Wine

• Your wine gift will be enjoyed by all.
  
  Wine is a popular gift to give to a host for almost all parties. When food is provided, wine is a gift that likely will be opened during dinner for the entire party to enjoy. Usually, the bottle accompanies the hosts' own bottles and adds to the wine selection. To make sure your wine is an appropriate gift for the party, learn if your host has a set menu. Red wines go with certain foods, and white wines go with certain foods; so find out what will be served to help you decide which wine to give. Wine can be given plain, with a ribbon, in a wine bag or in a box. There is no wrong way to give wine at a party.
  
  

Dessert

• Bundt cake or another dessert is a delicious addition to most parties.
  
  Dessert is another "with dinner" item that makes a useful gift for the host of a party or reception. It's another type of host gift that will be enjoyed by everyone at the party, since gifts to hosts often are given just upon entering the party, not at the end. One reason taking dessert to a party is a good idea is because it's easy to match with most party types. If dinner is being served, dessert works well. If not, a dessert can work by itself after appetizers or with wine or coffee. It's also easy to pick up an inexpensive dessert at a grocery store on the way to a party. Avoid nuts and other popular allergens in the dessert you give because it probably won't just be the host eating it.
  
  

Plant

• A simple houseplant can be given and enjoyed with no fuss for the host.
  
  If you'd like to give a gift that is truly for the host but is still an appropriate gift to give right when you walk through the door, a plant is your best bet. A plant is a household item that can be enjoyed right away by everyone at the party but is left for the host to enjoy forever, unlike food items. A plant beats other household items as host gifts. A photo frame, for example, is a nice gift that the host will enjoy, but it cannot be put on display right away. Another reason a plant makes a good host gift is that the host will not have to take attention away from the stressful duties of hosting for the gift. A simple "thank you" and placing the plant on a table is all that's necessary. A bouquet of flowers also works, although putting them in water takes a little more effort by the host. Either way, your host will appreciate the thoughtfulness and ease of your gift.