Things to Bring to a Dinner Party (That Aren’t Wine)
Showing up to a dinner party with wine is never wrong, but it’s not always imaginative. Hosts are often already swimming in half-finished bottles from past parties, or maybe they just don’t drink. Either way, showing up with a thoughtful, non-wine gift can make you the guest who actually helps, not just the one who hands off a last-minute Pinot. The best gifts are easy, useful, and show a little intention, just like the following:
Sparkling Water That Feels Fancy
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San Pellegrino and Mountain Valley are solid choices, but go a step further and bring sparkling water in glass bottles. Sparkling water sales in the U.S. have surged by 42% since 2020, according to Statista. It’s a small upgrade that’s classy and works for everyone—drinkers and non-drinkers alike. Bonus: It looks great on a dinner table and pairs well with everything.
A Bag of Ice—Seriously
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Ice is the one thing in every party that tends to run out exactly when cocktails are getting good. Crushed ice, according to a 2023 Tasting Table poll, is the most popular form for mixed drinks. A big bag means fewer freezer refills and happier guests. It’s simple, functional, and practically guaranteed to get a grateful “Oh, thank you!” at the door.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Worth Displaying
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High-quality EVOO, like bottles from Brightland or Citizens of Soil, pulls double duty as a useful kitchen staple and a stylish countertop accessory. Americans consumed over 90,000 metric tons of olive oil in 2023, according to the USDA. Choose a bottle that’s cold-pressed, well-labeled, and visually pleasing. It’ll likely end up in a salad, on fresh bread, or admired next to the stove.
A Quart of Local Ice Cream
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Skip the generic ice cream brands and grab a pint (or two) from a local creamery or cult favorite like McConnell’s. Ice cream is the great equalizer of desserts: easy to love, no prep required, and often the missing piece to that tart or brownie the host made. Vanilla is a safe bet, but if you know the menu, match flavors accordingly.
Breakfast Pastries for the Morning After
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Croissants, muffins, or cinnamon rolls from a trusted bakery? That’s thinking ahead. A thoughtful guest brings something not for the meal, but for the next day, when the host is tired and has a sink full of wineglasses.
A Bottle of Zero-Proof Spirits
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Nonalcoholic spirits are trending, with brands like Ghia and Seedlip leading the way. They offer the complexity of cocktails without the buzz. Bring a bottle with some citrus or herbs for garnish and let guests experiment.
A Pretty Set of Napkins
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Linen cocktail napkins or a printed set of cloth squares add charm to the party and help the host cut down on waste. Anthropologie, H&M Home, and Etsy have sets under $30 that don’t scream holiday clearance bin. They’re not only useful during the meal but stick around long after.
A Luxe Hand Soap for the Kitchen
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Cooking smells like garlic and onion linger longer than expected, especially on hands. A kitchen-specific hand soap, like Naomi’s After-Cooking Hand Scrub, is designed to neutralize those odors while moisturizing skin. Look for scents like bergamot, black pepper, or citrus that are clean but not overpowering. Since it’s often an overlooked item, your host will appreciate the upgrade every time they rinse off.
A Pack of Takeout Containers
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When the food is too good to leave behind, having containers ready is a blessing. Compostable boxes, reusable deli containers, or cute paper cartons make cleanup easier for the host and prevent guests from awkwardly wrapping lasagna in foil. These containers are stackable and totally practical.
A Little Jar of Fancy Salt
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Finishing salts, like Maldon, Jacobsen, or a pink Himalayan blend with herbs, are tiny flavor boosters that make a big impression. They elevate anything from a tomato slice to a steak and feel just gourmet enough. Plus, it’s a subtle flex for the host who’s always cooking something ambitious.
A Microplane and a Couple of Lemons
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A Microplane zester plus a few fresh lemons is a smart gift combo that punches above its weight. This tool grates citrus zest, cheese, garlic, and even nutmeg like a pro—and it’s one of those gadgets that’s somehow always missing when it’s needed. Add two bright lemons, and your host can instantly elevate dressings, cocktails, or desserts.
Artisanal Nuts or Olives in Nice Packaging
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Skip the chips. A jar of Perelló olives or a tin of truffle almonds is more upscale and can be opened immediately or saved for a solo snack later. These work equally well as appetizers or pantry treats. Good brands package their goods beautifully, so there’s no need for extra wrapping. Just hand it over and let the host decide if they want to share.
A USB Candle Lighter
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A rechargeable USB lighter is not only sleek but also safe and always ready to fire up a tea light or taper. The flameless spark works in any direction and feels slightly futuristic in the best way. Amazon and specialty home stores stock models for under $20.
A Small Batch Jam or Sauce
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A jar of something unique, like fig preserves, wild garlic pesto, or homemade chili crisp, adds personality to your gift. It doesn’t have to be homemade (though that’s great), but it should feel like a discovery. Look for local producers at farmers’ markets or specialty grocers. Label it if needed.
A Bundle of Fresh Seasonal Fruit
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In summer, berries or peaches make for a great present. In winter, tangerines or apples will do. A brown bag of fresh fruit from the farmers’ market shows care. They could be a palate cleanser, breakfast, or lunchbox upgrade. Choose fruit that travels well and doesn’t require prep.
A Simple Party Game
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Games like “Wheels vs. Doors” or “Karen” break the ice without breaking the flow. Avoid anything long, complicated, or that divides the room into fierce competitors. Stick with games that are easy to learn and spark fun. Look for titles at Target or Amazon under $25.