Polite way to respond to should I bring anything?

[Anonymous]

I'm white - I am almost physically incapable of showing up to someone's house without bringing something.

[Anonymous]

I say this as a courtesy but not because I’m hoping to bring anything. I will of course show up with a hostess gift and if asked to bring something I will. I think it’s impolite to ask guests to bring anything to a party you are hosting but I also think it’s impolite so show up empty handed. Lol. I’m not sure I helped. Sorry! I hope you enjoy your party!

[Anonymous]

It is a tough situation, OP! I'd just say something along the lines of what PPs have posted 'other guests will probably bring something because that's something South Asians do, but I don't really care either way. Just looking forward to sharing a meal with you!'

Personally, as a white American that attends many American and non-American events, I LOVE being told not to bring anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is a tough situation, OP! I'd just say something along the lines of what PPs have posted 'other guests will probably bring something because that's something South Asians do, but I don't really care either way. Just looking forward to sharing a meal with you!'

Personally, as a white American that attends many American and non-American events, I LOVE being told not to bring anything.

It’s not a tough situation at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is a tough situation, OP! I'd just say something along the lines of what PPs have posted 'other guests will probably bring something because that's something South Asians do, but I don't really care either way. Just looking forward to sharing a meal with you!'

Personally, as a white American that attends many American and non-American events, I LOVE being told not to bring anything.

Wow, they're being polite when they say not to bring anything. I hope you are coming with a small hostess gift.

[Anonymous]

“Thank you for offering! I think we will have plenty, but if you’d like, feel free to bring some dessert. There’s really no need though!”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You're overthinking! Tell them to bring wine or whatever they like to drink, or a dessert.

Thanks. But how do I say it exactly? Like word for word. In my culture its very rude to tell someone to bring something. Instead its like a game. You tell someone not to bring anything and then they bring something. I know its weird but that's how it works.

Something like “you do not have to bring anything, but if you want to, an extra bottle of wine is always welcome”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"We are covered for food. So just come and enjoy.

Also, I wanted to let you know that no alcohol or pork product will be served or consumed. "

I bet they will show up with baked goods or flowers/plants.

Ahhh no. No.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"So excited to see you! Feel free to bring your favorite dessert or appetizer if you'd like, but no need!"

This.

[Anonymous]

I will come, bring nothing, eat and drink everything then leave before clean up starts. What time should I arrive?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I usually tell guests that if there’s a specific dessert or drink they like, to please bring it. It’s easier if there are kids coming too. I sometimes tell people what we’re serving or what kind of food we’re having, and if they ask what to bring, I tell them to bring something their kids will eat if they don’t think their kids will like what’s being served.

Same in the us. You say don’t bring anything and they will bring wine.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes I say "don't bring anything" and sometimes I say "a wine or dessert would be great" or something like that. In this situation, I would suggest the latter, as you know that everyone else will be bringing something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Assess who is bringing what and ask for what’s missing. Most people asking this question want to bring something but don’t know what you are planning and are just looking for direction.

“Oh sure you can bring a dessert if you’d like” or “if you have a favorite appetizer that would be lovely”

This, and good luck OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"We are covered for food. So just come and enjoy.

Also, I wanted to let you know that no alcohol or pork product will be served or consumed. "

I bet they will show up with baked goods or flowers/plants.

Ahhh no. No.

What's wrong with this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"We are covered for food. So just come and enjoy.

Also, I wanted to let you know that no alcohol or pork product will be served or consumed. "

I bet they will show up with baked goods or flowers/plants.

Ahhh no. No.

What's wrong with this?

DP.

It sounds a little...controlling or something. My SIL is married into a huge Pakistani family and none of them would ever say that. That said, we know what not to bring. I guess I would assume that OP's friends have some sort of clue, as well.