What to bring to a dinner party instead of wine or flowers
You’re invited to dinner and it’s time to choose what to bring. Most of us automatically reach for a bottle of wine or a bunch of flowers. Both are kind gestures, but they are not always the best choice for the host.
Why wine and flowers can be awkward
In France, for example, etiquette experts point out that a bottle of wine can seem to suggest you don’t trust the host’s choice, since they have usually already picked a wine to go with the meal. Flowers mean the host must leave their guests, look for a vase and trim the stems just as everyone is arriving. Neither is a mistake, but there are easier options.
What makes a good host gift
- It doesn’t need to be used tonight. The host can enjoy it later, in their own time.
- It doesn’t create extra work: no vase, no fridge, no glasses.
- It suits any home and any taste.
- It looks thoughtful, not like something bought at a petrol station on the way.
Why a handmade candle works
A candle ticks every box. It can be put aside and lit on another evening, it needs nothing else, and an unscented candle never clashes with the food on the table. A sculptural candle is also a small piece of decor that stays in the home: a reminder of a good evening.
The Vilma Candles bouquet candle is something of a joke for this occasion: roses that need no vase. If the hosts love animals or nature, choose a shape that suits them. A personal choice is what makes the gift memorable.
A small tip
Add a short handwritten note: “For a quiet evening after the guests have gone.” The gift then becomes a wish, not just an object.
Sources: Apartment Therapy.