6 great host gift ideas

Give the gift of luxury
Thomas recommends a luxurious, yet useful, gift from a high-end retailer, like Eau d'Orange Verte perfumed soap from Hermes. "It's a total luxury, but it's about the same price as a really good bottle of wine," he says. "And it comes in a beautiful emerald green box, which is my favourite colour."
 
Be prepared
Keep one or two host gifts on hand to save you the stress of having to pick something up in time for Friday night's dinner. "I always have a bar of the Hermes soap ready in an Hermes bag at home," says Thomas. "When I give one, I buy another right away. I always have something to give."
 
Beyond the gift
In addition to bringing something, show your host your appreciation by being on your best behaviour. "There's no need to show up at a party the moment it starts," says Amanda. "Most likely, the host is still running around like crazy taking care of last-minute details, anyway. Ten to fifteen minutes late is acceptable, but after 30 to 40 minutes, you're pushing it," she says. And don't stay beyond your welcome. Watch for signs that the party is winding down -- your host has turned the music down or the lights up, and she's beginning to yawn a lot -- and make a graceful exit.

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