Two Things To Skip: Ina Garten's Party Etiquette Tips

Michael

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Post on Jun 02, 2025

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Two Things to Skip: Ina Garten's Surprisingly Strict Party Etiquette Tips

Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, is synonymous with effortless entertaining and delicious, crowd-pleasing recipes. But even the queen of comfortable chic has some surprisingly strict party etiquette rules. While many of her tips are golden (like prepping as much as possible beforehand!), two stand out as potentially unnecessary for the average host. Let's dive into Ina Garten's party wisdom and uncover the two things you can happily skip.

The "No-Phone Zone" Debate: Is it Really Necessary?

Ina Garten is a strong advocate for a phone-free party environment. She believes it encourages genuine connection and conversation. While the sentiment is admirable, enforcing a complete ban on phones might be a bit much for most gatherings. Consider the practicality: What about guests needing to arrange childcare, handle work emergencies, or simply use their phones as cameras to capture memories?

A more balanced approach might be to subtly encourage conversation by strategically placing engaging activities or conversation starters around the room. Instead of a hard and fast rule, consider suggesting guests minimize phone use during key moments, like dinner or games. This softer approach is less likely to create tension and more likely to achieve the desired effect of fostering connection.

Perfectly Matching Glasses: Perfectionism vs. Practicality

Ina Garten is known for her impeccable attention to detail, and this extends to her table settings. She often emphasizes the importance of using matching glassware. While aesthetically pleasing, this level of perfectionism can be quite demanding, particularly for larger gatherings or those on a budget. Mismatched glassware, especially vintage or eclectic pieces, can add a unique charm and personality to your table setting.

Think about it: The focus of your party should be the company, the food, and the overall atmosphere. Perfectly matched glasses, while nice, shouldn't overshadow the enjoyment of the event. Prioritize practicality and your own personal style over achieving unattainable perfection.

Ina's Other Excellent Party Tips (Worth Keeping!)

While we've highlighted two aspects of Ina's party etiquette to consider skipping, many of her other suggestions are excellent:

• Prep Ahead: Ina's emphasis on preparing as much as possible the day before is invaluable for stress-free entertaining.
• Set the Mood: Carefully consider the lighting, music, and overall ambiance to create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Offer a Variety: Provide a selection of food and drinks to cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
• Don't Stress: Remember that the most important ingredient for a successful party is good company and a relaxed atmosphere.

Ultimately, successful entertaining is about creating a warm and welcoming environment for your guests. While Ina Garten's advice is generally sound, remember to adapt it to your own style and priorities. Focus on what truly matters: enjoying the company of your friends and loved ones.

What are your favorite party hosting tips? Share them in the comments below!