In more cultures than not, the tradition of hostess gifting is a time-honored social rite. Tokens of gratitude for hospitality are as old as the Bible—honey, spices, incense, nuts (all still good options today)—and appear throughout ancient Rome, Greece, China, and Japan.
After the Renaissance, the rise of entertaining guests at home (long live the country house!) brought wine, sweets, and luxury goods or local treats from a visitor’s travels.
The old Emily Post adage, “Always show up with something in hand,” is as true today as ever. Who could forget the immortal party scene in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, when Paul brings Holly Golightly a book as a “house present.” And he was only stopping by for a cocktail!
In Post’s original 1922 Etiquette book, she tells us that a gracious guest arrives with a small gesture of thanks for a dinner or short visit, while weekends or a longer stay might warrant something more substantial—in particular, a carefully chosen object for the house. But as she later tartly clarified on a radio show in the 1930s, guests shouldn’t assume a hostess needs bribing. Gifts ought to be truly thoughtful gestures, never obligatory.
Our favorite Casa Branca selects—chosen with care, of course—will charm your host, spark conversation...and even earn you a return invitation.
Stopping by for dinner or a cocktail party? A modest gift—a chilled bottle in a summery straw wine basket, coasters, cocktail napkins, or a summer candle—goes a long way.
Staying a few days? Bring a gift that makes your welcome even warmer—cozy throw pillows, a tabletop vessel, porcelain flower pot, or set of woven placemats.
