Progressive Dinner Etiquette

[Anonymous]

I will be attending my first progressive dinner, but will not be the host of any course. It is a neighborhood dinner. t'm not sure exactly how many homes we will attend, my guess is 3-4 based on the size of our neighborhood. I also know that we will be one of the only couples, if not the only couple, attending and not hosting. What do I bring? Do I bring something to each house? I cannot fathom going empty handed, but also cannot imagine bringing multiple bottles of wine with me all night. Should I simply send a thank you note to each host after? Give a thank you/hostess gift after? Is there a protocol? TIA

[Anonymous]

I think the protocol is to host a course.

What about bringing an orchid to each house? Lighter than a bottle of wine. You could place them in a canvas bag and put cardboard from a box around to brace the plants so they don't fall over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the protocol is to host a course.

What about bringing an orchid to each house? Lighter than a bottle of wine. You could place them in a canvas bag and put cardboard from a box around to brace the plants so they don't fall over.

I was invited and the courses are already set. Also, we are about to start a kitchen remodel and are not in a position to host. I thought about flowers. I personally hate potted plants or anything that the host is responsible to care for or decorate with. A bouquet in a mason jar would be okay bc it would be effortless for the hostess, but no easier that wine. There must be an etiquette to this. I've looked a little online to no avail.

[Anonymous]

Wine. It's not a big deal to carry four bottles of wine, then three, then two, then one. Much less hassle than preparing a course, hosting, and cleaning up afterward.

[Anonymous]

Never heard of a progressive dinner. Is it a secret liberal thing ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wine. It's not a big deal to carry four bottles of wine, then three, then two, then one. Much less hassle than preparing a course, hosting, and cleaning up afterward.

Especially if you carry 3 bottles and Dh carries 3 bottles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Never heard of a progressive dinner. Is it a secret liberal thing ?

That is what my DH thought! Your dinner progresses as you attend a different home. Each home hosts a course.

Also, I think I'll bring a bottle of wine to each home. Thanks for the advice!

[Anonymous]

Bottle of scotch Is smaller?

[Anonymous]

How about the Penzey's mini boxes? They are lightweight, easy to carry, and not too expensive. And anyone who likes to host/cook would probably like them.

[Anonymous]

OP, won't your hostess gifts far exceed the value of the meal? Seems like an expensive meal if you are not participating.

[Anonymous]

Don't know the answer, but I would think a small box of specialty chocolates/truffles would be better than flowers or wine--and less cumbersome. Something they can enjoy later as a Thank You.

[Anonymous]

Wine, obviously. This is a no brainer. Yes, you have to carry it with you. Deal with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't know the answer, but I would think a small box of specialty chocolates/truffles would be better than flowers or wine--and less cumbersome. Something they can enjoy later as a Thank You.

I would do this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't know the answer, but I would think a small box of specialty chocolates/truffles would be better than flowers or wine--and less cumbersome. Something they can enjoy later as a Thank You.

I would do this.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Never heard of a progressive dinner. Is it a secret liberal thing ?

WTH?

No, it's a form of dinner party where the a different course is done at different houses, e.g., appetizers, salad, main, dessert. You can have more people attend then people hosting.

I think a thank you note is sufficient, OP, but you're very thoughtful, so I'm sure people will appreciate the wine, but don't expect anything for this kind of party.