At a party, who takes the leftovers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'll ask the host is they want to keep the food. I always leave the alcohol behind regardless if it's been open or not.

+1.

Tacky guest story diversion: One of DH's friends once brought a previously opened bottle of Chambord to our house for a very nice NYE party we threw. (We made all the food from scratch, including a buffet and dessert, and provided champagne, wine, booze, and beer. NOT a potluck). Apparently he only brought it because that's the only way he and his wife like to drink champagne. As they skulked out at the end of the night, taking all their food and some of ours (including a bag of our unopened pita from the kitchen), he tried to hide the half-empty bottle in his jacket, but everyone saw him. We don't drink Chambord, so it didn't matter in that sense, but it was so crass and cheap. They don't get invited anymore. The rest of our crew is awesome.

[Anonymous]

If the host doesn't want it I usually dump it. Who wants to eat something that's been sitting out at room temperature, being picked over by who knows who? Blat.

[Anonymous]

We take back the food, leave the drinks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This leads me to another question: Do you bring the best stuff, better than you normally eat to impress? Or do you bring cheaper stuff to save money?

If I have time to shop, I may get non-organic ingredients for a potluck dish versus organic for home consumption. We bring the same quality no-cook items, i.e. wine, cheese, olives, baked goods etc as we eat everyday.

[Anonymous]

I usually take a disposable dish or something I purchased at the dollar store so I will not miss it much. I just leave what was not eaten with the host or give it to someone else. There's no way I'm eating something after it's been picked through and people have touched it, no way!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a standard thing I bring to summer BBQs and it's something I don't usually bother going to the trouble to make for my own family, but I love it. It's usually a big hit but if there is any left I selfishly want to take it home (even though I already made a double batch and left some at home, I literally cannot get enough of this stuff). So I bring it in a nice bowl that is clearly mine, and I kind of half-heartedly offer to leave some with the hosts, and they always say no, so I take it home. It's an anonymous forum, I'm being honest. [/quote
Ok, you and the other PP need to tell us what this is? Homemade potato salad?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'll ask the host is they want to keep the food. I always leave the alcohol behind regardless if it's been open or not.

+1.

Tacky guest story diversion: One of DH's friends once brought a previously opened bottle of Chambord to our house for a very nice NYE party we threw. (We made all the food from scratch, including a buffet and dessert, and provided champagne, wine, booze, and beer. NOT a potluck). Apparently he only brought it because that's the only way he and his wife like to drink champagne. As they skulked out at the end of the night, taking all their food and some of ours (including a bag of our unopened pita from the kitchen), he tried to hide the half-empty bottle in his jacket, but everyone saw him. We don't drink Chambord, so it didn't matter in that sense, but it was so crass and cheap. They don't get invited anymore. The rest of our crew is awesome.

I had this happen at a backyard swim party. A dad whom I didn't know from DC's school brought a high-end beer (six bottles) and I saw him from the kitchen deliberately put it under the party table (had a plastic cloth over it). Meanwhile, I'm slaving over his food, appetizers, etc. Yes, you bet. I definitely went and took one of his beers and put the remaining five up where the other guests could find them amongst the other wine and beer brought. Never invited him again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'll ask the host is they want to keep the food. I always leave the alcohol behind regardless if it's been open or not.

+1.

Tacky guest story diversion: One of DH's friends once brought a previously opened bottle of Chambord to our house for a very nice NYE party we threw. (We made all the food from scratch, including a buffet and dessert, and provided champagne, wine, booze, and beer. NOT a potluck). Apparently he only brought it because that's the only way he and his wife like to drink champagne. As they skulked out at the end of the night, taking all their food and some of ours (including a bag of our unopened pita from the kitchen), he tried to hide the half-empty bottle in his jacket, but everyone saw him. We don't drink Chambord, so it didn't matter in that sense, but it was so crass and cheap. They don't get invited anymore. The rest of our crew is awesome.

I had this happen at a backyard swim party. A dad whom I didn't know from DC's school brought a high-end beer (six bottles) and I saw him from the kitchen deliberately put it under the party table (had a plastic cloth over it). Meanwhile, I'm slaving over his food, appetizers, etc. Yes, you bet. I definitely went and took one of his beers and put the remaining five up where the other guests could find them amongst the other wine and beer brought. Never invited him again.

I would have done the exact same thing! I can't believe people can be that selfish and cheap, especially when they're being provided with so much. (I'm the Chambord PP.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a standard thing I bring to summer BBQs and it's something I don't usually bother going to the trouble to make for my own family, but I love it. It's usually a big hit but if there is any left I selfishly want to take it home (even though I already made a double batch and left some at home, I literally cannot get enough of this stuff). So I bring it in a nice bowl that is clearly mine, and I kind of half-heartedly offer to leave some with the hosts, and they always say no, so I take it home. It's an anonymous forum, I'm being honest.

Ok, you and the other PP need to tell us what this is? Homemade potato salad?

I agree. You must tell us the awesome pot luck contribution. We'll forever be on your debt!

[Anonymous]

Forever be "in" your debt!

[Anonymous]

I just take my serving dish with whatever is left (perhaps asking for foil to cover it). Seems like less work for the hostess..who usually has plenty of leftovers or the food is not good at that point so I will toss at home.

[Anonymous]

I had a cookout and I begged my guests to take leftovers home and had no takers. I ended up having a leftovers party with my extended family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a cookout and I begged my guests to take leftovers home and had no takers. I ended up having a leftovers party with my extended family.

Just wait till the OCD posters see this.