Welcome to the first column of “Dear Gift Gals,” similar to Dear Abby or Ask Ann Landers — but focused on thoughtful gifting and celebrating life’s important moments.
After serving the Mt. Lebanon community on Beverly Road for four years, we’ve heard many of the same gifting dilemmas repeatedly. We’ve helped customers choose the perfect gifts for hostesses, new babies, grieving friends, and other special occasions.
In this column, we’ll tackle those kinds of questions and many more.
Dinner Party Hostess Gifts
Q: I’ve been invited to a special dinner party. I asked the hostess what I could bring, and she replied, ‘Just come — no need to bring a thing!’ Should I still bring something when she told me not to?
A: If you’ve ever hosted an event at your home, you know it takes extra effort. When a hostess says “just come,” what she usually means is that the meal is already planned and there’s no need to contribute to the menu.
Instead, think of bringing a small thank you gift to show appreciation for the hospitality.
Many guests default to a bottle of wine or fresh flowers. While those are perfectly acceptable, they can sometimes create small dilemmas for the host. A bottle of wine may raise the question of whether the guest expects it to be served that evening, while flowers may require the host to find a vase and arrange them while juggling other hosting duties.
A great starting point when choosing a gift is to think about what you know about the host. Consider the colors in their home, shared hobbies or interests, or even the theme of the dinner party.
Hostess Gift Ideas:
• A luxe candle
• A small seasonal pillow (these usually work even if they don’t perfectly match décor)
• Clever cocktail napkins paired with a spreader and dip dish
• A small locally made charcuterie board
• A specialty treat or luxury item the host might not buy for themselves
We’d love for readers to be part of the conversation, so send your gifting questions or topic ideas to info@lebobeat.com. LEBO Gift Girls are Karin Smith and Jennifer Brandenstein, owners of Barefoot & Stitches on Beverly Road.
