It's quite common in Italy, where I am from
2006-10-16 00:32:48 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It is largely dependent on the part of the country you're in; also, it depends on how well you know the host, and how formal the occasion. When in doubt, bring something - it's NEVER wrong to show courtesy to your hosts.
2006-10-16 00:35:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I was taught never to arrive at a function empty handed. You can bring a bottle of wine, a small gift for the hosts (candles, flowers, etc.). A note on flowers; if you do bring them, be sure that they are already arranged in a vase or other container, so that the host does not feel the need to stop what he or she is doing to get the flowers into water. This becomes an inconvenience, instead of a lovely gesture. I believe that it is common here in the U.S., but maybe not as common as I think...It should be, though!
2006-10-16 12:00:57 · answer #2 · answered by Kate L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, a small hostess gift is appreciated, but not necessarily expected. It is a courtesy, which the world can certainly w/more of. As mentioned above, flowers, a box of chocolates, a tin of cookies, a bottle of wine are acceptable. Do not expect that it will be used at the meal since many people have their meals completely planned.
You might want to ask if you could bring something for dessert if you'd like to bring something for the table. This will give your hosts a chance to say yes or no and plan accordingly. Have fun!
2006-10-16 08:22:26 · answer #3 · answered by Taffy Saltwater 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, most people in the US are too boorish to realize that it is polite to bring a gift for your hosts (bottle of wine, cake, flowers, etc). But then again, I think that when friends get together in the US it is a less formal dining event than dinner in Italy, which is an actual event.
2006-10-16 12:15:38 · answer #4 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The official American etiquette experts state that you should not bring anything that you expect will be consumed at the meal unless you know for certain the hostess will welcome it, or clear it with them first. That said, bringing a small gift is in very good taste. Flowers, nice chocolates, a bottle of wine (but only if you're sure they won't feel obligated to open it right then), cutesy dish towels, fancy swizzle sticks, etc.
The reason that you don't bring something to consume with the meal is that many hosts/hostesses have planned the meal complete with wine etc. so that it goes together. Adding someone else's wine or dessert might well disrupt their presentation. They will, of course, feel obligated to present it politely and it will cause them great stress. Of course, among friends and family who dine together frequently, they have their own customs. If you're dining in that kind of group, find out what they are and adhere to them regardless of what official etiquette people say. But absent that info, just bring a "hostess gift."
2006-10-16 07:46:37 · answer #5 · answered by Singinganddancing 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Wine, flowers, chocolates are appropriate. As others have mentioned, do NOT expect the wine to be consumed - it is a gift, and its quite possible the host has allready matched wines to food for the evening.
If you know them well, and especially if its informal, you can ask _beforehand_ if you can bring anything (dessert, etc). To be honest, it drives me nuts if I've planned a full meal and people just show up with food they expect me to serve - I'm sure I'm not the only one.
But a gift is very appreciated, and not unusual.
2006-10-16 15:01:29 · answer #6 · answered by kheserthorpe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is expected to either bring a 'side', a bottle of wine...something to take the burden off the host so they are not overspending.
.. Usually I may bring something, but as a cook for a number of years, I offer to help with the cooking, and preparation of the food.
2006-10-16 07:37:16 · answer #7 · answered by Benjamin W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless it is a catered affair, yes.
I try to find something to bring to match the level of the occasion. If it is just friends sharing a meal, a simple dessert or bottle of wine.
If it is something a little more special, I'll try to bring something like a more sophisticated dessert, or maybe champagne if the occasion warrants it.
2006-10-16 07:46:52 · answer #8 · answered by Jon T. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in very rural America and I love to cook so I usually offer to bring a dish of food or dessert but I don't feel obligated to take something. I do have a very dear Italian friend and every time I go to her house, I take a large plate of some baked dessert.
2006-10-16 07:55:35 · answer #9 · answered by old_woman_84 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is common to bring a bottle of wine or, maybe, flowers
2006-10-16 07:36:08 · answer #10 · answered by Ms. G. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋