Never Show Up Empty-Handed, Show Up With Condiments

For those who also live by the knock-with-your-elbows rule, you’ve likely given lots of wine to hosts over the years. Wine is great! It’s nice to bring something that people will enjoy! But you know what’s better?

CONDIMENTS.

It’s my firm belief that condiments work for any occasion. Having a bad day? Here’s some glistening harissa for a little treat. Got a promotion? You deserve fancy mustard! Feeling untethered about the state of the world? Okay, garlic confit can’t solve that, but you still gotta eat.

I like choosing marginally esoteric — this is not a moment for Heinz, no disrespect — jars of delight. My rule of thumb: buy something special, but not so niche that your friend won’t use it. And give them something that they either a) are already obsessed with (I see you, chili crispheads) or b) probably don’t have but that fits their life (e.g., “this made me think of you because I know you love movies and you can drizzle this on popcorn”).

Condiment gifting isn’t about trying to out-foodie someone. Rather, it’s about capturing your host’s joie de vivre in jar form. Here are my favorites to give — none are more than $20:

* Soom dark chocolate tahini with sea salt: Great spooned right out of the jar, even better slathered on toast (“This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted” — actual text message from a giftee).

* Fly by Jing zhong sauce: A multi-dimensional savior for bland noodle bowls.

* Divina caramelized onion jam: I keep this in my fridge for both cheese snacks and weird leftover lunch melanges. Whenever it goes on deep sale at Whole Foods, we aggressively stock up.

* Salsa Espinaler: Delicious with tinned fish and potato chips. Pretend you’re in Barcelona.

* Brooklyn Delhi tomato achaar: I love this spicy-savory mixture on green beans; also, rice.

* A few spices that also make great host gifts: Z&Z’s sprinkle-on-everything za’atar, Burlap & Barrel’s royal cinnamon, and Spicewalla’s green cardamom.

What’s your favorite condiment? What do you like bringing as host gifts?

Carey Polis is an editorial consultant and content strategist who lives in Washington, D.C., with her spouse and two sons. She also has a newsletter: Cheese, Book, Restaurant, Thing. For Cup of Jo, Carey has written about her post-kids’ bedtime ritual, the best cheese to serve at parties, and how to host a kid-friendly brunch.

P.S. How to be a good dinner party host and Joanna’s favorite host gift.

(Photo by Juan Moyano/Stocksy.)