I go to people’s homes for the company. If I want a gourmet meal I head to a restaurant.

Anonymous wrote:I’m more impressed by homemade food, and it usually tastes better, but so many people serve stuff they’ve picked up from Costco or Whole Foods or wherever, it’s NBD. I’m just grateful you’re hosting at all.

+1

When we lived in NYC, people were much more thoughtful about making/serving delicious food, either homemade or from a good restaurant/bakery. We got here and I almost had a heart attack when everyone served Costco food. I do have to say I am so tired of a veggie tray and a cheese/charcuterie tray. Boring! But at this point I just expect very “mid” food at parties and am just happy to be invited and that someone took the time to host.

We order Lebanese taverna, Indian, or tacos. I would not serve Costco. And I don't eat it when I'm served it.

For large parties, it's normal to do catering. For a few guests, people cook themselves or order restaurant food.

In my circle, people like to cook and make home-made meals for their guests. I used to do that too, but I gave up and now order party platters of sushi the rare times I invite people (I know they like sushi).

Whatever you want to do, OP!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Its bizarre that he's criticizing you for not cooking but he also isn't cooking ????

This is a husband problem not a Costco problem.

He's now in charge of the food for the party AND the clean up.

I agree with this. As far as your guests' experience (not your husband's) goes, I think it depends on a few things:

Is it a dinner party or a house party? These are very different things how I grew up. At a dinner party, I'd expect more home-cooked or catered. At a house party, Costco is fine.

What do these people serve when they host you? If they are doing all home-cooked, they might appreciate the same effort being reciprocated in return. Or, they may not care at all and just enjoy not being the ones to host for a change. Do they keep inviting you back, after they've been to your house? If so, you're probably fine with the Costco food. If the invitations have dwindled or slowed, you might want to kick it up a notch.

Finally - are these people you need/want to impress? Say a boss, or someone you're hoping to get a favour from/college recommendation letter for your kid, referral to join a members-only club, etc.? If so, then yes you need to do better than Costco. If they are friends/loved ones/neighbours there is often more leeway.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m just happy to be invited. I don’t care who makes the food.

+1

+1 same and I think most people fall under this category as well. At least the people I consider friends.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. It’s tacky and not good. If you don’t want to cook, order excellent take out, or just have over for drinks. But Costco reheated food, hard no. That’s offensive.

Honestly, I would not want to be friends with you. Tacky? Offensive? It's yummy food with friends. Lighten up.

I mean ... Costco stuff is not "yummy food." It's perfectly fine, in my opinion, for a party that is just some apps. But it's not "yummy." DP

Anonymous wrote:Yes. It’s tacky and not good. If you don’t want to cook, order excellent take out, or just have over for drinks. But Costco reheated food, hard no. That’s offensive.

Honestly, I would not want to be friends with you. Tacky? Offensive? It's yummy food with friends. Lighten up.

I’m more impressed by homemade food, and it usually tastes better, but so many people serve stuff they’ve picked up from Costco or Whole Foods or wherever, it’s NBD. I’m just grateful you’re hosting at all.

I guess it depends on people's expectations and the kind of atmosphere you wish to create. I would not automatically say gauche. Also, Costco does some things well, if you know which dishes to choose.

Do you know whether your attendees are foodies who care so much about food? Any reason that they would expect upscale catering?

Anonymous wrote:I’m just happy to be invited. I don’t care who makes the food.

+1

Anonymous wrote:For a cocktail party with apps, Costco stuff is fine.

For a dinner party? I'd judge.

I think I fall here. For a dress up, Saturday night dinner party? A bunch of reheated Costco entrees I would judge.

For cocktails where people are going to circulate with a drink and maybe grab a small plate of something to snack on? Totally fine.

I just hosted a Hanukah party with TJs frozen potato pancakes.Rest of the food was mine No regrets or apologies

Anonymous wrote:Just have it catered from somewhere--Wegmann's catering is actually pretty good. I don't think 15 people expect that you're making everything yourself.
.

As long as the food is decent I don’t think there is any real difference between getting it from Wegmans or Costco.

Anonymous wrote:Its bizarre that he's criticizing you for not cooking but he also isn't cooking ????

Yes, this is very rude.

I don't mind Costco food. I feel like most parties I go to are a mix of prepared food and homemade.