Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:High quality spices or salt and pepers.
flowers

In my house, both of those would go in the garbage as soon as you left.

Why would you throw away high quality spices? Don't you use them to cook?

Can someone please explain why when you extend an invitation to me, I am suddenly obligated to go find you some fancy soaps or local chocolates? Why can't I send you a nice thank you note and include you the next time at my expense and effort.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I invite someone over for dinner, I do it because I want them to come over for dinner, not bring me anything. I hate that people feel an obligation to spend money after I'VE been the one to extend an invitation. I'm neither cheap nor thoughtless, but I absolutely hate this social convention. What's wrong with just inviting someone over?

This is called being polite. You never go to someone's home empty handed.

Maybe so, but I'm looking at a few responses, and people are listing the things they hope to get. This is a rude attitude of the heart, and this expectation kind of nauseates me. Are you inviting people to dinner so they'll bring you something?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To 16:01-- are you as snarky in person as you are online??

Not 16:01, but I don't see that response as snarky at all. It's very direct and honest, not to mention refreshing.

+1 I don't see the snark. I'm an NP and they basically summed up exactly what I think too with no sarcasm.

Wine unless its someone who doesn't drink, then flowers or chocolate. Please god don't bring a candle.
[youtube]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L5Xkb78KxY[/youtube]

Well thanks to you both, PPs! I'm 16:01 and wasn't intending to be snarky. Just "tell it like it is". Don't bring junk to my house.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To 16:01-- are you as snarky in person as you are online??

Not 16:01, but I don't see that response as snarky at all. It's very direct and honest, not to mention refreshing.

+1 I don't see the snark. I'm an NP and they basically summed up exactly what I think too with no sarcasm.

Wine unless its someone who doesn't drink, then flowers or chocolate. Please god don't bring a candle.
[youtube]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L5Xkb78KxY[/youtube]

I thought you brought wine as a gift to be used LATER, not to be opened with the meal because the wine might not complement the meal.

I honestly never thought about flowers and toxicity to pets. I have started bringing a "next morning" basket with gourmet teas & coffees but I guess I better think about those who don't drink coffee or tea

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:High quality spices or salt and pepers.
flowers

In my house, both of those would go in the garbage as soon as you left.

Bizarre.

Anonymous wrote:To 16:01-- are you as snarky in person as you are online??

Not 16:01, but I don't see that response as snarky at all. It's very direct and honest, not to mention refreshing.

wine or flowers are always good. Re dessert, it depends on the occasion for me. If my good friend says 'want to come over for dinner?' I would offer to bring a part of the meal (app or dessert). If I was invited to a "dinner party" where it is probable that the host has carefully planned the entire meal, I would buy a floral arrangement or a really good bottle of wine.

A strip of scratch off lottery tickets

Bottle of wine, ask if I can pick up anything at the store on my way, and reiterate the offer an hour ahead of time.

Anonymous wrote:High quality spices or salt and pepers.
flowers

In my house, both of those would go in the garbage as soon as you left.

High quality spices or salt and pepers.
flowers

Nothing - I don't need knick knacks so I don't curse them on my friends. I don't want them to bring food for a dinner I have carefully planned so I don't show up with food for their dinner. Same for wine.

I don't understand people who think "why did she bring wine, when we don't drink?"

Because I do drink. Open it and serve it.