What do I take to a dinner party?

Question

My husband and I have been invited to dinner at a co-worker's house. There are about 6 couples in total attending. The email invite sounded semi-formal, certainly not casual.

I asked the host if there was anything I could bring. The reply was, "No, I think my wife has everything taken care of." Normally, I would show up with a bottle of wine after that response. However, you don't show up at this particular house with wine. The husband is a wine connoisseur. He works part-time in a wine shop, and is the resident wine expert around the office.

Is it rude to show up empty-handed? The only other thing I can think of to bring is fresh flowers. Any other ideas?

Answer 1

take a bottle of crown royal

Answer 2

You should show up with something, and even though he is the "resident wine expert" doesn't mean you should be intimidated into not bringing a bottle of wine. Pick out something you love, or something you know he will like, and bring that. You could also bring a good bottle of a Port wine, it is a little different, and something that people enjoy on occasion.

Also, anyone can become a wine connoisseur today, just read "Wines for Dummies" and begin experimenting with different types.

Answer 3

Fresh flowers are a no-no. It forces the hostess to stop what she is doing to take the time to cut and place the flowers in the vase. She most likely already has a center piece, and if your flowers aren't in the same theme then you flowers are like the white elephant.

I don't think in this case it is rude to show up empty handed. You may want to contact the co-workers wife directly though, sounds like hubby wasn't' sure. You could also talk with the hubby and tongue-in-cheek ask him what one wine would bring to 'his' house for a dinner party, and then go pick up one of those.

You could also bring a nice box of chocolates or candy - the expensive stuff.

Answer 4

Bring both wine and flowers as it is always nice to be treated in that special way.
Men might shrug off the idea of bringing/or receiving a host/hostess gift, but Ladies don't listen. To bring something nice to a party shows that you are appreciative and thoughtful.

Answer 5

I would ask again and say "Is it ok if I bring an appetizer?" That is a good thing to bring, because it doesn't interfere with a main course, you could even bring a dessert if you ask. Flowers are ok, but they are considered a faux pas by some, because the hostess has to stop and get a vase, or they might not match her decor, but i think that might work in this situation. No wine, chocolates maybe, if it's a nice brand in a box, like Godiva or something Belgian.

Answer 6

Flowers are fine. And if he loves wine that much then do not worry about bringing some. People who love it that much love to find new types, or they love it even more when people don't know much about it and they can teach others. You can get them a nice bottle, and tell him you don't know what you are doing. He will love to tell you all about it and he will love you after that.
A few recommendations that I am sure he would love.
Ferrari Sarano (sp) Chardonnay
La Crema Chardonnay
Ruffine Chianti Classico Reserva, 97 would be wonderful, but any year would be great.
You will impress him with these, and it will be fun for him.
Have a great time. Bring a smile, some conversation, and a desire to get to know people and enjoy your self. That is the best guest to have at a party.
B

Answer 7

NEVER show up empty handed. EVER. If you can't bring wine, bring flowers, a cake or some other form of dessert that they won't feel bad putting aside for later, in case they've made a dessert of their own for the party.

Answer 8

Bring a nice bouquet of flowers, a candle, a gift basket with some gourmet cocoa and cookies, or other little "hostess" gift. This is a nice way to show that you appreciate being invited to someones home. ---- It is not rude to not bring anything, because you are a guest. I know how you feel though. I hate going to someones house empty handed, even when I have been told I do not need to bring anything.

Answer 9

Take the hostess a little gift in a nice gift bag. The gift could be a nice candle, some fun napkins, chocolates, or luxury soaps. (Bath and Body Works is a great place for this. Just a simple little gift says so much, and takes care of that awkward feeling of arriving empty handed.

Answer 10

I suggest you take a nice arrangement of flowers. Stay away from liquor because like you said, he's a wine connoisseur. He may not like hard liquor.

Do not take a dessert. It may not pair well with the wine they have chosen for dinner/dessert.

One last suggestion, you may go to the shop where he works part-time, explain the situation to one of his fellow employees and see if they can suggest something from the shop that he likes or has been curious to try.

Answer 11

I'd keep it fairly simple, because alot of people don't like curry, or spicy foods, yet you DO want it to be special. Try this: Busy Day CHICKEN KIEV 6 boned & halved chicken breasts 1 c. butter, softened 1 clove garlic, minced fine 1 TB. EACH chopped chives & parsley 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. EACH rosemarry & pepper 1 c. sour cream 1 c. bread crumbs 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese Mix softened butter with herbs, salt & pepper. Roll up into 3/4"x8" sticks and freeze until hard. Meanwhile, pound chicken breasts flat. Lay a butter roll on each chicken breast and roll up. Secure with a toothpick. Dip into the sour cream and roll in bread crumbs (mixed with the Parmesan cheese). Place in a single layer in 9x13" pan, and bake uncovered at 400 for about 40 min. Serves 6 Alot of the prep can be done the day ahead, and this is a very SPECIAL dish. Serve with fresh steamed broccoli or asparagus, a fruit salad of strawberries & pineapple...and a package of wild rice Rice-a-Roni type rice. ... A quick, easy dessert is Vanilla Bean ice cream, with a can of apple pie filling that you've heated up and pour on top....