It is becoming increasingly common for guests at a meal to arrive with a bottle of wine as a gift. However, this traditional practice is being questioned, as it is seen as a necessary gesture to avoid showing up empty-handed. It is almost a rule to stop by a wine shop or supermarket before arriving at the event and select a well-known brand to avoid looking bad regarding the price. Sometimes, this bottle of wine turns into just another detail among the multiple containers that guests accumulate as they arrive.
On the other hand, a supermarket chain in the UK conducted a survey on the best gift to bring to a dinner. It was found that currently, wine can be considered something "rude" or even "impolite" and that it would be more appropriate to bring a bottle of olive oil, as it is considered a luxury item.
The newspaper The Telegraph titled an article "Olive oil is the new wine," highlighting that one of the advantages of oil is that it doesn't disappear quickly during dinner, as wine might. Oil is a useful gift that can be enjoyed on future occasions, extending the pleasure beyond the moment of receiving it.
A London sommelier mentioned that giving items that take up space for the host, like scented candles or even wines, can be seen as inconsiderate. In both cases, it is unlikely that they will complement the table, since they are usually planned for by the hosts. There is a desire to show a certain status or ethics through the gift, which has led to a change in the choice of packaging from glass to cans and cartons, gaining popularity in the UK.
The new trend suggests bringing oil, olives, or nuts as a gift to the host, as these gifts can be more useful and lasting than a bottle of wine.
