Can’t Show Up to a Party Empty-Handed? Here’s What To Bring

Rushing out the door to yet another Christmas gathering or holiday soiree? Just remember you have to arrive with something to offer besides your brilliant self.

Whether you like to have a stash of gifts on hand for such an occasion, or you actually have the luxury to think long and hard about the perfect gift for your charming host, it’s good to keep the basics in mind.

We’ve got a few suggestions for presents that won’t be exchanged or regifted. That means giving a practical gift that’s also a little indulgent – something to be savoured. Sounds like a tall order? Not with this list in-hand.

The Bin 28 Shiraz has remained a Penfolds staple since 1959, becoming a calling card both for the winery and for the wider Barossa Valley. Several distinct vintages of the shiraz blend are usually available, all sharing strong tobacco notes and a big flavour punch. Bring some mature cheese to pair it with in a party setting; otherwise, let your hosts and fellow guests know that fragrant savoury dishes and robust red meat will perfectly complement this bold drop. As far as red wine goes, this is a surefire bet.

The end of the year naturally prompts thoughts of renewal, so why not lean into that with a living, growing gift? A hardy house plant or sturdy succulent is easy to transport and can last for years with minimal care, while a colourful display of flowers is more ephemeral but briefly quite beautiful. Have a think about who is receiving the plant and what sort of environment it will end up in – would something overly leafy or more subdued be best? Either way, it makes for a welcome counterpoint to more fleeting gestures.

That’s right: there’s a new edition of our original The Broadsheet Melbourne Cookbook, a gifting favourite since its 2015 release. The New Classics is exactly what the name implies: a comprehensive update with more than 80 new recipes from the city’s thriving food scene. It includes culinary newcomers and of-the-moment dishes that weren’t around when the previous book came out, plus all the lasting favourites you would expect. With dozens of new dishes to try making at home, it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

You might just reach for the most affordable olive oil while doing your shopping, but there are many great choices beyond that. Remember, you aren’t just cooking or baking with oil, but also using it as an all-rounder ingredient. Premium Aussie olive oil brands now offer their liquid gold in squeeze bottles, perfect for tableside garnishing. Different olive oils are suited to different things, so if you know the specific kind of cooking the recipient likes to do, you can customise your choice even further – it’ll show you’ve put extra thought into the gift.

Here’s another easy one, though you have to make sure you don’t choose a scent that’ll be off-putting to the recipient. Again, have a think about their home and habits, and what would naturally slot into the scene. Try one of Troye Sivan’s Tsu Lange Yor candles, or Melbourne brand Ode Studio’s evocative natural scents. You could select something for the season, picking a light and airy fragrance for the summer months or thinking ahead to the chillier mid-year stretch. And if the giftee doesn’t like strong scents to begin with, simply choose an unscented candle so they can still bask in that calming flicker.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Liquorland.