What NOT To Bring To A Dinner Party: Ina Garten's Top Tip

Michael

3 min read

Post on Jun 01, 2025

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What NOT to Bring to a Dinner Party: Ina Garten's Top Tip & Other Essential Etiquette

Planning on attending a dinner party? Want to be the best guest? Then knowing what not to bring is just as important as knowing what to bring. We've all been there – awkwardly clutching a slightly-off gift, wondering if our contribution will be well-received. Fear not! We're decoding dinner party etiquette, focusing on Ina Garten's sage advice and other essential dos and don'ts to guarantee you're a welcome guest.

Ina Garten's Golden Rule: Avoid the Unexpected

The Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten, offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: don't bring anything unexpected. This isn't about being inflexible; it's about being considerate. Instead of showing up with a quirky, niche item, consider the host's preferences and the overall atmosphere. Will your unique artisanal cheese please everyone? Perhaps not. A thoughtful, predictable contribution is always appreciated.

This simple guideline saves both you and the host potential embarrassment. It prevents the host from having to navigate awkward situations, such as needing to find space for an unexpected item or having to politely decline a gift that doesn’t fit their needs.

Beyond Ina: Other Dinner Party Don'ts

While Ina's advice sets a strong foundation, there are other crucial things to avoid bringing to a dinner party:

1. Anything Requiring Extensive Preparation or Special Equipment:

• Avoid dishes needing last-minute oven space, unusual cooking equipment, or complicated serving instructions. Remember, your host is already busy preparing the main event. A simple side dish or dessert is always a safer bet.

2. Dishes with Strong or Overpowering Flavors:

• Unless you know your host's preferences exceptionally well, steer clear of dishes with overpowering flavors like extremely spicy curries or pungent cheeses. These can easily clash with the host's menu.

3. Anything Perishable Without Proper Storage:

• Avoid bringing anything that requires specific temperature control without confirming the host has the facilities to store it properly. Think about the logistics; will they have enough refrigerator space for your homemade lasagna?

4. Unwanted Gifts:

• While a thoughtful gift is appreciated, bringing something the host explicitly doesn't need or want is a social faux pas. A bottle of wine (unless you know they dislike it!), flowers, or a small, elegant dessert are usually safe options.

5. Yourself (without being invited):

• This seems obvious, but it's worth mentioning! Never just show up unannounced, especially if it's a formal event. Always RSVP and confirm your attendance.

What Should You Bring?

Now that we've covered the don'ts, let's focus on the dos. A classic and always appreciated option is a bottle of good wine (check if the host has any preferences beforehand!), a beautiful bouquet of flowers, or a delicious dessert that complements the meal.

Remember, being a considerate guest is key. Your goal is to help the host, not add extra stress or work. A little forethought goes a long way in ensuring a delightful evening for everyone. So, take Ina's advice to heart, plan ahead, and enjoy the party!

Call to Action: What are your top tips for being the perfect dinner party guest? Share your thoughts in the comments below!