Little Miss Decorum's Thoughts: For the most part, I'm a very casual, laid back kind of girl.   I'm far more likely to be in jeans and boots than a skirt and heels; I'd rather be at a baseball game than a ballet; I eat pizza (and green beans - much to my mother's chagrin) with my fingers and I think that function should almost always outweigh form.  There are an incredible number of "etiquette rules" that I feel are extremely outdated.  But that doesn't mean that propriety has no place in our current society.


When someone opens their home to you for a dinner party or celebration, they are, in essence, giving you a gift.  They are spending money on food, drinks, and entertainment.  They are spending their time on preparations to make you feel comfortable and welcome.  And it's a lovely gesture to bring them a small gift as a token of thanks.

Does that mean that every time your best friend calls you up to watch the game you should come over bearing a fruit basket and a thank you card? Of course not. (Although, try to never go somewhere empty handed. Even if it's a side salad, a six pack or a bag of ice, it's always to polite to bring something).  But there are certain occasions where a host/hostess gift should be presented.

Try using the following down-to-earth guidelines to establish when to take a hostess gift. 

4. If you'll be at the home for more than a few hours (An all day party, or a weekend visit)

If you're still not sure, err on the side of caution, and take something.  It needn't be expensive - just a small gesture that says "Hey, I appreciate you having me."