Avoid These 2 Items At Your Next Party: Ina Garten's Advice

Michael

3 min read

Post on Jun 02, 2025

4.3

Share

Avoid These 2 Items at Your Next Party: Ina Garten's Surprisingly Simple Advice

Hosting a party? Want it to be effortlessly chic and utterly delicious, just like Ina Garten's legendary gatherings? Then listen up! The Barefoot Contessa herself has shared some surprisingly simple, yet impactful, advice on avoiding party pitfalls. Forget elaborate floral arrangements and perfectly coordinated napkins; Ina's focus is on the things that truly matter for a successful get-together. This isn't about perfection; it's about creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for you and your guests.

Ina Garten's Top Two Party No-Nos:

According to Ina, two seemingly insignificant details can significantly impact the overall experience of your party: red wine and bottled water.

While both are staples in many homes, Ina suggests avoiding them at your next gathering for specific, insightful reasons. Let's delve into her reasoning:

1. Ditch the Red Wine (Unless it's Really Good)

"Red wine stains everything," Ina famously quipped. While this might seem trivial, the potential for wine-related mishaps – from spilled glasses to unfortunate clothing incidents – can significantly dampen the mood of your party. The cleanup alone can be a headache.

Instead of relying on a generic red, Ina advocates for focusing on higher-quality options, or opting for alternative beverages altogether. Consider offering a selection of crisp white wines, refreshing rosé, or a signature cocktail. This allows guests to enjoy delicious drinks without the risk of a potential wardrobe malfunction or a major cleaning project. Remember, the goal is relaxed enjoyment, not stress-cleaning!

2. Say Goodbye to Bottled Water (Embrace the Elegance of Sparkling)

Ina's second piece of advice might surprise you: skip the bottled water. She argues that bottled water lacks the celebratory feel of a party. It feels, well, ordinary.

Instead, Ina suggests elevating the beverage experience with sparkling water. This adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the occasion. You can even infuse it with fresh fruit slices, herbs, or a splash of juice to create a personalized, refreshing, and visually appealing drink. It's a small change with a big impact.

Alternatives to Bottled Water:

• Sparkling Water with Fruit Infusions: Experiment with cucumber and mint, berries, or citrus fruits.
• Iced Tea: A classic, refreshing, and easily customizable beverage.
• Lemonade: Homemade lemonade always feels more special than store-bought.
• Signature Cocktail: Create a simple, delicious cocktail that reflects your personal style.

Conclusion: Simple Swaps, Big Impact

By simply avoiding red wine (unless you're serving a truly exceptional vintage) and opting for sparkling water or other more celebratory beverages, you can significantly improve the overall atmosphere of your party. These small changes, as suggested by the Barefoot Contessa herself, can make a big difference in creating a relaxed, enjoyable, and memorable experience for both you and your guests. Remember, it's about creating a welcoming environment, not stressing over the small details. So relax, raise a glass (of something other than red wine!), and enjoy your party!

Related Articles:

• [Link to another article about party planning on your website (if applicable)]
• [Link to an Ina Garten recipe on a reputable food website]

What are your go-to party tips? Share them in the comments below!