Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I typically do really nice soaps and hand lotion from a French store in my town.

This is a great idea. Consumables that you didn't cook. Nobody has to worry about your cat climbing along the kitchen counter or a snotty kid's hands wanting to help you cook.

Do people actually “worry” about that? That is the last thing on my mind when someone bakes cookies for me.

A LOT of people do. I generally don’t too much but will admit the home prepared and transported crab cakes gave me pause. For that one I would definitely order from somewhere that ships with dry ice.

Nice bottle of olive oil

https://oliveoillovers.com/products/morellana-organic-picuda

Specialty food item
Smoked salt, Maldon salt, fancy shoyu, etc. I love mustards, so I am often gifted mustards by friends (Kelly’s is my favorite)

Coasters

https://graflantz.com/products/bierfilzl-square-coaster-felt-solid-4-pack-earth-set

Japanese coffee mugs

https://jinenstore.com/collections/hasami-porcelain

Serving dishes

https://www.jonopandolfi.com/collections/serving-pieces

No one isn't going to be gracious, they are going to thank you for the crystal, the soap, the consumables, etc. But they probably don't want any of it (for me, the crystals, soap, whatever would get donated and the consumables would go straight to my husband's office). Just send beautiful flowers ahead of time from a local florist

Crystal gifts are always appreciated!!!

I always buy some decorative items from Home Goods and they are always a hit!

Anonymous wrote:Thank you all for the suggestions! Please keep them coming.

We are here in DC, they are in CT near the NY border; but uncle travels quite a lot for work so DC-themed stuff is old hat. And they’re full up on delicious seafood up there, although I do like the crab idea.

Get a box of truffles from Chocolate House in DuPont. They’re beautiful and delicious. They’ll also put together a gift basket if you prefer.

Is there something they like? I like consumables for this too - a favorite snack, or favorite beer, or bottle of wine if they drink? A box oc chocolates from a local place? But treat them to dinner and send a nice thank you card.

They probably don't want or need any stuff. If you know they drink wine, this is a good idea. If you don't know, send a gorgeous flower arrangement to arrive before you do, saying thanks for having us and we're looking forward to seeing you

Since they seemingly have everything, how about an experience?

If you are a fantastic cook, why not offer to cook dinner one evening?
Or maybe take them out for a nice dinner somewhere?

Most people would prefer these options to material items that may not even be needed or wanted.

You sound like a lovely guest. 😀

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I typically do really nice soaps and hand lotion from a French store in my town.

This is a great idea. Consumables that you didn't cook. Nobody has to worry about your cat climbing along the kitchen counter or a snotty kid's hands wanting to help you cook.

Do people actually “worry” about that? That is the last thing on my mind when someone bakes cookies for me.

Anonymous wrote:I typically do really nice soaps and hand lotion from a French store in my town.

This is a great idea. Consumables that you didn't cook. Nobody has to worry about your cat climbing along the kitchen counter or a snotty kid's hands wanting to help you cook.

I think sending flowers in advance with a note saying “looking forward to seeing you” is a good way to go.

Work with a quality florist near your host. Emphasize that you want something not too big and natural looking with in season flowers.

Instead of flowers, you could have some food item delivered from a place like Zingerman’s in MI. They have good coffee, cakes, for example.

I try to think ahead & bring something local (that the host might not have available in their immediate area) whenever possible. Ideally food or drink related.

Otherwise I pick up flowers and/or nice baked goods from a great bakery in their area before I arrive at the house (depends on what timeline I am working with).

If I really have zero time, I bring nice wine or liquor.

I typically do really nice soaps and hand lotion from a French store in my town.

If I make the crab cakes myself (these are a specialty of mine), should I also bring flowers or something? I would love to bring a gift they can open and treasure, but I am not sure they need another platter or set of linen napkins or whatever. Anybody have a great idea?