I hate figuring out hostess gifts...

[audette]

I have a luncheon to go to. It's a thing to welcome the spouse of one of the senior guys in DH's unit, and another spouse is hosting it at her home. There's a cost to go (to cover food and a gift for the new spouse), but the person hosting still has to clean and prep and handle all the arrangements for it. I've been told a hostess gift isn't necessary, but I feel weird showing up to a gathering at a private home empty-handed...

It's a lunch, so wine doesn't feel right (and, I don't know if the hostess drinks). I have some homemade grape jelly that I made, and a few homemade soaps from a class I took yesterday. Would one of those things work?

[msmerymac]

Yeah, either. I guess some people are sensitive to soap dyes and fragrances, but it's a slim chance.

[tacokick]

Take the jelly!

[dexteroni]

Either would be fine. FWIW, my favorite non-booze, non-chocolate hostess gift is a small potted plant - either something flowering, or an herb. I find that people are usually excited to receive a basil plant. Of course the preferred herb might be something different where you are right now.

[daisypaloma]

The jelly sounds lovely. 

Flowers, candy are fine too.

No booze.

Honestly, I would bring something personal and uniquely you.  Maybe a knitted something?

[audette]

I ended up going with the jelly. It seemed to be well received.