If you’ve been invited to a dinner party, bringing a gift is a customary practice, demonstrating your gratitude and appreciation towards the host. You don’t need to spend a fortune - a small, simple token is a polite and well-mannered way to acknowledge the effort the host has put into preparing a meal for you and your fellow guests. If you require a little inspiration, consider the following suggestions for thoughtful dinner party gift ideas.
While a simple box of chocolates may be a satisfactory gift, you can earn extra brownie points by opting for something a little more luxurious. Artisan confectionery refers to high-quality, handcrafted sweets, chocolates and baked goods crafted with exquisite attention to detail, setting them apart from their everyday supermarket counterparts. They typically feature creative fillings or unique flavour combinations, ideal for fine dining enthusiasts. You can source artisan chocolates online or from local independent chocolatiers.
Classic, timeless and always guaranteed to impress, flowers are undeniably beautiful, adding a touch of freshness and elegance to any home. Gifting flowers is an age-old way to express gratitude and appreciation that dates back to the Ancient Egyptians, the Ancient Greeks, and the Roman Empire. To this day, presenting a dear friend or loved one with a vibrant bunch of flowers is guaranteed to put a smile on their face. Additionally, your host may even use your gift as a table decoration so everyone can enjoy their cheerful appeal.
What’s better than a bunch of flowers? A houseplant, of course! The one disadvantage of fresh-cut flowers is that they inevitably wilt and die, no matter how well you care for them. On the other hand, a beautiful houseplant is a long-lasting substitute your host can enjoy for as long as they please. Alternatively, you could buy them an addition to their outdoor garden, such as a tree sapling or a selection of aromatic herbs, such as rosemary, oregano or lavender.
Homemade gifts are wonderful gestures of thoughtfulness and acknowledgement that never go unappreciated. If you’re a skilled artist, crafter or baker, something lovingly made by your own fair hand can be the perfect way to thank your host for their effort by demonstrating your own. For example, something as simple as a homemade thank-you card can be a meaningful memento your host will treasure for years to come. Alternatively, you could bake some sweet treats for the rest of the dinner party guests to sample.
Wine is the classic dinner party gift. This quintessential offering will never go unappreciated, as it is a timeless symbol of celebration and togetherness. The beauty of wine is there are so many options to choose from. From affordable plonk to truly exquisite varieties such as Pomerol Merlot, there is a wine to suit every occasion. Consider opting for a wine you know your host enjoys. For instance, they may favour rich, bold, full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon. On the other hand, they might prefer a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio.
If there is one thing you can be certain of, it’s that your host enjoys getting busy in the kitchen. As such, what better way to show your appreciation for a cooking enthusiast than with something to support their culinary adventures? From durable cookware to innovative gadgets, buying your host something new for their kitchen is an excellent way to show that you know them well. You could even buy them something to display, like a personalised chopping board or plaque featuring their name. Either way, there are plenty of innovative gadgets from which to choose.
Bringing a dish can double as a gift and a way to alleviate some of the stress of catering for your host. However, it is only advisable to bring a contribution if you’ve been invited to do so. Showing up with a surprise home-cooked course could be construed as disrespectful. However, if you and your fellow guests have been encouraged to contribute, this is your chance to showcase your culinary prowess. You could either play it safe by making something you know everyone will like or take a gamble and prepare something that will broaden everybody’s culinary horizons. Either way, it is always worth communicating with the other guests to avoid the risk of duplicate courses.