We are to have dinner at my husbands bosses house for Christmas.  Do I need a hostess gift?
953390
A gift is almost required for this kind of occasion--this sounds like something that would require a gift on the same scale as an anniversary present.  If you think in that direction then it might give you some more ideas.\n\nSome Mormons do drink wine and caffeine, but if you don't know for sure then it is a good idea to avoid them.\n\nI would look for something elegant like a cut crystal vase, with a dry floral arraignment.  You can buy the vase and then go to a florist and ask them to make an arraignment for you.  Or you could do it yourself, if you are skilled in that area.\n\nA pair of pumpkin pies (use Libby Pie Mix) would give that homemade touch.  If you follow the instructions on the can they are very easy to make.  You could buy a pie, or a cake, but the homemade touch would be better.  This isn't a "pot luck" dinner so I wouldn't try to bring anything except a desert course and of course you want to present it in a dish that you expect them to keep, and tell her that she doesn't have to worry about returning anything. \n\nYou can have your husband contact his boss or you can contact her yourself and ask her if you can bring a centerpiece for the table.  If you coordinate with her in advance then it will show you care, and she can make room for it at the table.  Make sure that the arraignment you get is a low one.  Most floral shops can help you with this.\n\nYou could bring a nice set of linen napkins or a beautiful salt and pepper set--that could be easily put on the table.  A silver candle set with a set of nice candles would also be nice.\n\nI guess the best rule would be simple and elegant.  People are more impressed with this kind of gift.  Remember, if you seem to be spending a lot of money then the gift will look like a clumsy attempt at a bribe, a modest gift would be the best, and of course you want to avoid something tacky.
947114
Parties are my favorite! If you have a x-mas party, you should play white elephant. everyone brings one gift, but not anything fancy, something weird that no one could expect. Then sit in a circle and everyone has a present in their hands (not their own) and decides if they want to open it or choose some one elses. if they choose the one that is in their hands and open it and can't give it up unless some one else wants it. Same if they choose some one elses present. couple rules: they cant have their own present, and one present can only be passed around 2 times! it is really fun. I think you should have an x-mas party, then you can have hot cocoa, watch x-mas movies, go sledding, bake cookies, etc. but if you have a new years party, you can stay up all nite and have an awesome sleep over! have a great party!
50299
What would be even better is if you made the dinner yourself. even if its something as simple as sandwiches or mac n cheese she'll appreciate the gesture. In my experience nothing pleases me more than when my hubby cooks or even does the dishes small simple gestures will get you everywhere with a womans heart. well, at least this ones' anyway. so, yes do help her she'll love you more for it.
39420
If you are old enough to prepare a meal i would cook them a nice dinner with candle lite, play some soft music and kinda be like thier waiter but stay out of the room as much as possible so they can have privacy. If your not old enough to cook, i would make them a gift (or buy one which ever is in your budget) and buy each a small personal cake. personal sized cakes will run you around 5.00
316305
I've never heard of a semi-informal party. But since isn't strictly a social event (because it's being held by your partner organization), I suggest you not bring any gift. It's not clear if there is a "real" host or hostess as there would be in a purely social event. And customs can vary widely from culture to culture. Rather than risk offending someone, go empty-handed. (And definitely do NOT bring dessert or any other food! You would only do that if the host or hostess was a really close personal friend and you had arranged beforehand to bring food. Otherwise, it's a breach of etiquette -- at least in the U.S.)
667753
You are not really obligated to bring another gift. You might feel awkward showing up empty handed. You could perhaps chose to bring a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers. Also if you bring a card(without money), others don't know if it contains money or not, but it looks good.
793846
give them a gift certificate for a nice dinner out and don't forget a hand written thank you card.. not typed or emailed
986038
I would go for something small and thoughtful, rather than "inexpensive".  If you talked with your FIL (father-in-law), I'm sure you could gather some quick information about the things she likes to do, her favorite cologne and such.  Maybe she's into crochet or knitting, then you could buy a pattern book and some yarn.  Or maybe she's into golf, you could get her some club-covers or some personalized golf-balls.  Or maybe she's into photography, you could get her a new camera bag.\n\nSome other, more general, ideas off the top of my head are:\n\nHallmark (or Wal-Mart, if you prefer) has some nice photo ablums, memory boxes and such.  \n\nA scrap-book starter kit with everything she needs except the photos to get started with scrap-booking.  \n\nA "frou-frou" bath set with bath crystals, lotion, soaps, ect.\n\nA gift certificate to a local salon for a manicure and/or pedicure.\n\nA robe and nightgown set.\n\nA set of mittens with a scarf and hat.\n\nIf all else fails, get a gift certificate for some place nice like "Bed, Bath and Beyond" or a nice restaurant as a couple's gift.
769756
Invite someone over who is less fortunate for dinner, or someone who will be alone for the holiday! \nLeg of Lamb\nHam\nCandied Yams\nCorn bread dressing\nPecan Pie\nRed Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Icing\nCheese Cake\nBaked Macaroni and Cheese\nCollard greens\nTake your pick, God bless****
601848
a gift basket of cheeses and sausages would be nice. or even better instead of trying to think of something, just stop by a nice resturant (not so expensive) such as applebees, logans, etc and get a gift card
71195
A home-cooked meal would be perfect!  Something he likes, it will seem special but won't make him feel empty-handed for not bringing his own gift.  Plus, if you tell him in advance he can always show up with something (like flowers or wine hopefully)!
852792
Call his parents and ask if you can bring something.  \n\nIf you show up with a dessert it could throw the planned dessert off.  See, they probably have their entire dinner planned and will feel obligated to serve whatever you bring just to be nice.  \n\nI think a nice bottle of wine for them to share later is a nice thank you gift.  Try that.
794275
Wine is always a good choice, but check with your co-worker to see if they usually drink wine at thanksgiving (oh, and as everyone has said, if you bring wine, bring a white to go with the turkey, I recommend Brander Sav Blanc if you live in Cali).  If not, you might want to bring some biscotti's or chocolates for after dinner.  Bringing a pie is ok, but if they aren't planning on you bringing a pie, that might leave them with too many leftovers.\nOh, and you might want to check on dress code.  If they all wear sweatshirts and jeans, you don't really want to show up in a suit.  A dress shirt and slacks is usually a safe way to go though.\nHappy Turkey Day!
796349
It is perfectly acceptable to ask your sponsor about any unique customs.  In general, good table manners, respectful conversation and dress are appropriate.  The specifics largely depend on the type of dinner you will attend.  If it is a small, private affair, then one acts as one might at any dinner party.  If it is a public feast then there may be additional considerations according to the traditions of the institution.\n\nI recommend reading De Brett's Guide to Modern Etiquette for a detailed discussion of dinner-related manners.  It is the de facto standard for British gentlemen.
834846
I agree with the gift card idea.  Perhaps liquor would be offensive.  Cash is impolite.  Our grocery stores have them, as do the phone company and other practical places - or you could go out on a limb and get one for a local department store.  There he could get anything...\nBe prepared for him to refuse it - if so, just leave it on the counter or give it to another employee (boss) to give to him after you leave.
400022
I was thinking of some lovely native gifts that could be small enough to pack. Canada has been blessed with beautiful Inuit art and sculpture. Depending on where you live, you can visit a local craft shop that specializes in such gifts. In Quebec, we have beautiful hand painted scarves, woodcrafts, handwoven items and pottery. If you want something to consume, there are the maple syrup products, Laura Secord chocolates, Canadian wines (some good ones are available), baked beans,\nPacific or Atlantic salmon, lobster, freshwater trout. Lookk for\nHudson's Bay products and the beautiful Seagull pewter from Nova Scotia. Canadian picture books, small wildlife figurines, homemade items from craft shops like jams and soap and candles. There are even bags of chocolate moose or deer droppings, packets of Canadian wildflower seeds.\nAny of the above might be appropriate for your boss as well. You'll be buying Canadian and sometimes, we just don't appreciate the unique and beautiful products of our Canadian artisans. Hope this helps.
75365
Yes you do have to get a present.  And flowers and dinner are ok, but do something different, creative, and something that says, "I know you and i know what you like."