"What can I bring?"

[Anonymous]

When you invite friends over for a meal and they ask this, how do you respond? I usually say "just yourselves" but then they bring something anyway - like a gift, instead of a contribution to the meal. I'm starting to wonder if I should throw out a few suggestions, or say we're having x, y, and z, if you'd like to bring anything else please feel free. What is the etiquette on this, and what do you usually do?

[Anonymous]

Knowing they will bring something any way, I usually say dessert, bottle of wine or six pack of beer.

[Anonymous]

I host often and answer this question about once a week. If its a new guest, I usually say "Just yourselves" and then they bring wine or a host gift.

If its a good friend, I let them contribute to the meal and say a salad, side dish or dessert - whatever I feel least like making.

If I am going to someone, I offer to bake fresh bread and if they decline, I usually bring wine or perhaps some books for them or their children.

[Anonymous]

It really depends. Usually, we say "just yourselves - we have everything covered," but when my SIL asks I may just tell her - a dessert, can you make that dip everyone loves, etc. It depends on who we are having. We may be hosting Thanksgiving this year and other family members will DEFINITELY be bringing stuff. If we are just having friends over for dinner, than we usually do everything.

[Anonymous]

I tell people they don't need to bring anything but if they have a specific wine or beer they would prefer, bring that. Then, they'll always bring wine or beer. Nobody likes coming empty handed, even if you really don't need anything. In will do the same when invited somewhere. Or, I might also bring flowers or a desert.

[Anonymous]

I hate this! I'd take the hostess gift. Sometimes, like when I'm throwing a brunch and someone brings buffulo chiken dip in an old dish from the 70's...it kind of goes against the theme or mars my pretty table. Its really nice of them, but if I say nothing thanks, that's what I mean.

[Anonymous]

oops "chicken"

[Anonymous]

lol

[Anonymous]

I usually say, "you don't HAVE to bring anything, but if you want to bring wine or beer, feel free." I know that when I'm invited somewhere, I generally bring a bottle of wine that they can serve, keep or regift.

[Anonymous]

"Bring cash. Lots."

[Anonymous]

"Bring a bible, dildo, and a gun."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Bring a bible, dildo, and a gun."

How come I've never been invited to one of these parties?

[Anonymous]

I hate this! I'd take the hostess gift. Sometimes, like when I'm throwing a brunch and someone brings buffulo chiken dip in an old dish from the 70's...it kind of goes against the theme or mars my pretty table. Its really nice of them, but if I say nothing thanks, that's what I mean.

You have friends that actually want to come over? I can just imagine the great themes you come up with because you seem like a ball of fun

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I hate this! I'd take the hostess gift. Sometimes, like when I'm throwing a brunch and someone brings buffulo chiken dip in an old dish from the 70's...it kind of goes against the theme or mars my pretty table. Its really nice of them, but if I say nothing thanks, that's what I mean.

You have friends that actually want to come over? I can just imagine the great themes you come up with because you seem like a ball of fun

They're probably Sandra Lee "tablescapes." If you don't know what I mean, look them up. You've got to see those monstrosities to believe them.

[Anonymous]

I always bring some type of hostess gift when I am invited to a friend's house. But I do have to admit in general, I dislike potlucks and don't like when people ask me to bring something really specific. I also never expect or ask a guest to bring something when I am hosting.