I don't like to show up empty-handed, so I'll bring a bottle of wine if the host says "nothing." If someone asks, I'd say, "bring wine if you like."

I hate this. If you want to bring something, then just bring it already.

sorry but if you say NOTHING i'll bring NOTHING.

how can you say NOTHING and expect the guest to read your mind?

Sometimes I will list the menu and say nothing is required, but if they want to add anything, it would be lovely. I usually have a pretty complete menu, but I graciously accept all offerings.

I usually say nothing, but with friends who insist I just list what I plan on serving and tell them to bring whatever they'd like but not feel obligated.

Anonymous wrote:Haha. If they're close friends and we've had many meals together, I gratefully accept and offer a category: dessert, salad, appetizer. Anyone we've not had over before or have a more formal relationship with, I say "just yourselves."

This is typically us. We entertain friends often and usually the couples we socialize with will call or text with "hey we just bought a bottle of wine/cheese & crackers/dessert and will bring it with us tonight". Very casual among all of us.

Usually I'll say nothing, but if they keep insisting I'll say that if there is something special they like to drink, maybe bring some of that to drink and share. Since that's pretty general, they could bring anything from a 99 cent bottle of soda to a nice bottle of wine. No pressure.

If I know them well and they insist, I will suggest something. Otherwise I will say nothing and they will usually still bring something, which is nice.

I usually say to bring nothing bc I have planned out the whole meal. I will ask close friends/ family to bring dessert or wine

Haha. If they're close friends and we've had many meals together, I gratefully accept and offer a category: dessert, salad, appetizer. Anyone we've not had over before or have a more formal relationship with, I say "just yourselves."

"A gun, a dildo, or a bible."

Anonymous wrote:I usually say "Nothing!" which is code for "alcohol of any kind."

This and when I say "nothing" to some people, I really mean nothing, because 1) their kitchen is gross and 2) they make everything with velveeta. Not trying to be rude just stating facts.

Anonymous wrote:I usually say "Nothing!" which is code for "alcohol of any kind."

This.

I usually say "Nothing!" which is code for "alcohol of any kind."

do you decline because they shouldn't have to contribute to the meal or accept because friends are generally happy to do so and it helps out. This is an informal neighborhood gathering..