Manners Matter: What’s Appropriate to Spend for Hostess Gift?

Dear Mary Pat,

I have been invited to a friend’s house for Thanksgiving dinner since I won’t be able to spend the holiday with my family this year. Is there a rule of thumb for what to spend for a hostess gift?

Signed,

What to Bring?

Ellison Bay, Wis.

Dear What to Bring?,

There really isn’t a set price for what you should spend. Try to keep your hosts in mind when you are picking out the gift. Take a little extra time and find out what they really like. If in doubt, a nice bottle of wine is almost always appreciated. When I say “nice bottle,” I am not talking about buying a bottle of Two Buck Chuck. Two Buck Chuck is a perfect table wine for your house. However, you don’t have to go to the other extreme and pick out a bottle of Dom. You can find a good vintage for around $20 and feel confident that no one at the table will think you’ve purchased vinegar. Cooking any meal, especially a Thanksgiving meal, is a lot of work and it’s good to let your hosts know you appreciate their efforts.

Good luck,

Mary Pat