30.6.2023 | Jeanette Aurdal

You are invited on holiday...

What do you do? Order a wonderful present for your hosts to bring with you or arrange to have a wonderful present delivered to them after you have left? Discuss

Both approaches of showing appreciation to your hosts have their own charm, yet their appropriateness can depend on various factors including the type of relationship you have with your hosts, the duration of your stay, and cultural norms.

Bringing a gift with you:

This option can be an excellent choice. Selecting a gift ahead of time allows you to present it upon your arrival as a token of your appreciation for the upcoming hospitality. Choosing something personalised from your beloved Oak & Rope Company, such as a custom-engraved oak board or a bespoke peg rack, could add a special touch. This immediate gesture is likely to make a favourable impression and start your holiday on a positive note. It can gracefully acknowledge the effort your hosts have put into preparing for your arrival. Moreover, if it's a functional gift, it might be used during your stay, thereby adding to the shared experiences.

Moreover, if it's a functional gift, it might be used during your stay, thereby adding to the shared experiences.

Arranging a gift delivery after you leave:

This route is also a thoughtful one. Sending a gift post-visit serves as a wonderful way to express your gratitude for the gracious hospitality received. This gesture can prolong the goodwill created during your stay, leaving a lasting memory in your hosts' minds. For instance, selecting a classic oak swing from your Oak & Rope Company and personalising it with a heartfelt message could work wonders. Not only will it remind hosts of your visit, but it'll also create a lasting memento for them to enjoy. Plus, a post-departure gift can pleasantly surprise your hosts and provide an opportunity to reminisce about the good times shared.

Plus, a post-departure gift can pleasantly surprise your hosts and provide an opportunity to reminisce about the good times shared.

With all this being said, there's no hard and fast rule here. The choice between bringing a gift immediately or sending one later depends largely on your personal preference, your relationship with your hosts, and the particular nuances of your visit.

You might also choose to do both — a smaller, more immediate gift upon arrival, like a bottle of wine or chocolates, and then a more personal, substantial gift delivered after your stay. This way, you can communicate your gratefulness both immediately and long after your departure. Whichever route you take, what's crucial is the sentiment behind the gift — showing your genuine appreciation for your hosts' kindness and hospitality.

Whichever route you take, what's crucial is the sentiment behind the gift — showing your genuine appreciation for your hosts' kindness and hospitality.

We even have a fast track service you can use if you have left it till the last minute. If you would rather not travel with the present we can arrange delivery anywhere in the world. Let us help you be the prefect guest!

Do not underestimate the impact of giving a thoughtful present to your host... Give a long lasting gift that will remind your host to invite you again!

Our most popular Holiday Host Presents:

Our number 1# host/hostess present is definitely the tray...

from £255

Our Butler Trays are the definite no. 1 choice of present to bring. They come in 3 different sizes, starting at £255 including engraving and UK delivery. They all pack easily into a suitcase. It goes without saying that our beautiful trays will be a very welcome addition to any home where entertaining happens! The Butler Trays will take centre stage whether they are used to serve up drinks by the pool, breakfast on the terrace or carrying the debris of a good evening back to the kitchen... Definitely a reminder of good times shared!

Doorstop (Personalised)

from £95

Commission a doorstop for their holiday place or for their home. Engrave it with the name of their holiday house. Add little things like the distance from home or an expression or reference you share for a lasting memory

The Gin & Tonic Board

from £45

Wherever you find an English person at sundown they will dream about watching the sun set with a G&T in their hand!

A sign...

from £45

Your host might have dropped some subtle hints when giving instructions for how to find their place. If they say things like 'there is a scruffy sign hidden in the hedge on your right, just before you get to...', then bringing a new sign might be a great touch. Then whenever they arrive at their property in the future they will think of you.

Alternatively commission a small sign plaque for their kitchen or hallway with a mindful quote. Click to see a few signs we have made before.

Peg Rails

from £225

In a house with many guests you always have many 'hang-ups'! A coat rack with 'LEAVE YOUR HANGUPS AT HOME...' will raise a smile with all visitors, but we also make many of these with quotes about mellow days spent by the sea or mountains, such as 'SANDY TOES & SALTY KISSES' and 'THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING...'

Frame the memories

from £135

This is such a great way of making a lasting impression.

You could gift the frame on your arrival, and then send the perfect photos with your thank-you letter.