In recent years, the rules of dinner party etiquette have been evolving. What was once considered good manners—bringing a bottle of wine as a gift—is now being replaced by a new trend. According to a report from Waitrose, guests are increasingly opting to bring a bottle of olive oil or other long-lasting items instead. The days of wine as the go-to gift may be over.
This shift in gifting preferences is not without reason. House & Garden magazine sparked the conversation when they questioned whether a “trendy” bottle of oil could be the new wine when it comes to dinner party gifts. Graza, a premium olive oil brand, confirmed that their customers and investors have found olive oil to be well-received as a gift. Not only can it be used during the meal, but there will also be some left over for future use. In contrast, a bottle of wine often disappears quickly or collects dust.
The change in etiquette extends beyond just olive oil. Guests are now considering alternatives like olives, nuts, honey, vinegar, and premium salt as suitable gifts for hosts. These items not only last longer than wine but also offer more versatility in their usage.
While bringing wine was once seen as good etiquette, American TV chef Ina Garten suggests otherwise. She believes that bringing items that might make the host feel obligated to serve them is not ideal. Instead of traditional gifts like cheese or wine, she recommends alternatives such as homemade granola, quality coffee, or caramel chocolate that can be enjoyed at another time.
Victoria Moore, The Telegraph’s wine correspondent, has been practicing this alternative gifting approach for years to avoid appearing cheap with just free samples. She noticed her friends following suit and speculated that it may stem from an assumption that the host will already have sorted out the wine selection.
Another unspoken understanding seems to be emerging among guests—that they should avoid bringing items that add clutter or take up cupboard space in someone’s house. Scented candles, for example, are not as popular as they once were due to this consideration.
Waitrose suggests that having a pantry stocked with premium and aesthetically pleasing brands has become somewhat of a status symbol. Guests who bring wine are more likely to show up with boxed or canned options. Sales of non-bottled wine have seen a 25% increase since last year, due in part to their environmental friendliness and space-saving advantages.
In the realm of cocktails, cheese-based drinks like “feta brine martinis” are gaining popularity. Savory umami-flavored cocktails are also on the rise, according to a report by drinks brand Diageo. As for food choices, flexible options like dips and “picky bits” are proving to be crowd-pleasers.
The report from Waitrose also highlights the changing behavior of younger generations when it comes to cooking. With social media platforms like TikTok becoming sources of inspiration, recipe books are being left behind. Seventy-two percent of young people embrace a “no recipe” approach to cooking, while 70% of those aged 45 and above still rely on their trusty recipe books.
As society continues to evolve, so does our understanding of etiquette and gift-giving norms. Bringing olive oil or other long-lasting items to a dinner party may soon become the new standard. The days of wine as the default gift seem to be waning as hosts and guests embrace alternative gestures that offer both practicality and thoughtfulness.
