Ina Garten Reveals: The One Gift To Avoid At Dinner Parties

Michael

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Post on Jun 02, 2025

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Ina Garten Reveals: The One Gift to Avoid at Dinner Parties

Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, known for her effortless elegance and delicious recipes, has shared a surprising piece of advice for aspiring hosts: avoid giving certain gifts to dinner party hosts. This isn't about avoiding gifts altogether – quite the contrary! It's about choosing the right gift to show your appreciation and avoid potential pitfalls. So what's the one gift Garten says to steer clear of? Read on to discover her insightful tip and elevate your dinner party etiquette.

Why Flowers Might Not Be the Best Choice

While a beautiful bouquet might seem like a thoughtful gesture, Garten reveals in a recent interview that flowers aren't always the ideal present for a dinner party host. Why? Because they require immediate attention. The host is already juggling a myriad of tasks – preparing food, setting the table, welcoming guests – and dealing with a bouquet that needs arranging can add unnecessary stress. Instead of contributing to their already busy evening, you're potentially adding another item to their to-do list.

What to Gift Instead: Thoughtful and Practical Presents

Garten suggests opting for gifts that are practical and won't add to the host's workload. Think along the lines of:

• A nice bottle of wine (or their favorite spirit): This is a classic and always appreciated. Choose something you know they enjoy, or a high-quality bottle to treat themselves after the party.
• Gourmet food items: A selection of fine cheeses, artisanal chocolates, or a specialty olive oil can be a wonderful addition to their pantry and a delightful treat.
• A beautiful candle: A fragrant candle can create a relaxing atmosphere and complement the ambiance of their home. Just avoid overly strong scents that might clash with the dinner party's aromas.
• A hostess gift basket: Curate a basket filled with various small, thoughtful items, such as teas, cookies, or bath products.

Beyond the Gift: The Importance of Good Manners

Beyond the choice of gift, Garten emphasizes the importance of good manners and expressing sincere gratitude to the host. A simple "thank you" note, expressing your appreciation for their hospitality, is always a thoughtful gesture. This personal touch means more than any material gift.

Learning from the Barefoot Contessa: Mastering Dinner Party Etiquette

Ina Garten's advice highlights the importance of considering the host's perspective when selecting a gift. It's not just about the present itself, but the thought and consideration behind it. By choosing a practical and thoughtful gift, you're showing your appreciation without adding to their already full plate (pun intended!).

Further Reading: For more tips on hosting and creating memorable dinner parties, check out Ina Garten's website and her numerous cookbooks. You can also find plenty of resources online dedicated to mastering dinner party etiquette. [Link to a relevant article on dinner party etiquette]

Remember, the most important ingredient for a successful dinner party is good company and genuine appreciation. Choose your gift wisely, and enjoy the evening!