If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
We love a good dinner party, especially when we get to be the guests instead of the hosts. Now, we have hosted a lot of dinner parties ourselves, so we know how much work goes into the planning, shopping, cooking, and decorating, and that’s why we always like to bring the party host a little gift to show our appreciation. No one knows more about dinner parties than the Barefoot Contessa, so we always listen to her advice. In the past, Ina Garten has shared her go-to dinner party host gift, and it’s perfect for chocolate lovers. But recently, she shared two host gift mistakes everyone should avoid, and we’re glad she did, because we can’t say they’re issues we’ve ever thought of before.
In an interview clip posted on the TODAY Show’s TikTok, Garten spilled the details on the two things she says you should never bring to a party. The first was “Something that the host feels like they should serve,” giving the example of a Jell-O salad. Who wants to have to serve that at a party, anyway? But the same holds true for things like bottles of wine or other comestibles. If you do bring something like that, tell the host explicitly that it’s a special treat just for them, and that you don’t expect it to be served at the party. That way, the host can enjoy it in peace, rather than having to do the extra work of serving it to their guests (or, in the case of a Jell-O salad, they can discreetly dispose of it after everyone has gone home).
Garten’s next tip shows how detail-oriented and considerate she is of the party host’s time. “Don’t ever bring flowers that aren’t in a vase,” Garten advises. That’s because if you do bring flowers that aren’t in a vase, the party host has to stop what they’re doing to go dig one out of storage, then has to trim the flower stems, fill the vase with water, and arrange the flowers so they actually look nice. Who has time for that when they have a house full of hungry guests?
Commenters on TikTok chimed in with their own thoughts about these rules. “My grandma always said giving flowers without a vase is giving the host a chore instead of a gift,” shared Michael Kinson, while user Wolfies Dad said, “I like to send flowers to arrive that afternoon w/card saying looking forward to seeing you.” That’s pretty classy, and the vase problem can be avoided if you get an arrangement that comes with one.
Some TikTok commenters shared host gift rules and suggestions of their own. “Also don’t bring something that has to be heated up,” suggested user132104528031Kath. If you are asked to bring a dish to share with others at the dinner party, “Make sure whatever you bring has the serving plate/bowl and serving utensils,” said Apple User686497. And if you’re still searching for host gift ideas, here’s one that sounds pretty scrumptious and low-stress: “I have brought breakfast for the next day — really good bagels or homemade muffins and homemade jam and flavored butter,” said Dawhoo.
The next time you’re invited to a dinner party, keep Ina Garten‘s host gift tips in mind. Not only will you avoid putting unnecessary stress on the party host, but you’ll also increase your chances at getting a repeat invite for the next dinner party.
Before you go, check out Garten’s best dinner recipes below:
More Stories from Food & Recipes
Leave a Comment