Berlin  - No one wants to appear empty-handed at a neighbour's grill party or a friend's birthday party.

But a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates are things anyone can bring. A much more personal gift that can't just be bought anywhere is a homemade culinary present for the host or hostess to put in the pantry for later or to eat right away.

"The appeal of such gifts lies in the fact that they are unique and attuned to the taste of the host or hostess," said Susanne Moosmann of a Berlin consumer initiative. Aside from that they are made without preservatives and other additives. And the host or hostess knows someone put extra effort into making it.

Ideally the tasty present is tailor-made for the host or hostess. Marmalade and sweets are the desire of people with a sweet tooth, while fine oils and pastes are for gourmands.

"An elderly aunt probably knows to treasure a confit with fruit from the garden more than a liquor in fancy packaging," said Regine Stroner, who directs cooking courses and co-owns a restaurant in Germany. Of course, the host or hostess's favourite ingredients must be included.

Not every little gift is appropriate for every occasion. When guests are asked to bring something for the buffet, then it's always best to talk to the host or hostess about what to bring to avoid having two or more of the same dish.

"An important rule of thumb is to make an amount that is appropriate for the number of guests expected," said Regina Schneider, an author from Frankfurt. "A dish that takes up a large baking tray or or a giant quiche are good choices."

When the host plans to grill, unusual breads and salads are especially fitting.

"A very refreshing, but not boring choice is tabouleh, a salad made of bulgar wheat, chopped tomatoes, parsley, mint and cucumbers," Stroner suggested. A fruit salad is also often a favourite in the warm months of the year.

"An alternative is a fruit basket," said Moosmann. "Someone with an apple tree in their garden can delight a host or hostess with some freshly picked apples." The host or hostess keeps the basket as a gift. Including the recipe with the gift is always allowed.

"With gifts like these, decorative packaging is half the effort," said Schneider. In a glass fruit preserves or a sprig of herb look especially pretty. Moosmann recommends adding a bit of lemon juice to help preserve the colour of cooked fruits and vegetables. (dpa)