Back when I was a person bestowed with enough square footage to host parties, I always appreciated anyone bringing anything. When people asked what they could bring, I always said “more booze,” because I was in my early 20s, and running out of booze seemed borderline apocalyptic. But then I’d end up with bottles of shitty beer, shittier wine, and (one fateful night) dragonfruit vodka, wishing I had asked people to bring a hot dip or something.
Do not misunderstand: Booze is good, but in the end, the real heroes bring treats that soothe and delight drunk people. Comforting, nostalgic, low-to-no-effort snacks and sweets that distract the drunk from drinking even more are particularly welcome, but these offerings would be appreciated by even the most sober guest.
Chocolate chip cookies
Our very own Melissa Kirsch swears by the power of Entenmann’s chocolate chip cookies, and I am personally partial to the tub of Trader Joe’s little crispy bois, but if you want to win the entire party, make like Mara Wilson (of Matilda fame) and roll in with a batch of cookies that are still warm from the oven.
Pizza rolls and the like
Cookbook author and intrepid podcaster Laurie Woolever might be a genius, but she is definitely, without a doubt, an excellent houseguest. Not only does she show up with Pizza Rolls (which are always welcome), but Bagel Dogs. Name a more iconic duo, I dare you.
La Croix (or some other flavored seltzer)
People give La Croix lovers a lot of guff, but I would be about half as hydrated as I am without the gently flavored seltzer. Bringing it to a soiree, as Nick Douglas suggests, benefits the non-imbibers as well as the booze guzzlers, as it gives the former something to drink and hold, and the latter something to replenish with.
Capri Sun
Trying to watch buzzed adults stab the tiny straw into the tiny hole is fun, as is drinking from the squishy bag. Also, like La Croix, it’s another ethanol-free offering, which is never a bad thing.
Root beer float fixin’s
Michelle Woo’s father-in-law brings root beer and vanilla ice cream to every party he attends and (rightfully) is hailed as a hero. If I was in charge of giving out medals, I would give this man two—one for spreading untold joy, and one for reminding me that I should be enjoying more root beer floats—a truly underrated two-ingredient dessert.
What non-alcoholic offerings do you like to bring to a party? I hope you don’t bring flowers. Not only are they not edible, but they demand attention, and most hosts do not have much of that to spare.