Houseguests are expected to give a thank-you gift to the host either on arrival, during their stay, or sent afterwards. Some houseguests prefer to say thank you by treating their host or hosts to dinner out during their stay, or by buying groceries and making dinner one night. For gifts, something along the lines of a good bottle of wine or a nice bouquet of flowers is sufficient for an overnight stay. A longer stay may require something more. Here are some gift ideas:
1. The latest best-selling book
2. Hand towels for the powder room or beach towels for sunning
3. Packages of cocktail napkins (upgrade: have then monogrammed with the host's initials)
4. A movie package, with popcorn kernels, a popcorn bowl, and popular DVDs
5. Bottle of the host's favorite wine or alcohol
6. Board games or jigsaw puzzles
7. Kitchen accoutrements, from pretty dish cloths to a bouquet of wooden spoons to the latest gadget
8. For a golfer, a dozen golf balls
9. Gourmet foods
10. Picture frame with a picture taken during your visit (sent later)
11. Candles and informal candlesticks
12.Houseplant in a decorative pot