Anonymous wrote:Seasonal beverage napkins from a shi-shi boutique. They love that that in my circles. Peach balsamic. fancy Marmalade. fancy chocolates. Fancy wine bottle stopper. Just one simple thing. It's a token.
And disregard the others, you do need to bring something.

Yes it is only the right thing to do to bring along a hostess gift.

When I am told not to bring a gift, I do not bring a gift. But the day after the event, I send a handwritten note to the host thanking them for the party. I have actually had people calling me in tears because they are so overwhelmed by someone taking the time to send a note rather than a gift.

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for these suggestions! Not knowing the hosts at all makes it hard. But I'm going to a gift shop and look there. I love the napkins and peach balsamic. I would love to do the truffle box with little labels, but I always worry about candy.

I love getting fancy soap, but I've heard mixed reviews on doing that. Yes? Or no?

"Fancy soap"? No. People like to choose their own soap, and it is highly unlikely that they would choose soap you consider "fancy." No, no, no.

Anonymous wrote:Seasonal beverage napkins from a shi-shi boutique. They love that that in my circles. Peach balsamic. fancy Marmalade. fancy chocolates. Fancy wine bottle stopper. Just one simple thing. It's a token.
And disregard the others, you do need to bring something.

No -- people do not need "seasonal beverage napkins," another wine bottle stopper to get lost in a kitchen drawer, or nasty peach balsamic. And please don't take marmalade or "fancy chocolates" to someone's house -- so many people are avoiding sugar.

OP -- this PP is totally wrong. It is 2024, and the host/ess is throwing a birthday party for which no-gifts has been specified. You do not need to bring anything at all. It's easier all around if you don't.

Thank you for these suggestions! Not knowing the hosts at all makes it hard. But I'm going to a gift shop and look there. I love the napkins and peach balsamic. I would love to do the truffle box with little labels, but I always worry about candy.

I love getting fancy soap, but I've heard mixed reviews on doing that. Yes? Or no?

A box of macarons

I don’t think you need one but the chocolate store on 18th st reigns supreme. They hand write the little labels for the truffle boxes. Lovely, tasty, consumable.

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to take one, but if you do, I like to bring a nice bottle of olive oil. But since you know them well -- are they foodies? Like books? Into home decor? I'd do one of those categories and bring a fun food item, a newly released book in a category they like or a really nice candle if you are compelled.

Olive oil is a no-go. Could easily break and ruin a rug or furniture/clothing, and it's something they have their staff source. Flowers are the best choice. Always send a day ahead, so if they do not match the party theme, they can go in a private room.

Send flowers a day AHEAD.

Send a gorgeous bouquet of flowers to arrive the day of the party and tell the host you are looking forward to celebrating Larla's birthday with her later that day.

Seasonal beverage napkins from a shi-shi boutique. They love that that in my circles. Peach balsamic. fancy Marmalade. fancy chocolates. Fancy wine bottle stopper. Just one simple thing. It's a token.
And disregard the others, you do need to bring something.

I second not taking a host gift. It really is ok not to. Just bring your best self!

You don't need to take one, but if you do, I like to bring a nice bottle of olive oil. But since you know them well -- are they foodies? Like books? Into home decor? I'd do one of those categories and bring a fun food item, a newly released book in a category they like or a really nice candle if you are compelled.

You don’t need to take one.

I wasn't sure where to post this.....

So, I am attending a small birthday dinner for someone I know well. It is a no-gift party. The dinner is being hosted by someone I don't know and have never met, held in their beautiful, very large home.

I am at a loss for what to take as a hostess gift. No wine. Maybe flowers already arranged. But would love something different and interesting, without appearing extravagant.

Any idea?