For many who additionally dwell by the knock-with-your-elbows rule, you’ve doubtless 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 somewhat deal with. Bought a promotion? You deserve fancy mustard! Feeling untethered concerning the state of the world? Okay, garlic confit can’t remedy that, however you continue to gotta eat.
I like selecting marginally esoteric — this isn’t a second for Heinz, no disrespect — jars of enjoyment. 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 like motion pictures and you may drizzle this on popcorn”).
Condiment gifting isn’t about making an attempt to out-foodie somebody. Relatively, it’s about capturing your host’s joie de vivre in jar kind. Listed here are my favorites to offer — 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 perfect 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 hold this in my fridge for each cheese snacks and peculiar leftover lunch melanges. Each time it goes on deep sale at Entire Meals, we aggressively replenish.
* Salsa Espinaler: Scrumptious with tinned fish and potato chips. Fake you’re in Barcelona.
* Brooklyn Delhi tomato achaar: I really like this spicy-savory combination on inexperienced beans; additionally, rice.
* Just a few 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 advisor and content material strategist who lives in Washington, D.C., together with her partner and two sons. She additionally has a publication: Cheese, Ebook, Restaurant, Factor. For Cup of Jo, Carey has written about her post-kids’ bedtime ritual, the perfect cheese to serve at events, and tips on how to host a kid-friendly brunch.
P.S. How one can be a superb ceremonial dinner host and Joanna’s favourite host present.
(Photograph by Juan Moyano/Stocksy.)
