9 Finds That Every Host Wishes You’d Bring to Dinner (Trust Us, We Asked!)

“I've gotten tea towels as gifts (which I do enjoy!), but I would have liked to get something that's just as practical as it is beautiful. For small, casual gatherings, I like to give a pretty set of Swedish dishcloths, which don't need to match someone's decor quite as much as a tea towel might.” —Megan Baker Detloff, Home Projects Director

“My friend and her boyfriend gave me these oils as a host/housewarming gift, and they're so tasty and feel so special! It's that ‘basic thing but better’ type of gift that you wouldn't get for yourself, but brings a lot of enjoyment and deliciousness.” —Terri Pous, Executive Editor

“I know a bottle of wine isn't everyone's cup of tea. But Avaline always hits for dinner parties and girls' nights, at least if I'm hosting. It doesn't have added sugars or concentrates, so it feels easier to drink a glass IMO, even midweek. I like the regular ‘White,’ but they just added a Cab Sav and Pinot Grigio to the lineup, and you can't go wrong with any of them.” —Danielle Blundell, Executive Home Director

“I love the idea of gifting a host something they’ll use later (and not during the party) that’s equal parts elevated but practical. This TRUFF truffle oil adds some luxury to ordinary dishes (It’s great with pastas, pizzas, or even just eggs!), and it's only $20! As an alternative, you could get this truffle salt instead for $15.” —Stephanie Nguyen, Lifestyle Director

“When I moved into my new home and hosted dinner for my family for the first time, my sister-in-law brought me a cute little set of decorative stakes for my houseplants. The ones she got me aren't available anymore, but I think this one from Etsy would be a lovely gift for a host who you know has a killer plant collection.” —Megan Baker Detloff, Home Projects Director

“I think you can't go wrong with cute matches — especially if it's a birthday dinner and there will be birthday candles and wishes later! They don't take up too much room, they're practical, and they're pretty cheap. I'm loving these matchboxes lately!” —Sarah Everett, Home Projects Editor

“My last name is Fish, so everyone always gets me fish-themed gifts (some cheesy, some super useful). In the latter category, last year a friend of mine gifted me this adorable silver fish-shaped flask. I don't use it all that often, but I love how it looks on my bar cart, and when I do bring it out, everyone raves!” —Quinn Fish, Lifestyle Staff Writer and Senior Lifestyle Editor of The Kitchn

“I know it’s cliché, but I really do love giving and receiving flowers, particularly in a stylish glass vase they can keep. They’re just a pretty and symbolic way to show gratitude or brighten someone’s space!” —Savannah D. Lebreton, Cleaning and Organizing Editor

“I’ll always offer to bring a dessert or a side dish to take one thing off the host’s plate (cooking for a lot of people is no small feat!). And because the whole point is to reduce stress, I’ll bring it on a ready-to-go serving platter, so it can go straight on the table. This ceramic one makes any food offering look way more elevated with its rich, chocolatey brown hue.” —Alexa Casanova, Shopping Writer