Holiday season is coming up and that means lots of get-togethers! My go-to gifts when I get invited to dinner at someone's house are flowers or a bottle of wine. I know, I know, very predictable, but safe. I usually go for flowers because I love picking them out, so it's fun for me too!
But a typical bouquet where the flowers are just wrapped in tissue paper probably lasts only a week before it's thrown out, so I try to make it more memorable by putting the flowers in something that the host can reuse. Plus, the host doesn't then have to go hunting around for a vase to put them in while they're probably busy putting the final touches on dinner.
1. Vases
Credit: Josh Couch
Vases are, of course, an obvious choice. They come in so many different styles and colors. If you don't know your host's taste in home décor, a clear glass or white vase will always be a safe choice. A tip if you're driving and don't want water spilling all over the place – fill a large water bottle with water, cap it tightly, and wait until you arrive before filling up the vase and putting the flowers in it (BTW, I think the kitty approves!).
2. Pitchers
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Pitchers are a great alternative to vases. Not only do they give off that cottage chic vibe, they're super practical because your host can actually use them for something else like watering their plants or as a water pitcher.
But to avoid it looking like you had nothing else to put it in, choose a pitcher that looks sleek and elegant (no clear plastic ones, please!). A ceramic matte black one would look great, as would a ceramic speckled beige one.
3. Clear glass jars
Credit: Jez Timms
Clear glass jars are easy to find and inexpensive (you may even have clean ones in your cabinets that are in perfect shape). The key is how you jazz it up. Honestly, those raffia ribbons are game changers. They can make any plain, boring glass jar look instantaneously pretty. If you prefer not to use raffia ribbons, then a silk ribbon would be a very good option as well. Choose a color that matches any of the flowers in the bouquet for a polished matching look.
As an alternative to bringing cut flowers, try bringing potted flowers. The host may actually appreciate being able to enjoy the flowers for a longer period of time. Just choose a pretty pot to put them in to make it special.
4. Orchids
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I absolutely love orchids. I just wish I can get them to reflower (if anyone has any tips, please share!). As a host gift, you can't go wrong with them. They're so exotic-looking and come in a variety of colors. Choose pink and fuschia for a lively vibe or an elegant creamy white. I'll probably go with a white- or neutral-colored pot. Why compete with something so beautiful?
5. Gardenias
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Speaking of elegant creamy white, gardenias are not only gorgeous to look at, they also give off a very strong sweet scent (probably not great though if your host or their family are allergic to fragrances). WIth their deep green foliage, I think gardenias would look amazing in white or light gray pots. Or maybe even a rattan one.
Just note that growing gardenias indoors can be tricky and require more work. You need the right temperature, light, and humidity. When I buy them for myself, I fully expect that it'll die off eventually. I figured though, that they still last longer than cut flowers and that's good enough for me.
6. Cacti
Credit: feey
For a quirkier gift idea, try cacti! A trio of mini cacti in matching pots would look adorable. Or, you can also give one big one. Because they're mainly green, I think they'll go with pretty much any pot in any color or pattern. If your host loves bright colors, go for it! Otherwise, they'll work equally well with neutral colors or metallics.
I love giving flowers, but if anyone has any other ideas for host gifts, please let me know. I've known some of my friends for many years, and after a while, there's only so many orchids I can give!
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