What to Bring to a Summer Gathering (Besides a Bottle of Wine)

Pool parties, backyard barbecues, and alfresco dinners abound during summer—but that doesn't mean you need to arrive with the same bottle of wine as everyone else. There are plenty of ways to thank your host that feel a touch more thoughtful, regardless of the specific occasion. 

We chatted with three event planners and hosting professionals who shared memorable alternatives they recommend, plus the well-intentioned gifts that can accidentally create more work than they're worth.

Choose Gifts the Host Can Enjoy Post-Party

When selecting a host gift, think beyond the party or event itself. "One trend I particularly love is the rise of 'tomorrow gifts' rather than 'party gifts,'" Preena Patel, owner and lead event planner of Preena Presents, says. "Instead of bringing something meant to be consumed during the gathering, guests are bringing items the host can enjoy once the event is over."

Marley Majcher, event planner and CEO of The Party Goddess, agrees, saying the right hosting gift also doesn’t require the host to "manage" it. Here are a few practical yet fun examples from our experts.

• Breakfast pastries: Majcher suggests choosing a favorite local bakery, and bonus points if these can be delivered the next morning after the party.
• Artisanal bottle of olive oil: High-quality olive oil is a gift hosts will know is meant for their own use, and they won’t feel obligated to share with guests.
• Specialty coffee beans: “It acknowledges the effort that goes into hosting and gives the host something to look forward to after everyone has gone home,” Patel says.
• Fresh fruit: Hovik Harutyunyan, event planner and CEO of Harutyunyan Events, likes going to the local farmer’s market to select an in-season batch.
• Specialty sea salt: A gourmet finishing salt is the kind of thing many people enjoy but rarely buy for themselves, making it the ideal hosting gift.
• Honey with actual honeycomb: Harutyunyan recommends gifting high-quality honey that includes a piece of honeycomb for a unique touch.
• Useful gadgets: Majcher likes gifting phone charging pads (because who can ever have enough of them?). 

Bring Something That Matches the Gathering

An item that specifically fits the gathering’s theme is also particularly thoughtful. Here’s a quick cheat sheet (courtesy of Patel and Majcher) depending on the shindig you’re attending.

If you’re headed to a BBQ or picnic:

• Gourmet barbecue sauce
• Elevated condiment set
• High-quality serving tongs
• Citronella candles in stylish containers
• Chic food covers
• Tabletop fly fans

If you’re going to a pool party:

• A luxe sunscreen
• Colorful cocktail napkins
• Set of cocktail garnishes, such as dehydrated citrus slices
• Outdoor serving tray
• Craft bottled cocktails

If you’re dinner-party bound:

• Handcrafted candle
• Monogrammed disposable guest towels
• Rechargeable candle lighter
• Fancy cocktail olives
• Set of small serving spoons, condiment forks, or cheese knives

Skip Host Gifts That Create More Work

According to our experts, one of the most common host-gift mistakes is bringing something that requires immediate attention from the host. “If it needs to be arranged, refrigerated, plated, or managed during the event, it's probably creating more work than value,” Patel adds. 

A particularly easy trap to fall into? Bringing unarranged flowers to a gathering. Harutyunyan says if you’re going to bring flowers, they should already be cut, arranged, and in a vase (that the host can keep) so it doesn’t create extra work. “Also, do not bring food unless confirmed by and coordinated with the host beforehand,” Harutyunyan adds. “A dish unknown to the host can not only compete or clash with the event menu, but also cause unnecessary extra work for them if it requires elaborate instructions.” 

A good rule of thumb? Majcher says, “Avoid bringing anything that requires the host to make a decision on the fly. Hosts are already juggling guests, food, timing, and logistics.”

Personalization Matters More Than Price

A memorable host gift doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, experts say personable gifts often leave a stronger impression than costly ones. “I would recommend selecting a gift that is both unique and personal to the host,” Harutyunyan explains. 

Here are a few ideas:

• A coffee table book featuring their special interest
• Locally sourced products with a story behind them
• Luxurious soap and lotion set for the host’s bathroom
• Small batch syrup (for coffee or cocktails, depending on the host)
• High-quality tea towels 

"A great host gift should say 'I wanted to delight you and thank you for hosting me,' and not, 'Here's an expensive thing I hope you like and can figure out what to do with,'" Harutyunyan explains. "It should feel effortless yet thoughtful."