what to bring for a weekend at someone's house
or: how to be a good guest
From Christine:
“Next weekend I head to a dear friends home for the weekend – there will be five of us up there for the two nights. I, naturally, want to show up with my love language gift – food/wine..and I was just thinking gosh I wish I could just open a previous Julia newsletter for ideas on items to bring.”
Christine, this one’s for you!
STUFF FOR BREAKFAST!
- ’s raspberry streusel muffins
granola, yogurt + berries (granola can be store bought - I love Early Bird! — or homemade such as this recipe)
coffee!
a bottle of really nice maple syrup (one of the best host/hostess gifts I know because everyone loves it, it works for every dietary restriction and it’s always more $$ than you want to spend on yourself — think of it like buying a bottle of wine but way more fun)
a few boxes of frozen Trader Joe’s chocolate croissants
order a Russ & Daughters care package to arrive when you arrive…
TAKE CARE OF AN EASY DINNER!
a box of pasta, a jar of tomato sauce (I’m a Rao’s girl), a pound of ground beef (optional) + a hunk of good parmesan, plus Caesar salad dressing + romaine lettuce for an easy pasta dinner (quantities might vary depending on # of people!)
a pot of soup, stew or chili you’ve already made + a big loaf of garlic bread or pan of cornbread
corn tortillas, perfect avocados, a bunch of cilantro + a batch of chicken tinga (here’s my recipe) / plus margarita fixings!!!
TAKE CARE OF SNACKS!
high-quality tinned fish or any of these + Spanish potato chips
nice cheese + crackers + a jar of jam (check out any of these gift boxes from Talbott & Arding!)
excellent dates + some salty cheese and/or peanut butter
FOOD STUFF FOR KIDS!
A copy of Priya’s book!
A kids apron!!
STUFF FOR THEIR HOUSE
stuff for pets — toys, treats, etc.
a set of great napkins or a tablecloth (love Block Shop)
Fancy hand soap like Aesop or a great candle
I hope this ideas are helpful!
xoxooxox Julia
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You have the best ideas! I love Aesop in particular as it NEVER would have occurred and yet who doesn’t enjoy that. Totally agree on maple syrup too. I’ve really loved Runamok and bought the unicorn glitter version for my friend with young kids.
I also want my house guests to immediately make themselves at home; you know - helping themselves to water, kicking their shoes off, getting comfy on the sofa. I think bringing that attitude with you (along with any of the yummy stuff above!) makes the best guests.