Hostess Gifts

I came late to learning about giving "Hostess Gifts" - you know, a little something for the folks who invited you to dinner.  Certainly, I didn't learn it at home and later, lessons were spotty to say the least.

But here in our Germany, you take a gift.  Always. We've had a few guests in our little house recently, so we've been given a few gifts.

Earlier in the week, we welcomed new friends from our trip to Turkey for a nice afternoon with coffee and cake.  Later in the week, we had a dinner for some of Werner's extended family.

They brought gifts. 

Flowers.  Always welcome, and here in Bremen a pretty bouquet costs only a scousch  more than a box of chocolates (and if you don't know a scousch, it's a bit like a smidgen, and if you don't know that word, then the pedestrian "not much" will do).

Another favorite gift is of course wine.  There are so many specialty vintners here in Germany, everyone has their favorites, and frankly, I can't remember a wine I've tasted here that I wouldn't gladly try again.

This is a Prosecco, but from the Mosel region of Germany, so they market it as a "Mosecco."  FUN. Looking forward to tasting this.

And as much as I love flowers, and wine, homemade gifts are the best.  And did we get them in spades this week!  Homemade jams and jellies and marmalades.  I may have to (reluctantly!) share them since we don't eat these wonderful, tasty and delicious treats every day - as many here do!   Everything from their home gardens, prepared at home from fresh and yummy ingredients.

My favorite gift.