With the holidays coming up my boyfriend and I always end up in a sticky predicament of our "no meat" and "very little dairy" policy. How do I tell a host that I don't eat meat, and would be happy to bring my own food (without insulting said host). While I am an animal rights advocate, I try not to preach to people about my choices, but educate if asked.
Any suggestions?
2006-11-13 18:05:30 · 27 answers · asked by rocksnobb 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
To be honest there is no other way than telling them, unless you have a mutual friend who you think might do better. I find with things like this it is not what you're saying, but the way you say it. If someone has spent hours and hours and hours preparing food and then someone comes in and says 'I don't want to eat the vast majority of what you've prepared.' then that can for obvious reasons be insulting. However if you let people know, with as much notice as you can give and say it on a non preaching way, just with simple honesty, then most people would appreciate that. For me, as a host, one of the key things to a good party is making sure everyone who visits feels comfortable and able to enjoy themselves!
2006-11-13 18:12:25 · answer #1 · answered by waggy 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Suggest a potluck. This lets you both be able to share food that you enjoy and you won't need to compromise what is important to you. This tends to be a "safe" route no matter what your eating habits are like. Potlucks also tend to be easier on the host/hostess since everyone is helping with food preparation...not just the one person.
Above all, though...never lie about this. Don't make up excuses for why you don't eat meat. If you're a bit uncomfortable explaining your dining preferences to your host, there are plenty of creative ways (i.e. the potluck idea) to to eat other foods in a uninsulting way without resorting to lying.
2006-11-13 18:08:37 · answer #2 · answered by Mary K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are invited to a Dinner and you know the person that is hosting the meal,tell her you'll bring your own food.If the site of all the dead animals upset you, ask about the time dessert will be served.That way you are excepting the invitation,and coming,but only for the dessert.My thinking is that with all the food at a Thanksgiving Dinner, you would surely have enough to eat----everyone has vegetables and starches at that meal.If it's a big deal to you you'll find a way...Happy thanksgiving.....
2006-11-14 05:18:00 · answer #3 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your being invited to a party and the host doesn't know you are a vegetarian, there may be many others coming that are too,the host should realize that and provide a variety of meatless snacks and side dishes and at least one meatless entree. I think it may not be exactly proper to bring your own food without asking, if you let her know ahead of time you don't eat meat, she should comply (for lack of a better word) you could ask her ahead of time if she would mind if you brought your favorite dish for yourself and any other vegetarians. What better way than a vegetarian bring and prepare the veggie dish!.
2006-11-13 18:17:59 · answer #4 · answered by Mt ~^^~~^^~ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would ask if it was OK to bring a few dishes that you too can eat because you dont eat meat. I can't imagine the host would say No.
In the future, when invited I would say " I would love to come but I just want you to know that I dont eat meat" or something like that.
2006-11-14 06:09:32 · answer #5 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is not that big of a deal. If I were hosting a party, I would be happy to find out about the dietary preferences of my guests. You could simply let the host know ahead of time. I think your offer to provide a dish would be most appreciated.
"Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I don't eat meat. I don't want to put you out at your party, so would it be okay if I brought a dish along?"
If I got an RSVP like this, I would bend over backwards to accomodate the person's diet.
2006-11-14 16:57:00 · answer #6 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a vegetarian, normally the only holiday parties I go to know and have stuff for me to eat.
Here's what I'd do (this is what I do for potlucks and parties at work). I bring a dish or two to share that I know I can eat. Also, I've asked if there would be anything vegetarian or in your case vegan. If not, just expect to bring more.
2006-11-14 03:09:37 · answer #7 · answered by njyecats 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell your host "Thank you for inviting us, but I need to let you know that we do not eat meat and we eat dairy rarely". Let your host know that you are willing to bring your own food and that you would still like to be invited and enjoy their hospitality or friendship. Thank you for not preaching. It is usually a big turn off to those who do not believe that way. Good luck and just be honest.
2006-11-13 18:15:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I was vegan for several years and I actually knew a lot of people who were supportive and would go out of their way to accomidate me but it sort of made me feel guilty. I have a very ignorant extended family but on Thanksgiving I would always bring my own Tofurky even though I was the only one who ate it. Heck, I still love Tofurky way more than real Turkey...
Maybe suggest bringing a dish or two of your favorite food. Get them to try it, they might like it, you know? And at least you can eat that if nothing else. I don't think it's rude to tell people your prefrences, it's rude if they ridicule you for it. Best of luck to you!
2006-11-13 18:10:41 · answer #9 · answered by Polo Panda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the host/hostess before the dinner or when you accept the invitation so that she can prepare something for you in advance. No, don't take something for you to eat. Also, if someone is not a vegetarian don't talk about it at all unless you are invited to a party or someone asks you.
2006-11-13 18:12:49 · answer #10 · answered by Judith 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋