What is the term for things that accompany something else in a complimentary way?

The term that best describes things that accompany something else in a complimentary way is "Accompaniment." In culinary terms, an accompaniment refers to items that are served alongside a main dish to enhance its flavor, presentation, or overall dining experience. Accompaniments can include side dishes, sauces, or even dips that work in harmony with the main item, creating a balanced and pleasing meal.

While "side dish" and "garnish" can also serve to complement a main dish, they refer to specific categories. A side dish is a secondary item often served alongside the main course, whereas a garnish is typically a small decorative item added primarily for visual appeal. "Complement," while similar in meaning, isn't commonly used in culinary contexts specifically to refer to food pairings. Instead, it generally refers to any item that serves to enhance or complete something else, which can be too broad in this specific context. Thus, "Accompaniment" is the most precise term for this culinary practice.