My husband met a man a few weeks ago at our church from Kenya and struck up a conversation since he has traveled to Kenya multiple times and lived there for a bit in college. Our family, including three young children, was invited to their house for dinner tonight. I have not met the family myself. We offered to bring a dish to share but the host said no. I feel like we should still bring a "hostess gift" of some sort but my husband disagrees. What do you think we should? If you would bring something, what would it be? Thanks!
A nice plant. I love flowers but they die so quickly, so I like plants better.
Or a bottle of wine.
Or a box of chocolates.
Flowers! Who doesn't like them?
I wouldn't take wine unless you know whether they drink it. If you take flowers, take a potted plant or flowering bulb, or something already in a vase so they don't have to deal with it. It's tough on the hosts when guests walk in and give them a gift that requires a chore (scrounging up a vase, for example). You could also take something from a local farm stand if you have one - we have one that makes jams and tomato sauces from its excess harvest. It has local flavor, and it's nothing they'll be expected to serve at the moment. I wouldn't try to figure out their Kenyan customs or guess about dietary issues - just bring something contained.
Hi E.,
I *always* take wine (if appropriate), or a beautiful bouquet of flowers, when invited to someone's home for a meal.
I would never turn down the opportunity to show old-fashioned good manners, and to teach your children the same.
t
Flowers or a bottle of wine.
flowers!
khairete
S.
An Easter Lilly would be beautiful along with a chocolate bunny for each of their children (if they have them). Add a hand written note and you are all set!
As a frequent hostess, a small gesture is not expected but much appreciated!
You cannot go wrong with wine or flowers or some good candy.
maybe some disposable hand towels and some pretty little soaps for the powder room-or wine?
ABSOLUTELY do NOT show up empty handed. Proceed with proper etiquette.
We enjoy fine wine and if we know someone else does drink wine, we will take a nice bottle of wine.
You can't go wrong with flowers or a potted plant.
A nice scented candle.... Yankee Candle, etc.
I agree with the nice hand towels and soaps as well.
Maybe something that is local to your area since they are relatively new.
Enjoy!
I googled Kenyan customs. This is what I found.
http://kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/ke...
Gift Giving
• In general, Kenyans give gifts for events of significance in a person’s life or days of religious significance.
• Gifts need not be expensive. In fact, practical gifts are preferred. Kenya is a poor country and a gift of something that the person cannot generally afford is always welcome.
• It is customary to give small gifts to servants, trades people, and service workers at Christmas.
• If invited to dinner at a Kenyan’s home, bring pastries, flowers, or sweets for the hostess. In rural areas, gifts of sugar or tea are quite common.
• Gifts should be nicely wrapped, although there are no prohibitions concerning the colour of paper.
• Do not bring alcohol unless you know that your host drinks.
• Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. Never use the left hand.
Flowers in a vase, or stationary (thank you notes, etc) would a nice gift since you are visiting their house for the first time.
