What do you bring to a dinner party?

[Anonymous]

I sometimes bring a host gift - a box of pretty soaps from L'occitane or something like that. But usually I bring a bottle or two or wine. I put it in a wine bag so that it's clear that it's a gift and that there's no expectation that it will be served.

[Anonymous]

As someone who has spant many months pregnant and with diabetes, it's a bit saddening to get chocolates or dessert. I like it when people bring soaps, or flowers, or even prefer the wine- at least we can save some for when I'm not longer pregnant.

[Anonymous]

Bottle of wine, great big SMILE and pleasant and interesting conversation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should never bring wine to a dinner party. To do so is to insult the cellar of your host.

I'm so glad somebody else was thinking the same thing I was. I would never dream of bringing a bottle of wine to a dinner party- that is part of the host/hostess's pride of having a dinner party - it would be like showing up at mom's house on Thanksgiving with a turkey I cooked.

A delectable dessert (fine chocolates, gourmet pastries) or even a delightful appetizer would be a better idea. We've also brought a beautiful flower arrangement for the dinner table (not too big so people cant' see over it) or to place in the foyer.

Can't people accept things in the spirit in which they are given? Geez! Does everything have to satisfy some code of etiquette? What about just simply appreciating it rather than clinically assessing it on the basis of some ridiculous man made code of conduct that does not in any way better society? Novel idea but you should try it.
Beam me up Scotty!

[Anonymous]

For a more formal party, I have sent flowers ahead of time with a note ("Looking forward to seeing you...") so the host doesn't have to fuss with them when we get there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should never bring wine to a dinner party. To do so is to insult the cellar of your host.

I'm so glad somebody else was thinking the same thing I was. I would never dream of bringing a bottle of wine to a dinner party- that is part of the host/hostess's pride of having a dinner party - it would be like showing up at mom's house on Thanksgiving with a turkey I cooked.

A delectable dessert (fine chocolates, gourmet pastries) or even a delightful appetizer would be a better idea. We've also brought a beautiful flower arrangement for the dinner table (not too big so people cant' see over it) or to place in the foyer.

OP here. I do think flowers are a nice alternative but a good tip I read somewhere is to have them in a vase so the hostess doesn't have to drop every thing to figure out where to put them.

[Anonymous]

I don't care much about the etiquette mentioned above, I bring wine wrapped for gift. All depends if it's an informal or formal party. If there will be people from other countries and it's kind of informal party, I bring the best wine from the country I'm native to. Malbec is an international winner.

[Anonymous]

Bring your best smile and something you know the host/hostess will like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bring your best smile and something you know the host/hostess will like.

That's right, and for me and most of my friends, that's wine or chocolate! (I would probably re-gift little soaps or fancy teas, as I don't use either of them)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should never bring wine to a dinner party. To do so is to insult the cellar of your host.

Utterly ridiculous. Would flowers be an insult to your host's decor? Or perhaps a sly implication that the house smells?

Everyone knows that a bottle of wine brought to a dinner party is a gift, and never expected to be served on the spot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should never bring wine to a dinner party. To do so is to insult the cellar of your host.

Utterly ridiculous. Would flowers be an insult to your host's decor? Or perhaps a sly implication that the house smells?

haha that's funny

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bottle of wine, great big SMILE and pleasant and interesting conversation.

I, especially, like your suggestion, big smile and interesting conversation.

But if some of you dinner guests need to bring something concrete, bring some dessert.

[Anonymous]

I don't know about you, but I honestly don't mind if dinner guests bring nothing with them. I really do appreciate it though when people help to clean up. Now that is some kind of hostess gift.

[Anonymous]

Anyone who wants "insult my cellar" can do so - maybe I will serve it, maybe not. Actually, those of you who might fear "insulting my cellar" - please. bring wine. Your taste is probably more expensive than my cellar.

Flowers are welcome. Chocolates are welcome. Just a hug is also welcome.

Desserts are welcome, but not as a surprise. (I don't want to feel obliged to serve yours if I expended a great deal of effort).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bottle of wine, great big SMILE and pleasant and interesting conversation.

Please don't bring interesting conversation. You will insult my ability provide the entire night's entertainment, which is going to be interesting stories about myself.