Thanking for a Hostess Gift
Someone brings a small hostess gift (e.g., a bottle of wine, a small plant, chocolates) when visiting your home. You thank them at the door or shortly after they arrive.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
thoughtful
Thoughtful means kind and considerate, showing that you care about someone. Use it to describe a nice action or gift, like 'That's a thoughtful present.'
little something
A 'little something' is a small, simple gift or item you give to show appreciation. It's casual and polite, often used when downplaying a gift, like 'I brought a little something for you.'
enjoy
Enjoy means to like something and get pleasure from it. Use it when talking about gifts or activities, like 'I hope you enjoy the book.' It's common in polite conversations.
delicious
Delicious describes food that tastes very good. It's a positive compliment, like 'These cookies are delicious!' Use it to thank someone for food gifts.
sweet
Sweet here means kind or nice, not about taste. Use it to praise someone's action, like 'That's sweet of you to help.' It's informal and warm.
gesture
A gesture is a small action that shows kindness or politeness. In gifts, it means a thoughtful move, like 'It's a nice gesture.' It's useful for formal thanks.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
You shouldn't have! This is so thoughtful.
This is a polite way to thank someone for an unexpected gift, meaning 'You didn't need to do this, but I'm grateful.' It's useful at the start of thanks; the exclamation adds surprise and warmth. No special grammar, just idiomatic English.
It's just a little something. I thought you might enjoy the chocolates.
This downplays the gift to be modest while explaining why you chose it. 'Might' shows possibility politely. Use it when giving small gifts to make the receiver feel good; it's a common pattern for casual giving.
They look delicious! Thank you so much for bringing them. That's really sweet of you.
This compliments the gift and thanks sincerely. 'So much' emphasizes gratitude; 'sweet of you' praises the person. Break it into parts for practice. Useful for responding to food gifts; shows enthusiasm.
You're very welcome. Glad you like them.
This is the standard reply to 'thank you,' meaning 'I'm happy to do it.' 'Glad' expresses pleasure. Use it anytime after thanks; it's simple and polite, with no complex grammar.
Seriously, you really didn't need to, but it's such a lovely gesture. Come on in!
This reinforces thanks by saying it was unnecessary but appreciated. 'Seriously' adds emphasis; 'such a lovely gesture' is a compliment. Use at home visits to invite inside warmly. The structure combines politeness with hospitality.