The popularity of olive oil as a dinner party gift has increased due to rising prices, but etiquette experts warn against it as it may suggest a lack of trust in the host's pantry. In Victorian times, prestigious fruits or game pies were sent as gifts instead. Olive oil was highly valued in ancient Rome and had a small but important role in Christian and Jewish culinary history. The prejudice against olive oil in Victorian Britain was challenged in the 1950s with the introduction of the Mediterranean diet and the health benefits associated with olive oil consumption. Despite recent price increases, a bottle of olive oil remains a lovely and magical gift.