We love cocktail parties around here, but sometimes the question of what to bring to a cocktail party is a tough one to answer. Is it appropriate to bring something, or would it be stepping on the toes of the host or hostess? Speaking of who’s hosting the party, what about a hostess gift? So many questions!
Generally speaking, when you get the invitation, bringing at least a little something is the classy thing to do – unless you know the occasion specifically doesn’t call for it. Here are our suggestions for what to bring to your next cocktail gathering.
Key Takeaways
- The perfect cocktail party gift is one that fits the occasion and considers the host.
- Beverages are often welcome, including wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks, also.
- If you bring an appetizer, choose one that will be well received by all
- If you’ve been invited to a party, don’t forget to RSVP so the host can plan how many guests will be there
- If the invitation doesn’t specify if you should bring something, choose a simple gift, like bread or wine
Bringing Wine or Alcohol to a Cocktail Party
A nice bottle of wine or another type of alcohol is almost always a wise choice when it comes to bringing something to a cocktail gathering – after all, it’s an event centered on cocktails! Still, there are a couple of things to consider.
The first is whether you think the host of the party will share the bottle of your choice with the guests or reserve it for a private evening. A safe bet is to choose something that fits the theme of the party so that the host can choose to go either way.
If there’s a theme, such as Tiki cocktails, you might want to bring a nice rum or a fancy bottle of Orgeat syrup (purchased or homemade). What you don’t want to do is go totally off-theme. For example, bringing tequila or margarita mix to a martini party. This might make the host feel a bit awkward and as if they now feel obligated to offer a drink that doesn’t fit in with the theme they no doubt spent so much time on.
If there isn’t a set theme, or the theme is something more general – like wine and aperitifs, then you have a bit more wiggle room with what you choose to bring. Any of these options would be good choices.
Wine
If the host of the party is one of your friends or family, then you probably know their taste pretty well and can tailor a bottle of wine to them. If you’re not sure, it’s best to go with one that is more likely to be enjoyed by most of the guests – including those that aren’t regular wine drinkers.
If you know what types of appetizers are being served, you can always choose to pair your wine selection with that but don’t feel pressure here. Your host can decide if they prefer to serve it or save it for another time.
While we love a nice red wine, white wine seems to have a broader appeal. Choose a wine that’s not too sweet or too dry. A Sauvignon Blanc might be a nice choice in this case. For red wine, choose something mellow but pleasing, such as merlot or Malbec.
Beer
If you’re choosing beer as a host gift, go with a craft beer that’s in nice bottles. Maybe bring a new seasonal brew or something from a local brewery if that’s an option. If you’re bringing it as a gift, a six-pack works well, or maybe a curated pack of four craft brews.
If it’s going to be served to the guests, it really doesn’t hurt to ask the host if they have a preference. This includes if they prefer bottles or cans.
Hard Cider
Sparkling cider or hard cider is a drink that seems perfectly suited to bring to a cocktail gathering. It can be a casual drink, or it can be dressed up by serving it in elegant classes. It’s like champagne but not really, and the flavors are often pleasing to those that just don’t like brewski.
Cordials & Spirits
A nice cordial, or hard spirit is a good choice if you’re following the theme of the party or you know the host’s tastes. A cordial is a nice drink that someone may not buy for themselves, and certain ones work well in a variety of drinks, which can be a huge bonus for a cocktail party.
A few ideas include Grand Marnier, which can be used in a variety of cocktails, a nice bourbon, a blackberry liqueur, or something a little different, like elderflower liqueur.
BYOB
If you’ve been invited to a BYOB (bring your own booze), then all the rules go out the door when it comes to what to bring. Choose something that you like to drink but also something you might not mind sharing with friends. It’s best to keep it simple so you don’t have to fuss with multiple mixers.
The Gift of Food
When everyone at the party is drinking, some food is a must. Not only does having snacks to nibble on help control the amount that the guests drink, but a good appetizer spread also encourages mingling. Putting on such a spread is part of the fun of hosting a party, but that doesn’t mean that some food gifts won’t be a welcome addition.
Savory
Savory foods are often a big hit, and you don’t have to get complicated with this at all. A nice loaf of artisan crusty bread is always a crowd-pleaser, as is a cheese board or charcuterie board. Include a variety of cheeses, including soft and hard cheese, as well as a range of mild and pungent. You could also choose just one wedge of artisanal cheese.
Sweet
If you’re attending a dinner party with pre-meal cocktails, the host might appreciate a little something to add to the dessert table. This doesn’t have to be a showy dessert ( you don’t want to upstage anything they’ve prepared or had catered), but little nibbles are wonderful. Think along the lines of gourmet truffles, bite-size baklava, mini fruit tarts, etc.
What To Avoid
Unless you have the ok from the host, stay away from foods that are known allergens, especially if there’s a risk of cross-contamination. For example, someone with a dairy allergy might easily avoid the cheese tray, but they might not realize there’s a small amount of butter in the sauce for your chicken wings.
Likewise, someone with a shellfish allergy might plunge a carrot into a dip that another guest used as an alternative dressing for their shrimp cocktail.
Also, don’t bring something that will be surprisingly spicy. A little heat is fine, but maybe skip the ghost pepper salsa for this one. It likely won’t be eaten and will just be a waste of your money or efforts.
Should You Bring a Host/Hostess Gift to a Cocktail Party?
The answer to this depends largely on where the party is being hosted. If the party is hosted in someone’s home, then yes, a hostess gift is proper etiquette. If the party is at another venue, then don’t sweat it. The host likely doesn’t want to transport a bunch of gifts, and it’s acceptable not to bring one in this case.
Hostess Gift Ideas
- Gourmet chocolates
- Artisanal honey
- Candied ginger
- A homemade dish in a nice bowl that includes the recipe (perfect gift for housewarming parties)
- Flowers if you know the host isn’t allergic or sensitive (wine bottles make wonderful vases in this case)
- A board made of champagne corks
- A book of fancy cocktail recipes
- Whiskey stones
- Bar accessories
- Artisanal bitters
- Homemade liqueurs
