很多同学会接到去老外家一起享用晚餐的邀请吧，但是第一个问题就是，带什么礼物去比较好呢？不想太普通，又怕不保险，想来想去，不能周全。这篇文章将告诉大家做客时如何挑选合适的礼物。
Host or hostess gifts are a way to thank the host(ess) for their effort (and money) in hosting a party or a dinner. A good rule of thumb is to match your gifts "effort" to the effort they put into their party. Usually if you're bringing a dish you should not be supplying a host(ess) gift although gifts are always appreciated.
带礼物是感谢主人款待的一种方式。经验是让礼物的价值与主人办聚会所花费的精力相当。通常来说，如果你带一道菜去参加聚会，就不需要再送礼物给主人了，尽管主人们总是会很欣喜地接受礼物。
Ask yourself a few questions to get your bearings
去之前先问自己几个问题
What is the size of the party/get together. A larger party requires more work and a nicer gift would be in order... Has the host(ess) spent a lot of money or put a ton of work into it? If so maybe you should too... How well do you know the person hosting? Is their something you know they like (golf, games, wine, cooking).
大概有多少人参加聚会。较大型的聚会需要主人花费更多的精力，因此带的礼物也应该更好一点。主人是不是花了大钱或者大力气？如果是这样，你大概也应该下点血本。你跟主人有多熟？你是否知道一些他们喜欢的东西（高尔夫、游戏、酒、料理）？
Consider bringing some Alcohol
可以带点儿酒精饮料
A nice bottle of wine for a holiday party (try "Layer Cake") or beer for a barbecue. Alcohol in any form can get expensive when buying for many people. To provide some for the masses is a gift in itself.
假日聚会可以带瓶不错的葡萄酒，烧烤会的话就带点啤酒。不管是什么酒，一旦准备多人份的，那么就得花点钱。为聚会的大家准备点什么本身就是一种礼物。
Bring Flowers
带花儿总是没错哒！
Flowers seem to be something people just don't use anymore. Pick up some fresh flowers (in or without a vase) and the host(ess) can put them in the middle of their table or to brighten up their room. Always an acceptable gift so long as they are tastefully chosen (don't reflect funerals such as white roses).
好像人们都不再用花了。带点鲜花（要不要花瓶都行），主人可以把花放在桌子上或者用于装饰房间。只要品位好，花永远都是不错的礼物（切记不要送诸如白玫瑰等让人联想到葬礼的鲜花）。
Help with the Entertainment
想点儿有趣的东西
Think appetizer plates, wine cork decorators, cookbooks, napkin rings, glass rings (the kind that people use to tell their drinks apart). Cocktail napkins.
想想装开胃菜的盘子、酒瓶塞子装饰品、食谱、擦嘴布套环、酒杯套环（人们用于区分各自的酒杯），以及酒会纸巾。
Bring some nice bon-bons or chocolates.
带点儿巧克力
Or some gourmet coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate.
或是美味的咖啡、茶甚至热巧克力。
If all else fails buy a gift certificate to a local store (like a bookstore or a coffee shop) and fold them into a handwritten thank you note.
如果其他都不合适，那也可以买一张当地商店（比如书店或是咖啡店）的礼券，折在手写的感谢卡里。