What to Bring to a Party: 10 Picks for Dinner Gatherings

You have been invited to an intimate dinner party or a larger gathering by a friend, neighbor, or acquaintance. Maybe it’s a potluck where you have to bring a dish to share or maybe the host has specified that you don’t need to bring anything. 

Regardless of the type of invitation you received, you might be wondering what to bring to a party to show your gratitude. The goal is to bring something that will complement the menu, add variety to the spread, or demonstrate your thoughtfulness. 

So, we rounded up some of our favorite ideas for both situations, a potluck and what to bring to a dinner party when you are told to bring nothing.

1. A Delicious Charcuterie Board 

A charcuterie board loaded with your favorite meats, cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, jellies, and olives is always a welcome addition to any potluck. Our Chomps meat sticks also go great on any board. 

If charcuterie is old news for your friends consider a butterboard. This TikTok trend is a twist on a traditional charcuterie board. It involves spreading high quality butter on a wooden charcuterie board, adding toppings like nuts, edible flowers, and honey, and serving with crusty bread.

2. Unique appetizers

There are many appetizers you can bring beyond a charcuterie board. We rounded up a few ideas from our registered dietitian friends and our own recipe collection that are both healthy and tasty.

• Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Arugula Tart by registered dietitian Christiana Zavaglia-Iaboni makes for a delicious appetizer. 
• If you are attending a holiday party consider these Christmas Pinwheels by Laura Yautz, RD of Being Nutritious.
• Our Whole 30-friendly Jalapeno poppers, a spicy party favorite.
• Or consider these Crudite and Ranch cups that look adorable on any festive table.

3. A Fresh, Seasonal Salad

A seasonal salad is a great addition to any potluck, plus people might enjoy having a healthier option to choose from. A few festive options to consider include:

• Fennel and orange salad by registered dietitian Anne Danahy at Craving Something Healthy.
• Spinach, sweet potato, and pomegranate salad by Amy Lawson, RD at Thrive Nutrition. 
• Citrus arugula salad by registered dietitian Julie Kay Andrews of The Healthy Epicurean.
• Fall Harvest Salad that uses our Turkey Chomps for a bit of flavor and protein.
• Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate, Kale, and Butternut Squash by Elysia Cartiledge, RD.

4. Dips and Spreads

Dips and spreads are easy to enjoy for any potluck and are typically simple to prepare. Serve these dips with veggies, and crackers, or try some of our keto chip recipes. Here are a few ideas for things to bring to a party:

• Ricotta Dip with Balsamic Roasted Grapes by Julie Kay Andrews, RD of The Healthy Epicurean.
• Layered Hummus Dip by Lisa Andrews, RD of Sound Bites Nutrition.
• Cold Bruschetta Dip with Creme Fraiche by Lizzie Streit, RD of It’s a Veg World After All.

5. Desserts

Maybe instead of a savory option, you prefer to contribute something sweet to the party. We found a few sweet recipe ideas that would be easily transported and add to the festiveness of the party.

• Lemon Olive Oil Cake by Anne Danahy, RD at Craving Something Healthy.
• Fruit Tray with Cinnamon Yogurt Dip by Laura Yautz, RD at Being Nutritious.
• Holiday Fruit Salad by Leanne Ray, RD at Healthy(ish) Appetite.
• Pomegranate Chocolate Bark by Sarah Schlichter, RD of Bucket List Tummy
• Chocolate Date Truffles by Caroline Thomason, RD

If you’re unsure what to bring to a party as a guest, desserts are a safe and universally loved option.

6. Drinks

While a bottle of wine may be a traditional hostess gift, if that doesn’t work thinking outside the box is acceptable. Maybe your host doesn’t drink alcohol, so consider a fancy variety of coffee or teas instead. Even a nice water or coffee cup can make for a thoughtful gift that can be used all year.

Or if the host does like to enjoy a cocktail, consider a cocktail gift basket with their favorite mixers and accessories. For example, does your host love a good Bloody Mary? Consider a gift basket loaded with mix, lemon juice, stuffed olives, peppers, spicy Chomps, and quality Vodka.

Need more holiday gift basket ideas? Check out our roundup.

7. Decorative Gifts

If you know the style of your host or hostess, a decorative gift may be a welcome addition. It may be something they treasure for a long time. 

If you choose to bring a decorative gift, consider making the gifts personal like framed art prints of art you know they love, beautiful decorative vases filled with their favorite flowers, or a candle with a fragrance they enjoy.

8. Plants and Flowers

Plants or flowers are a versatile gift suitable for any host, whether they have a green thumb or just appreciate a bit of nature indoors.

A bouquet is always a beautiful gift for any occasion, but flowers only last a few days, even when kept properly. A nice blooming plant might be a better option, as it can last much longer, just be sure it comes with instructions for how to care for it.

9. Useful Gifts

While beautiful or decorative gifts may be fun, sometimes a practical or useful gift is also welcome. A few examples might include:

• A board for the charcuterie that they can use over and over.
• Decorative dish towels that are both cute and practical.
• Unique kitchen tools, like a cocktail shaker, instant-read thermometer, or a fancy kitchen knife.
• If they love to grill, consider some of these gifts for meat lovers.
• Subscription services to their favorite magazine, streaming service, or gourmet food.

You know your host, so a useful gift is whatever they might need to help make their life easier or more enjoyable.

10. Gifts to Achieve Goals

If your gathering is around the holiday season, your hostess might be thinking of goals for the year ahead. Consider giving a gift to support those goals. These might include: 

• Notebooks or journals
• Fitness trackers
• A motivational book
• A vision board kit
• Motivational wall art

If they are looking to make some dietary changes in the new year, consider some of the gifts on our ultimate keto gift guide or a Chomps subscription.

Wrapping Up the Essential Things to Bring to a Party

Bringing a thoughtful gift to a dinner party is a wonderful way to express your appreciation for the invitation. Whether it's a delicious dish to share, a decorative item, or something practical, the right gift can enhance the festive atmosphere and show your gratitude. 

Remember, the best gifts are those that reflect consideration for the host's tastes and needs. So next time you’re wondering what to bring to a dinner party, consider one of these thoughtful ideas to make a lasting impression and contribute to a memorable evening.