Twelve Creative Hostess Gift Ideas for Under $50

via Jenni Kayne

Wondering what to bring to a dinner party? It’s usually a good idea to start by asking your hostess what you can bring to be most helpful - she may already have ideas or plans for guests to take care of drinks or dessert. If your hostess insists that your presence is enough, it’s still good etiquette not to show up empty handed.

Playing it safe with hostess gifts usually means a nice bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers. While these are nice gestures that will always be appreciated, it can be fun to switch things up and pick something a bit more unique or thoughtful based on what you know about your host's interests. We’ve rounded up twelve creative gift ideas for the hostess that loves to entertain, garden, and cook.

one - handmade salt and pepper bowls ($25) | two - cast iron dutch oven ($49.99)

three - herb growing kit ($20) | four - pour over coffee set ($40)

five - cheese cutting board set ($47.50) | six - pressed flowers fall candle ($34)

seven - olive wood cooking spoon ($8) | eight - upscale coffee beans ($39)

nine - braided rattan tray ($18) | ten - straw farmer’s market bag ($43)

eleven - cookbook ($22) | twelve - oil sampler set ($33)

It could also be fun to mix and match these ideas - like tying an olive wood cooking spoon to the front of a pretty cookbook, bringing a cheese cutting board set along with a few artisan cheeses and a fresh baguette, or bringing a fun coffee-making tool with a bag of fresh beans.

But of course you don’t have to spend a lot (or anything!) to show your appreciation to your hostess - the easiest way to show your gratitude is to offer to help with meal prep, clean-up, and any other duties that might give your hostess a moment to relax and enjoy her own get together along with her guests!

Do you have any other creative or thoughtful ideas for how to show appreciation to your hostess? We’d love to hear them!