Guesting: How to Show Up, Win Over Your Host, and Make the Most of Any Occasion

by Gail Simmons

From author, culinary expert, and Top Chef judge Gail Simmons comes a fun, informative, and trailblazing guide to a rarely explored side of how to be a great guest.

Countless influential voices have written books about hosting, offering tips for what to cook, how to set the perfect table, mix the best drinks and create the most welcoming vibes. But hospitality, by definition, involves at least two people; where is the advice for guests?

Culinary expert and perennial Top Chef judge Gail Simmons is something of a professional on the subject. As a tastemaker and lifestyle authority, she is invited to countless social events running the gamut from world-class fine dining and international affairs to neighborhood potlucks. Through it all, she knows that for any gathering to be a success, guests must rise to the occasion and actively embrace their role.

In Guesting, Gail unpacks the reciprocal nature of this relationship and explores the sometimes-tricky choreography that governs its dance. She also shares her essential tenets of guesting, and proven strategies for navigating any social situation (yes, even assigned seating). From dinner parties to weddings, religious observances to restaurants, Guesting guides readers through all types of “get-togethers” with confidence and grace. It also connects the vital role guesting plays in our wellbeing and the integrity of our collective culture, at a moment when technology and the temptation for short-term comfort have diminished our inherent need to create―and maintain―human relationships.

And since any good guest knows that bringing something to the table is always the right move, Gail shares ideas and recipes for thoughtful store-bought contributions, homemade food gifts, and favorite dishes to share with a crowd. Whether you’re visiting an old friend, going out for dinner, or attending a milestone celebration, Gail has the answers and inspiration to help you become the consummate guest.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cookbooks

272 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication November 3, 2026

Reviews

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook and while Gail is a great narrator, this is a book that probably is best experienced in print. The last 25% of the book is a series of recipes which doesn't really translate well to the audio format. Overall though, this book provides so much interesting information on how to be a good guest for any occasion, and why you should want to be a guest in the first place. I really loved the tenets she discusses and can't wait to put them to practice.

Gail Simmons has been a long time culinary expert and judge on the TV competition show Top Chef. She says that so many books about hosting and how to be a good host have been written, but not many (if any) about how to be a good guest. She reflects on the different things that are needed to be the type of guest people want to have in attendance in their home.

I particularly loved her in depth discussion about bringing a gift when you are a guest. She has so many great suggestions and in the back of the book there are multiple recipes for things you can make to bring: from spice mixes to pickles to dishes you can contribute to a meal. Gail discusses the different situations, holidays, and celebrations where you might be invited to attend and the nuances of each.

This is a great book to add to your collection to refer back to over and over again.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening to Guesting as an audio is definitely the way to go, right until you get to the very end. Gail Simmon is a great narrator and really leans into the storytelling component of the book but the last quarter or so are all recipes and that was a bit much on audio.

Most of the thoughts on being a good guest are not new concepts, but as a Top Chef and overall, Gail Simmons fan, I loved her telling stories of why these anecdotes are in the book, I really enjoyed her chapter on bringing a host gift and the wide range of suggestions and thought that goes into it.

Publish Date: November 3, 2026
Thanks to Macmillan audio and Netgalley for the early listening copy in exchange for my review.

[Abby Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a Top Chef superfan for ages and JUMPED to get this! Thanks Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC. Gail's narration is perfect! She mixes details about being a great guest with humor and class. 5 stars.

[Karlyn Marcantonio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced Reader’s Copy audiobook provided by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Guesting by Gail Simmons, is a great reminder post covid on how to be a good guest, friend and person. It is a great reminder to be thoughtful, and take the time to truly be present with those hosting you, your friends and family, or whoever else might be at the event. Simmons offers many tips, and even a few helpful recipes to try!

[Ashica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very easy to follow along book. I didn't learn anything revolutionary from this, but there were interesting tidbits and side stories that made it an enjoyable read.

The narration was also very clear and easy to follow along with.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audio.