Ina Garten, the beloved Barefoot Contessa, is synonymous with hosting splendid dinner parties, and her insights on the topic are always highly anticipated. Recently, Garten shared her thoughts on the essential etiquette of attending dinner gatherings during an interview with TODAY host Willie Geist at City Winery in New York City.
In response to Geist’s query about guest etiquette, Garten revealed two common items that should never make their way to a dinner party: Jell-O salad and loose flowers without a vase. She humorously remarked on the impracticality of bringing something like Jell-O salad, questioning, “What are you going to do with that?” This garnered laughter from the audience, highlighting her charming delivery.
Garten further elaborated on her aversion to loose flowers, advising against bringing them unless they are presented in a vase. She noted the predicament such flowers create, particularly when guests arrive and the host is left scrambling for a place to put them. “That’s the worst!” Geist affirmed, recognizing the unwelcome hassle it can cause.
This isn’t Garten’s first time sharing her expertise on dinner party dynamics. Her advice has been sought after for years, including detailed columns published in House Beautiful in the early 2000s. Beyond flower and food etiquette, she has offered guidance on various hosting challenges, such as dealing with late arrivals. Garten’s solution is to wait up to 30 minutes for tardy guests and then quietly adjust the seating if they don’t appear.
As event planning continues to be a popular topic, Garten’s down-to-earth tips serve to simplify the guest experience and ensure everyone has an enjoyable evening. Whether you’re a seasoned host or an occasional guest, following her advice may just elevate the next dinner party you attend. With Garten’s humor and wisdom, dinner gatherings can be less daunting and more delightful.