Answer Angel: Hostess gifts

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on May 20, 2025

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I am going on a trip overseas and visiting with our former neighbors who moved there.

I haven’t seen them for some years and feel obligated to bring some sort of “host/hostess” gift from the U.S. But we will be traveling so it can’t be perishable or take up much space in my suitcase. Furthermore, I have no idea about their likes, dislikes, style or dietary restrictions (which seem to be a growing trend).

Can you help?

--Kelly A.

Dear Kelly: Like you, I don’t like to arrive empty handed at a gathering, especially for a visit with friends or family I haven’t seen in a long time.

But let’s be realistic. It IS the thought that counts. In your case, food, a bottle of wine or a bouquet is unrealistic since you’re traveling, so whatever it is needs to be small and not fragile.

To answer your question: I just went to my kitchen drawer and found a bedraggled, well-used dish towel (with holes) featuring London landmarks that a visitor from England brought me at least 10 years ago. Now that is a gift that has kept on giving for over a decade. Every U.S. locale has a gift shop where you can easily pick up such a simple, packable, useful gift featuring your local landmarks, sports teams, etc.

But, while we are on this topic, let me offer a couple observations about what not to do if you are gifting someone locally. Don’t bring a bouquet of flowers that will require your host, busy preparing food or snacks, to find a vase and deal with the flowers when s/he is busy with other guest-related preparations. Same goes for an unexpected (unwanted) dessert or a bottle of wine. I’ve been to more than one dinner party where the wine I brought to the last party is gathering dust on their wine rack.

I too don’t want to arrive empty handed but don’t present your busy hosts with a problem. That’s no gift!

Another party dilemma…

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: We’re invited to a 90th birthday party for my great uncle at his assisted living home. What gift can I possibly come up with for a man who has everything and little space to put it in?

P.S. The invite says don’t bring any gifts.

--Emma L.

Dear Emma: A card with a loving note, perhaps including an actual family photo (remember those?) featuring him and family at a memorable gathering back when. No need to frame the photo. He has more than enough of those to clutter his limited space.

Angelic Readers

Some good suggestions for Kris I. who needs a bed skirt (aka dust ruffle) for her metal bed frame that doesn’t have a box spring. She wants to cover up the eyesore legs (and to store stuff under the bed to be concealed by the bed skirt).

Karen B.: “I too ran into the problem of how to use a bed skirt with Kris I.’s issues. Ultimately I decided on a bedspread instead of a comforter and bed skirt. I ordered one (I don’t think it’s possible to find one in a free-standing store) with box pleats on the corners to give it a more tailored look that I prefer. It seems less complicated overall than trying to get a bed skirt to conform to her needs.” (From Ellen: I wish I’d thought of that.)

Others had the same idea: Susan L. says, “I keep things under my bed that don’t look decorative, so I use a king coverlet or quilt over my queen bed. It hangs down far enough to cover what’s under the bed. So easy and stress-free.” Linda M.: “Why not get a bedspread that goes to the floor?? Brylane Home (brylanehome.com) has tons of spreads at reasonable prices." Marianne G.: "I also have a metal frame with mattress on top and don't need to use a bed skirt. My bedspread reaches to the ground.” Sue Q: “My bed is the same and my solution to covering up the underside of the bed was to buy an extra long bedspread that hangs down almost to the floor.”

Reader Rant

Alice S. writes: “What is it with membership organizations that keep sending ‘renewal’ notices after you’re already renewed their membership? Almost makes me want to drop those organizations to stop the pestering!”