Dear Diane,
I’ll be meeting my fiancé’s family for the first time over the holidays. I’m invited to their mountain retreat for a Christmas Eve dinner and gift exchange. I’m excited to meet my future in-laws and would love some tips on how to make a good impression. I don’t have a large budget so I could use your advice on gifts. If I am bringing gifts to exchange, do I also need to bring a hostess gift? My mother and sister disagree and would like a little expert advice. One more thing: the recommended budget for the white elephant gift swap is $30, and I feel like I should go a little above the amount to get a really nice gift. Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
Chelsea R.
Dear Chelsea,
The holidays are an exciting time and even more so for you this year! I’m sure your future in-laws are going to really enjoy meeting you, especially since you are interested in building a good relationship with them. You are wise to put thought into gift giving. Yes, you should arrive with a hostess gift in addition to a present for the gift exchange. Thankfully, there are plenty of suitable options, especially with a little extra time and effort.
Pinterest is full of inspiration (my hostess gift board may be helpful) and will surely spark your imagination. Use it to dream up a gift to give when you arrive or to create a plan for the gift exchange.
Here are a few hostess gift ideas to get you started. With a rustic location in mind I suggest looking into:
Think Cozy and Warm
A super soft throw in classic plaid like this one from L.L. Bean will keep your in-laws warm. It’s an attractive gift that is useful and can be rolled up and stored away when not in use. A lambswool scarf is another option.
A Basket of Kitchen Goodies
Grove Collaborative has lots of festive host baskets. Opt for a holiday red and green theme, such as their Iowa pine hand and dish soap and a lovely red apron.
Mulling Spices in a Mason Jar
This recipe should get you started. Add homemade labels and some fresh greenery. Or, bake a batch of homemade sugar cookies and put them in a vintage cookie jar.
Monogrammed Cocktail Napkins
You don’t have to look very hard to find a good variety of linen cocktail napkins at every price point. I picked up a beautiful box on sale at the Ralph Lauren outlet this weekend. I’ll take them to a local shop to have them monogrammed. You could do the same with your gift, using the last name of your future in-laws.
Freshly Baked Goods
A mini loaf of holiday bread (like this Spiced Pear recipe) will show you are in the holiday spirit. When you arrive, pick up a bottle of their favorite wine and put it in a pretty holiday bag.
Regarding the dollar limit of the gift exchange, I would suggest you get creative and avoid going over the dollar amount. Here are a few more ideas:
A classic thermos (they have a great one this year at Williams Sonoma – on sale) and a jar of mint hot chocolate.
A caffeine boost is always welcome. Put a small basket together with a cold brew maker, a gourmet breakfast blend and holiday mug.
A gift of convenience such as an assortment of tech meets lifestyle wares. These cooling wine glasses are under $30.
A nostalgic favorite. A tower of retro candies will bring back great memories and satisfy someone’s sweet tooth. Add a book of one of the classics, and you are good to go.
The goal is to show you put thought into your gift and you are definitely on the right track.
Best of luck and happy holidays,
Diane
