What would you bring to a brunch?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Just want to assure everyone I'm not an insensitive boar. I generally never give "stuff" other than things that can be consumed. Everyone generally has plenty of "stuff." I was not trying to "upstage" the hostess. My mother just always taught me that if you go to someone's house, you need to bring something. Ended up bringing wine and the paper whites as PP suggested. Was a lovely brunch.

Good call. As someone who enjoys cooking, I plan a meal to the smallest detail. Alcohol and flowers are always welcome, but if you bring food when I specifically asked you not to, I find it rude, despite what you mother says.

I think proper manners would be to take the lead of the hostess, not just do what you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Just want to assure everyone I'm not an insensitive boar. I generally never give "stuff" other than things that can be consumed. Everyone generally has plenty of "stuff." I was not trying to "upstage" the hostess. My mother just always taught me that if you go to someone's house, you need to bring something. Ended up bringing wine and the paper whites as PP suggested. Was a lovely brunch.



Oh, god, I seethe when someone brings me something I have to tend and keep alive. Great move, OP.



Paper whites don't actually live very long. Then you throw them out. If they are truly that offensive, just toss them.

Great. Now you're bringing the hostess a gift that dies. And forcing her to confront mortality, especially of the innocent and the beautiful. Some cheer-bringer you are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Just want to assure everyone I'm not an insensitive boar. I generally never give "stuff" other than things that can be consumed. Everyone generally has plenty of "stuff." I was not trying to "upstage" the hostess. My mother just always taught me that if you go to someone's house, you need to bring something. Ended up bringing wine and the paper whites as PP suggested. Was a lovely brunch.

Oh, god, I seethe when someone brings me something I have to tend and keep alive. Great move, OP.

Paper whites don't actually live very long. Then you throw them out. If they are truly that offensive, just toss them.

Oh, I do. The next trash pickup can't come soon enough!

[Anonymous]

In defense of the OP, she was told by the male half of the couple to bring nothing. She doesn't know what the wife thinks. Some women (me) don't care about hostess gifts, but many women, like the OP, would think it rude or at least odd to not bring a hostess gift, so I think the OP was erring on the side of caution.

[Anonymous]

That is true, you can ask the wife what is needed.
If you go empty handed, just make sure you make yourself useful by providing help in serving and cleaning up.

[Anonymous]

Prosecco

[Anonymous]

http://societyfair.net/home/ Not sure where they live but one of the best gifts we received at a holiday party was a gift card and some good vanilla and things from Society Fair. We used the gift card for the wonderful fresh milk and breakfast goodies the day after Christmas. It was very thoughtful.

[Anonymous]

I sometimes bring a good bottle of olive oil from Williams Sonoma or a gourmet store for someone who cooks. Like some of the other ideas PP have mentioned, too.

[Anonymous]

Petit fours and champagne.

[Anonymous]

a special fruit juice (with or without champagne) and flowers

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Prosecco

Gross. Only if you're a frenemy.