The 10 Best And Worst Things You Can Bring To A Holiday Party (Slideshow)
Best and Worst Holiday Party Gifts
But what are the best things to bring to a holiday party? Besides yourself and a smile, you can never go wrong with a bottle of wine or a little present for your host. But for every agreed-upon side dish that you can bring, there's something that you should absolutely never bring with you to a party. Pets, a full-blown main course, and any experimental dishes are all things that should stay home this December.
Best: A Nice Bottle of Wine
Few things are more classic party gifts than a good bottle of wine. Whether it's intended to be served at the holiday party or is reserved for your hosts later on, you can't go wrong with good wine, especially if it's perfectly tailored for the food that is going to be served.
Worst: A Cheap Bottle of Wine (for Yourself)
Listen, there's nothing wrong with a cheap bottle of wine when it's you, some takeout on the couch, and a Netflix binge. But if you're bringing something to share at a party or giving someone a gift, it's better to spend more than $5. The only thing worse than bringing a cheap bottle of wine is bringing a nice bottle of wine that you then hog all for yourself. It's the holidays — get in the spirit of sharing.
Best: Classic Side Dishes to Share
It's not uncommon for a holiday party to be a potluck or for a host to want a little bit of help with the cooking. When you RSVP to a party, ask if you can bring a dish and what the host would like for you to bring. You can share a bit of your cooking skills and holiday traditions through a side dish while helping to ease the stresses of hosting a party for your friend.
Worst: Pungent, Messy, or Bizarre Dishes
The holidays should be a time to share your own traditions. However, if your traditions involve casseroles with an entire head of garlic, extra-sloppy barbecue pulled pork, or a highly spiced fish dish that you discovered on your recent trip to the Caribbean, it may be best to leave those for a family meal at your own house. You don't want to leave party guests with bad breath, stains on their clothes, or having to say that they really enjoyed your conch and cow foot chili.
Best: Dessert
What helps to make the holidays the most wonderful time of the year? Dessert, of course! Pies, cakes, cookies, gingerbread, peppermint-flavored anything... it's all appropriate to bring to a party, and it's all incredible. Though there may be such a thing as a party with too many desserts, we have yet to attend one. So when you RSVP, ask what sweet treat you can bring to share. Everyone will thank you for it.
Worst: A Full-Blown Main Course
Is the host serving turkey but you prefer ham? That's truly unfortunate, but bringing your own main course puts the host in an awkward position. It would be rude for them not to put it out, but on the other hand, your main dish could upstage the menu they had planned. Unless you have a major dietary restriction that you discussed with the host beforehand, avoid this major faux pas.
Best: A Small, Seasonal Gift
The holidays are the season of giving, after all. When invited to a party at a friend's home, don't be afraid to buy a seasonally appropriate present for them, such as an ornament, festive wine glasses, or any other holiday décor item. Your host will appreciate the gesture, and who knows, maybe your gingerbread man ornament will become a favorite on the Christmas tree!
Worst: Your Tupperware
Don't attend a party expecting to leave with anything; it's just bad etiquette. Storing extra Tupperware containers in your trunk in the hopes of going home with leftovers galore is pretty tacky. If the host has extra food that they want to pawn off on you at the end of the evening, they'll have disposable Tupperware and foil at the ready for you.
Best: Yourself! (With a Smile and Engaging Personality)
The absolute best thing to bring to a holiday party (or any party, really): a smile. Leave those holiday stresses and winter ailments at home, and be ready to mingle and enjoy yourself. Nobody wants a Grinch at their holiday party, after all. So get festive and have a happy holiday!
Worst: Pets
We know you love your miniature poodle and your calico cat, but it's best to leave them at home this holiday. Not only could the noise and crowd of a party stress your pet out, but you never know if someone might be allergic. Even if you bought your pet a Santa outfit just for this occasion, save it for Instagram.