You’ve been invited to Thanksgiving dinner. We all know what goes into the prep and presentation to pull off this holiday in style – it definitely isn’t for the faint of heart! While it’s a relief, perhaps, to have someone else do all of the heavy holiday lifting, you also want to be sure that you show the appropriate gratitude. Because you never know, you may want to have a repeat next year and be invited again!
Rather than showing up empty handed, grace your host with a treat that will either make them smile, ease their workload or contribute to the cornucopia of dishes and sweets that they are graciously presenting.
- A visually stunning centerpiece. Visually stunning does not mean audacious or overwhelming, it can be as simple as a Christmas cactus or succulents placed tenderly in a terrarium. Flowers should not be so high that people across the table cannot see or talk with one another, and if you choose to bring flowers, be sure they are already in a container. Your host will have a list of dozens of things to do and finding a centerpiece-worthy vase at the last minute should not be one of them.
- A Friday morning breakfast treat. Even though there is likely to be turkey left over from the night before, the host and their family certainly don’t want to eat it for breakfast! Bring them blueberry scones or muffins, brioche and apple (or other flavored) butter, chocolate babka, an assortment of donuts, cinnamon buns or an elegant strudel. It will take the burden off the host to perform culinary feats again the next morning.
- An Egift card. The gift egift cards will present your gracious host with the opportunity to choose a palate pleasing gift of their own personal preference or an item they crave on Black Friday. Available from thousands of retailers worldwide, you can choose to deliver this gift in person or delivered, as well as, via email or even text, making it fast and supremely convenient.
- A dish of their choosing. You won’t want to bring your famous Thanksgiving stuffing if your host isn’t planning on it. They will likely have their own stuffing to serve. If you would like to bring a dish, ask the host what you should bring. If you are lactose or gluten intolerant or have a food allergy, let them know and make a suggestion as to what you can provide.
- An autumn beverage. This might be wine, cider, whiskey or even champagne. When you bring two bottles, it means your host can enjoy one after the party (which will be highly appreciated after cleanup). Other ideas include hot chocolate, gourmet coffee, sparkling juice and craft sodas.
- Reusable casserole tote. This is a practical and versatile gift, especially if you’re already bringing a dish to pass, as you can stow it away in this tote and offer the tote as a gift. Also works well for pies and cakes, too.
- A box of chocolates. There’s nothing quite like sweet confection in the form of chocolate. And, there’s just about everything under the sun that will satisfy any craving, any preference. Consider choosing to go with even greater chocolate elegance by opting for a collection that boasts savory flavors like wasabi, paprika, and curry powder.
- Decorative plate. Regardless of whether your Thanksgiving host holds dinner parties frequently or not, a decorative plate will always be put to good use. Be sure it is one that is safe for eating; chances are good they’ll use it right away because most people underestimate what they need for a party.
- A cheese board. Snacking on amazing cheese is good, but plucking it from a gorgeous cheese board is great. Choose a sturdy, elegant, simple board in a muted monochromatic color. Add in a festive cheese knife to complete the set.
- Essential oil diffuser. There’s an immediate feeling of comfort and warmth when you walk into a room or a home that carries an undercurrent of fragrance. An oil diffuser can be calming, and some even light up in multiple colors, to further set the mood.
- Organic ground coffee. Whether they use it post-turkey dinner or the next morning, the gift of organic coffee will help your hosts gear up for a big day of Black Friday shopping.
When you’ve been invited to a Thanksgiving dinner, be sure to reciprocate the kindness with a thoughtful and useful gift. Consider items the host can use before and after dinner, and what might be appreciated the next day and into the holiday season.