A friend is having a backyard evening casual party of sorts. We were told we didnt need to bring anything, but I feel like I should especially since a lot of children including my own will be there. ANy suggestions?
2007-07-28 08:23:05 · 18 answers · asked by icedoodle 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Salad, desert or a bottle.
2007-07-28 08:31:26 · answer #1 · answered by mstrywmn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't bring anything. If you like, call her the day before and ask if you can do some last minute stuff, but if she still says no, fine. Suggest what you might bring: games for the kids, cookies, brownies, ice, beer, Kool ade whatever is available and easy for you.
A small hostess gift is always welcome, a bottle, a six-pack, an inexpensive vase and flowers. But it is for the hostess, not the party. She probably has the party all covered, and some people resent having someone interfere with their plans. Space is often limited, and if you bring a big platter of something, she might not have room for it. She might not be serving alcohol, so she might not want to serve the bottle or 6 pack you brought. When you hand it to her, say, serve it now, serve it to yourself after we all go home, it's for you.
Have a good time!
2007-07-28 16:55:27 · answer #2 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were told not to bring anything then you shouldn't. The host/hostess probably has everything planned a specific way, and by bringing something you're sending the message that you're not completely convinced that they will do it right. What if their theme doesn't involve what you bring, but then they feel obligated to include what you brought?
Imagine you're hosting a party and you plan out the food, drinks and everything. You take the time to make everything just right, and then someone brings something else into the equasion that wasn't part of your original plan. I personally wouldn't like that at all.
If anything, bring a host/hostess gift, which is intended for them to enjoy at a different time whenever they please. A nice bottle of wine or some chocolates work well.
Don't mess with their plans. That's what the etiquette books say.
2007-07-28 16:52:45 · answer #3 · answered by sameveel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she said don't bring anything, then don't. She may have a theme she wants followed, or might only have a small amount of space for food. But if she is a good friend, then an hour or so before you leave for the party call her up and ask if there is any last minute thing that she needs like a couple bags of ice or 1 ingredient she forgot to get. If she says no, then just bring a nice bouquet of flowers or a game for everyone to share like bocce ball or croquet.
2007-07-28 16:24:32 · answer #4 · answered by Rob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's one where people will be playing games (children especially) then maybe a ball or two, or some bubbles (if they're young enough... kids love chasing bubbles), or some other kinds of games or "disposable" toys!
A "hostess" gift is also a nice idea, and if alcohol is "allowed" in the house (some don't, you know) a nice bottle of wine, or if not, maybe a nice "selection" of coffee blends is a good alternative. When you arrive, you "slip" the hostess gift to the host/ess unobtrusively, and say quietly to the side, "Here, this is for the two of you for some other time, put it away for later!" That way, they know they don't have to "make room" for it at the "banquet" they have already planned.
Have a great day!
2007-07-28 15:48:12 · answer #5 · answered by wyomugs 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A citronella candle in a ceramic crock is a great idea for a hostess gift to an outdoor party.
It is affordable, functional with light and bug help, scents the area, and it will be pretty at the party. The host can use it during and after the party. The crock can be cleaned up after the candle is gone and reused as an organizing sorter or a planter...or it can be broken and shards used as drainage in the bottom of another planter. And the gift is ecofriendly.
You can get a wand type disposable lighter to go with it.
Another gift that may come in handy is a huge vat of popup hand wipes to pass along to all the kiddos after dinner.
And for kid fun, a big bottle of bubbles with various wands?
2007-07-28 15:39:27 · answer #6 · answered by musicimprovedme 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The last backyard picnic we were invited to, I made a loaf of stuffed bread. I think the time before that I made a non-mayo pasta salad with orzo. Both went over really well.
2007-07-28 16:30:35 · answer #7 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a date.
2007-07-28 15:42:47 · answer #8 · answered by parkituse j 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
something that is not chocolate, maybe some variety of fresh cut up fruit. that way no one will get upset that you brought something to hype up and mess up the kids. that may be the reason that nothing is to be brought. some people don't like it when others bring sugar and chocolate foods to feed kids!âº
i like the ideas of above about flowers or yard games. thats cool. especially the flowers!âº
2007-07-28 15:30:23 · answer #9 · answered by gone fishing! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
flowers for the hostess. if you decide to bring wine discreetly let the hostess know that this is for her and not pot luck for the party. if she decides to share fine. for the kids iwould bring a large fruit salad or some other healthy sort of snack or dessert.
2007-07-28 15:39:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cookies or brownies are always good. Kids like them and extra dessert is always welcome.
Could bring a yard game for the kids if you have any at home.
2007-07-28 15:27:34 · answer #11 · answered by ohio gal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋