| The holidays are here, and that means lots of parties | | | | prior to the get-together is one option. A centerpiece |
| and get-togethers. Sometimes it can be confusing | | | | will provide a pretty focal point for the meal. |
| about what to bring to holiday gatherings. Common | | | | For general holiday parties, consider sending a holiday |
| questions may come to mind. For example, how do | | | | wreath or poinsettia--this will beautiful the home for the |
| you go about picking out gifts for a gift exchange? | | | | get-together. |
| And, should you bring a hostess gift in addition to the | | | | Family Feasts |
| gift exchange gift? If so, what should you bring? | | | | For family gatherings and dinners, if you love to cook |
| Below you'll find a few things to keep in mind when | | | | then by all means bring a delicious dish. Appetizers and |
| attending a holiday party. | | | | desserts are always smart choices in this case--they |
| Gift Exchanges | | | | won't detract from the main dish. As stated above, |
| If it is specified on the invitation that there will be a gift | | | | flower centerpieces are always a nice idea; as are |
| exchange, then you will need to plan accordingly. | | | | bottles of wine. If you're bringing wine to a dinner party |
| Details are usually provided if the host/hostess is in | | | | or family feast, you might want to consider bringing |
| fact planning on having a gift exchange. There are a | | | | two bottles. That way you have all your bases |
| few different variations of party gift exchanges. | | | | covered with wine pairings. |
| Sometimes the hostess will specify a price limit--i.e., | | | | Kids' Gifts |
| 'Please bring a gift item under 10 dollars for a gift | | | | If the hosts have children then you might want to bring |
| exchange'. A themed gift exchange is also a popular | | | | a little something for them--it makes for a sweet |
| variation. This simply means that attendees will be | | | | gesture. |
| instructed to bring a gift with a certain theme (i.e., 80s | | | | Although it may be tempting to give the kids candy, |
| gifts, etc.). | | | | you will most likely want to avoid this unless you know |
| Sometimes "White Elephant" gift exchanges are held | | | | that the parents won't mind. There's the possibility of |
| at holiday parties. This usually entails attendees | | | | the child having food allergies so it's best to avoid |
| exchanging funny, sometimes used items. It's usually a | | | | edibles. |
| party game in which participants draw numbers from a | | | | Coloring books and crayons are always a great idea. |
| hat and select the corresponding labeled gifts. If you | | | | This gift is perfect for both girls and boys and is fun |
| are participating in a White Elephant gift exchange, be | | | | for many age groups. If the kids are older, consider |
| sure to follow a few guidelines, whether specified on | | | | giving a popular age-appropriate gift. Puzzles are |
| the invitation or not. For example, you wouldn't bring a | | | | always great gifts for kids as well. |
| brand new, expensive gift to a White Elephant | | | | Christmas Gift vs. Holiday Gift |
| exchange. | | | | If you are close to the host, then you might want to |
| Hostess Gifts | | | | bring a hostess/party gift as well as their actual gift. A |
| Regardless of whether or not there is going to be a | | | | hostess gift is usually a gift for the actual party or |
| gift exchange or not, it's usually best to show up with a | | | | gathering while the Christmas gift is more personal. For |
| gift for the host/hostess. If it is a holiday cocktail party, | | | | instance, if a good girlfriend of yours is throwing a |
| a nice bottle of wine presented in a pretty wine bag is | | | | party, consider bringing her a hostess gift--such as a |
| an appropriate gift. You won't want to go the thrifty | | | | bottle of wine, flowers, etc--as well as her gift you |
| route here--in other words, don't buy the cheapest | | | | already planned on giving her (i.e., bath products, a |
| bottle of screw-top wine you can find. | | | | scarf, etc.). Make sense? |
| Handmade gifts are always a thoughtful choice. These | | | | As you can see, there are several routes to take |
| scented sugars are a sweet idea. | | | | when it comes to bringing gifts to holiday parties. Just |
| If it is a dinner party then you might want to consider | | | | remember--you most likely will not want to show up |
| sending flowers. Sending a lovely flower centerpiece | | | | empty-handed! |