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Wardrobe/Hostess Gift for Holiday Party
Hello there! We have been invited to a Holiday Party this year - hosted by my DH's boss's boss (the highest-ranked guy at this location, for a Fortune 500 company)
We just moved here (upstate NY) in July, and I haven't met anyone from DH's work yet, so I'm a little bit nervous and want to make a good impression. We haven't attended any corporate events before, so I'm not sure on the etiquette of the whole thing. I'm assuming it's appropriate to bring a Hostess gift, but I'm looking for ideas... What type of gift and price range is appropriate?
Also, what would someone wear to this type of event? It's at their home, and the invitation didn't specify. Would it be appropriate to "play it safe" and wear a dressy-casual type dress with opaque tights and closed-toe shoes (so it would work in a biz-casual environment as well as a dressed-up environment), or would it be ok to wear dressy black pants with some sort of holiday-esque top (no boob action, semi-conservative with a sparkly trim or something)?
And should DH wear a tie? (typically at work he wears button-down shirts with khakis or dress pants - no tie or jacket)
Thanks for your help and input - it's greatly appreciated! 
Re: Wardrobe/Hostess Gift for Holiday Party
At a home I think you should definetly bring a hostess gift. I would bring a nice bottle of champagne or wine for this.
Both outfits you described for yourself would be appropriate, I don't think DH needs to wear a tie but if he doesn't he should wear a sweater over dress shirt or jacket without tie. Or tie/dress shirt and no jacket.
Just my thoughts I work in this type of environment and this is how I would handle a business/holiday party at a bosses home.
Thanks! I'm loving the sweater over a dress shirt idea for my hubby...
I haven't met the host/hostess before, and my husband has only met the husband briefly at work, so would it be appropriate to bring a bottle of wine/champagne? I don't know if they drink, so I'm not sure whether that is ok to do?
I wouldn't bring a gift. I brought one to my boss's home the first year they had a party. He took me aside afterwards and said the gift was appreciated but not necessary. Now I just right a nice thank-you note after the party. His wife comments every year how I am the only one (out of 300 people) that sends a thank-you and how grateful she is of receiving it.
I would ask around first to see if other bring gifts first before going out and buying something, but that's just me.
I never show up to a house I've never been to empty handed. Wine is the go to gift, but if you have some reason to think they're not drinkers, I'd bring a poinsetta or holiday arrangement.
As far as outfit, I agree with PP, any of them are appropriate. Maybe do the sparkly trimmed shirt with a pencil skirt and some pumps? If I were you I'd have the hubby in a blazer and button down.
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I think either outfit would work for you, but if you are unsure of the crowd, a dress would be safer. For your husband, a button down and blazer with dark pants would be safe too - others might be less dressed up, but without a tie he'll still look casual. For a gift, I'd bring godiva chocolates or a nice baking mix from Williams Sonoma - if you don't know that they drink, I'd skip wine. If others don't bring gifts that's fine, but you'll have made a nice impression.
I agree with this.
For the gift, I would probably do upscale chocolates or sweets if you aren't sure they would appreciate alcohol.
Excellent, I knew the Nesties would be able to help me out!!! Now I need to go shopping... Great excuse for a cute new outfit
Thanks everyone!!!!