If you’ve received an invitation to a dinner or large fête, show your appreciation by giving your host a small gift. Here are a few helpful suggestions and things to consider.
Rethink the bottle of wine
"Most people show up with a bottle of wine, and I'm bored to tears of it," says designer and member of the Design Inc. cast Thomas Smythe, who happens to be an expert entertainer. Your host will have the meal and drinks already planned, and what you bring might not fit in. She may be serving white, not red; or cocktails, not wine. "You don't want to impose anything wine-wise," he says.
Take care with flowers
"A host is busy enough...having to find a vase and fill it with water while trying to greet guests can add extra stress," say Ashleigh Dempster and Amanda Blakley, cofounders of the exclusive Toronto culture club The Society. Instead, they recommend bringing a potted plant like gerberas or amaryllis, or sending a bouquet the day before, or even after the event as a thank you.
Give something they'll use
"Always bring something useful, like candles," says Thomas. He suggests high-quality plain white tapered candles, which everyone has a use for. Or try a bag of nicely packaged votives or a beautiful scented candle.
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