Hostess gifts
Wine gets drunk and flowers get thrown out. A set of printed cotton napkins stays in the drawer and reappears at the next dinner, which is a considerably better return on the same money.
Cocktail napkins are the safest choice if you do not know the house well — they suit any table and any colour scheme. Placemats and runners are for people whose dining room you have actually seen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest hostess gift here?
A set of cocktail napkins. They suit any table and any color scheme, they do not need to match anything the host already owns, and they get used at the next party rather than put away.
When are placemats or a runner the better choice?
When you have actually seen their dining room. Runners and placemats commit to a length, a palette and a style, so they land well for a close friend and awkwardly for a colleague.
How many napkins make a proper gift?
Four for a couple, six for a household that hosts. Two reads like an afterthought.
Can it be sent directly to the host?
Yes — orders can ship to any address. Everything is printed to order, so allow three to five business days before it leaves us.