someone did this for my birthday, and y’all, I still cry every time I listen to it.” It may be unorthodox, but if your host is a music lover, they’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness and meaning behind it more than a generic candle.
Pretty Paper Goods
We’re all about a gift that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional. “I love a set of matching paper plates, napkins, and cocktail napkins! Simple but everyone can use it,” wrote one reader. Bonus points if you know their tablecloth collection and can coordinate accordingly.
An All-In-One Set
It’s what’s on the inside that counts, to be sure, but we’d be fibbing if we said presentation didn’t matter when it comes to gifting. One reader loves to give vintage deviled egg plates, paired with a small jar of fancy mustard or a little jar of pickles in a cute bag. Winner, winner!
Ready-To-Enjoy Flowers
While we love a fresh arrangement or blooms foraged from the backyard, there’s one cardinal rule of giving flowers as a host gift: Make sure they’re already styled in a vase with water so your host isn’t left scrambling to find a container for them when you arrive. One reader has an easy solution: “I like to get a small bouquet from Whole Foods. It’s already arranged and in a jar vase, so I throw a ribbon around the base and hand it over!”
Something Just For Them
Whatever you’re giving, make it clear that it’s for your hosts to savor as they wish and they’re under no obligation to share. As one reader wrote, “[I like to gift] fine chocolates with a note to the host that it’s for them to enjoy later so they don’t feel they have to share them with everyone.” Luxury sweets may cost a pretty penny, but giving your host a free pass to be a bit stingy with them? That’s priceless!
Credit: Getty Images/Maryna Terletska
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Dining and Cooking