For many who additionally stay by the knock-with-your-elbows rule, you’ve possible given a lot of wine to hosts through the years. Wine is nice! It’s good to convey one thing that individuals will take pleasure in! However you already know what’s higher?
CONDIMENTS.
It’s my agency perception that condiments work for any event. Having a foul day? Right here’s some glistening harissa for just a little deal with. Received a promotion? You deserve fancy mustard! Feeling untethered concerning the state of the world? Okay, garlic confit can’t resolve that, however you continue to gotta eat.
I like selecting marginally esoteric — this isn’t a second for Heinz, no disrespect — jars of pleasure. My rule of thumb: purchase one thing particular, however not so area of interest that your good friend received’t use it. And provides them one thing that they both a) are already obsessive about (I see you, chili crispheads) or b) in all probability don’t have however that matches their life (e.g., “this made me consider you as a result of I do know you’re keen on motion pictures and you’ll drizzle this on popcorn”).
Condiment gifting isn’t about making an attempt to out-foodie somebody. Somewhat, it’s about capturing your host’s joie de vivre in jar type. Listed below are my favorites to provide — none are greater than $20:
* Soom darkish chocolate tahini with sea salt: Nice spooned proper out of the jar, even higher slathered on toast (“That is the very best factor I’ve ever tasted” — precise textual content message from a giftee).
* Fly by Jing zhong sauce: A multi-dimensional savior for bland noodle bowls.
* Divina caramelized onion jam: I maintain this in my fridge for each cheese snacks and bizarre leftover lunch melanges. At any time when it goes on deep sale at Entire Meals, we aggressively refill.
* Salsa Espinaler: Scrumptious with tinned fish and potato chips. Fake you’re in Barcelona.
* Brooklyn Delhi tomato achaar: I like this spicy-savory combination on inexperienced beans; additionally, rice.
* A couple of spices that additionally make nice host items: Z&Z’s sprinkle-on-everything za’atar, Burlap & Barrel’s royal cinnamon, and Spicewalla’s inexperienced cardamom.
What’s your favourite condiment? What do you want bringing as host items?
Carey Polis is an editorial guide and content material strategist who lives in Washington, D.C., along with her partner and two sons. She additionally has a e-newsletter: Cheese, E-book, Restaurant, Factor. For Cup of Jo, Carey has written about her post-kids’ bedtime ritual, the very best cheese to serve at events, and easy methods to host a kid-friendly brunch.
P.S. How one can be a very good feast host and Joanna’s favourite host present.
(Picture by Juan Moyano/Stocksy.)
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