Hostess Gifts: A Gentle PSA

We get asked this every season, so let’s clear the air—politely, with love, and with a tiny nod from the queen herself.

Hostess gifts, decoded:

1. Flowers? Lovely. But please—only if they’re already in a vase. No one wants to play florist mid-cocktail hour. (Ina would absolutely agree.)

2. Food gifts? Tricky territory. If it doesn’t go with what’s being served, it becomes a logistics problem, not a gift. Again—Ina has thoughts, and Cookie, even stronger!

3. And if you're re-gifting (no judgment), we've all been there...Please remove the tag from the bottom of the bag. That tiny sticker tells all your secrets.

Safe bets that always win:

A great candle, chic cocktail napkins, a beautiful bottle of wine, or something small and thoughtful that doesn't require immediate decision-making

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Bottom line: the best hostess gift is the one that says " I thought of you"-not "Here's another thing to manage."

Happy Holidays, Everyone!