Dear Jacquelyn,

This year, our traditional Thanksgiving meal will once again be at my sister’s home. She is a fantastic cook and loves spending time in the kitchen. I would like to bring along a hostess gift for her that is something other than the predictable bottle of wine. What would you recommend?

Dear Reader,

A bottle of wine is a typical go-to hostess gift, but wine isn’t the only way to say thank you to your host.

There are plenty of other more creative and personal options that can bring her joy long after you leave.

The primary factor to consider when shopping for a hostess gift is the recipient’s interests. In your case, you already have a good idea of her interests: spending time in the kitchen.

Lucky you, because shopping for someone who feels most at home in the kitchen is not too difficult. The world of cooking and baking gadgets is enormous, and there are many unique and thoughtful options for you to pick from.

Of course, not everyone who spends time in the kitchen loves to bake and not all bakers love to cook. With that in mind, there are multiple items that just about every kitchen savvy recipient will enjoy.

If you want to impress the kitchen connoisseur, consider gifting her an apron or specialty olive oil. If she loves to set an elegant table, a fabric napkin set or taper candles would be excellent choices. You might also want to consider an elegant tin of herbal tea, cooking and baking salts, spices, or jellies.

The possibilities are truly endless.

A hostess gift is a way to make someone feel valued for the time and effort they’ve spent to give you a welcoming place to visit. A simple show of gratitude and appreciation will be remembered long after you leave.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training.

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