• Hosted dinners range from formal to informal events, but are always planned.Feiern image by Lilia Beck from Fotolia.com
  
  Hosts and hostesses invite you into their home for dinner, feed you, entertain you and make you feel comfortable. The least you can do is take them a gift to show your gratitude. While giving gifts to the host of a dinner is not socially mandatory, it is appreciated, and displays thoughtfulness and appreciation. When deciding on a gift, consider the hobbies, passions and styles of the host and choose something appropriate for the personality.
  
  

Candles

• Tabletop candelabras are elegant as centerpieces.Festmahl image by Lilia Beck from Fotolia.com
  
  Large elegant candles; a fancy glass votive arranged with sand, pebbles, shells and a candle or a tabletop candelabra filled with tea candles work well as a hosted dinner gift. Most candles sold are fragrant so consider which kind would be most appreciated by the host. Think of the home decor when deciding which color of candle to buy, and pick a muted color or if you know the host's favorite color, that could be an option. A glass votive can be used as an arrangement, filling the bottom with flame-resistant material before placing a candle in the center. Tabletop candelabras are made of wrought iron or shiny silver, and serve as centerpieces bringing Old World charm into the room.
  
  

Plants

• Several varieties of potted leafy plants are great for cleaning air indoors.potted plant image by Joy Fera from Fotolia.com
  
  While flower bouquets are frowned upon for dinner party host gifts, potted plants are different. Potted plants are meant to be enjoyed for months or years, not just for the evening, and are a true gift. That said, consider if the host is a gardener before giving a plant. Herbs, such as mint, lavender, basil and rosemary, make wonderful dinner host gifts as they tie in with the theme of food. If you know the person has a favorite flower, such as orchids or tulips, you can purchase potted flowers for the host to enjoy long after the dinner. Make sure to use a neutral, plain ceramic pot, adding color with a ribbon and bow so the plant will be more likely to match the home decor.
  
  

Food

• Specialty cheeses and cheese tools make delicious gifts.cut bread roll and cheese image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
  
  Hosted dinners are parties involving food, so giving food for gifts is appropriate. Here the ideas are limitless. When choosing a food to give as a gift for a host, consider any health issues or taste preferences. A food gift that cannot be enjoyed is a wasted gift, displaying a lack of consideration. Gourmet chocolates and candies are wonderful as long as the host is not allergic, diabetic or on a diet. Olive oil and vinegar sets are typically displayed in fancy bottles and racks, and for the person who loves to cook, these sets are great gifts. Wine is an old standby for a host gift, but if the host has a favorite selection this could be the perfect choice. Cheese, cheese boards and cheese knives packaged neatly are appropriate for gifting, as long as the host enjoys cheeses.