Listen up Millennials. We Boomers would never consider showing up as a guest for dinner or whatever without bringing the host something, usually wine or flowers. Ina Garten, host and chef extraordinaire (way better than Martha Stewart), would never arrive empty-handed but does not ascribe to the wine-flower paradigm. She feels it’s disrespectful (another concept lost on your generation) to bring something the host might feel has to be served that night. Ina opts for something the host can enjoy the next day such as coffee beans or granola. While the thought makes sense, those gifts are fraught with danger. What if the host is in A-fib and can’t tolerate caffeine or suffers from Drip-o-phobia, the fear of water-process decaffeination? Granola? Do you know the hosts allergies? An errant peanut might send the host into anaphylactic shock and a life-threatening race to locate an EpiPen?
But Ina is correct in saying wine and flowers are so 20 minutes ago. Here are some modern suggestions:
- A Krugerrand: Light and shiny; who doesn’t love a little gold?
- Two Open First-Class Airline Tickets: Let them jet off to an exotic locale to de-stress after hosting you!
- All-expense paid Couples Week at the Aman Tokyo Spa: Airfare optional but appreciated.
- A “George Clooney All Taxes Paid Cash-Filled Suitcase:” Cash is always in Fash (ion)”
If any of you wants to take my advice, first seek help. If you are still determined to follow one of these suggestions get over here for dinner, NOW!