Ina Garten's Valuable Tip On Bringing Host Gifts

Ina Garten, the beloved host of "Barefoot Contessa," offers a thoughtful approach to bringing host gifts that elevates the art of gift-giving. She believes in selecting presents that reflect genuine appreciation and are tailored to the host's preferences and lifestyle. Instead of generic items, Ina suggests choosing gifts with a personal touch, which show that you have contemplated the host's tastes. For example, if your host is a culinary enthusiast, consider gifting gourmet ingredients or a beautifully crafted kitchen tool. If they enjoy gardening, a potted herb or a unique plant might be ideal. Ina also emphasizes the importance of presentation, recommending that gifts be wrapped elegantly to enhance the experience of receiving them. Moreover, she advises considering the timing and nature of the event, opting for gifts that can either be enjoyed immediately or cherished later. This thoughtful methodology ensures that the gift is both useful and memorable, leaving a lasting impression. By focusing on the recipient's interests and presenting the gift thoughtfully, Ina Garten believes you can transform a simple gesture into a meaningful expression of gratitude and enhance the joy of any gathering.
Advertisement

Tips for gifts your host will truly appreciate

Certainly! Here’s a rewritten version of the text:

The Barefoot Contessa offers more than just warnings about what to avoid. Drawing from her extensive experience hosting and attending dinner parties, she shares numerous suggestions for thoughtful gifts to bring your host, beyond the usual bottle of wine. "Instead, I like to bring something they can enjoy after dinner, such as a box of Fran's Chocolates Caramels," Ina Garten notes on her website. Truffles and chocolates make for an indulgent nightcap that hosts can choose to share or save for later.

While a nice bottle of red or white wine might encourage your host to reach for a corkscrew, a bottle of champagne can be a delightful gift that can be saved for a future celebration. A locally sourced bottle of olive oil is another excellent choice, as your host likely enjoys cooking but may not feel the need to open it immediately. Cookbooks also make wonderful gifts for passionate home cooks, as they can be set aside for later exploration.

Garten also points out that breakfast-themed gifts are ideal, since hosts often don’t have meal plans for the following morning after dedicating so much time to party preparations. She suggests bringing homemade granola, a quality bag of coffee beans, or even a premium brand of tea. "Something they'll appreciate at another time," Garten highlighted in a TikTok interview. With the Barefoot Contessa's advice in hand, you'll be ready to attend any gathering without showing up empty-handed.

Recommended

Next up

Advertisement