As we get ready to head into the official “holiday season” with Thanksgiving less than a week away, let’s get our hearts, minds and gracious spirits ready to enjoy being hosed in someone else’s home.
I’ve shared this list in the past, but I wanted to give you some simple ideas of what you could do to show your appreciation for the one that has opened their home to you. Whether it’s for the whole, big, complex Thanksgiving meal, or you’re invited over for a simple gathering, remember that the effort to open their doors to you in just that – an effort. They’ve sacrificed something to invite you. Your host is opening their heart to you in doing so! A gracious way to say thank you, is to respond in kind. How so? Here you go…
- Buy single, large plates as you find them on sale or at Goodwill shops. Use them to fill with piles of cookies or goodies. No need for them to return the plate!
- A special book or cookbook is a long-remembered gift.
- Bags of Coffee or a box of Teas, as well as a container of cream, if you know their preference.
- Room Spray in a mild fragrance
- Bath splurge items – Bath bomb, bubbles or special soap
- Special Kitchen soaps and dish cloths
- Oven mitts, or hot pads tied together with a pretty ribbon
- Olive oil – Even special flavored oils would be nice, accompanied by dipping spices
- Bakery or homemade bread and a jar of jam (maybe even also homemade!)
- Gift card for a special place for dessert
- Pretty pads of paper for kitchen memos and a pen
- A guest book for them to log the guests that come into their home.
- Cloth napkins
- Spices or herbs in pretty jars
- Holiday cookie accessories – Sprinkles and/or cookie cutters
I try to buy holiday towels marked down after the holiday so I’ll have them on hand. I often bake up a loaf of bread and wrap it in one of those towels. The key is, it doesn’t have to be a lavish gift, but something thoughtful that says, “Thank you!”
Several years ago, my daughter, Whitney filmed a video of us discussing this very topic. Check it out for a few other ideas, and a few laughs!
Let’s be gracious guests and refresh the heart of our hosts!
P.S. If the video link didn’t work, check out the blog post here and you’ll see the link to the video.
RefreshHer 