I've been invited to a dinner party for Thanksgiving and the hosts insist that they have everything they need (from the Turkey to the wine, flowers and desserts). Etiquette and my good heart says I should still bring something. But I don't know what to bring. Any ideas?
2007-11-20 03:33:59 · 13 answers · asked by Dittany 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Etiquette says don't take anything if they ask you not to. They are not going to want to deal with unexpected food or flowers.
Make a donation in his honor to a local charity, preferably one that feeds poor people. Get a thank-you card, write inside it that you appreciate his hospitality and have made a donation to the __ charity in his honor. Then put the card on the table in his front hall, he'll find it before or after the party.
2007-11-20 03:49:40 · answer #1 · answered by noname 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
ALWAYS bring something, no matter what they say. As a host, it is only proper behavior to have your guest come and just bring themselves. A good host never wants to have the guest feel compelled to bring anything because you want to make them feel at home. That's proper etiquette.
However, a good guest will bring something. I once had a welcome-home party and a good friend of mine brought decorative toilet paper which I thought was really funny. You may want to bring wine for Thanksgiving - I think red wine would be suitable or even dessert wine. You could also bring a game if you like. All this depending on your hosts, if there will be children around, and how close you are to them.
I think it's always important to bring something. I just went to a welcome-home party this weekend and was told not to bring anything. I did anyway and I'm glad I did. We ran out of drinks and had to open my bottle. Everyone was grateful.
2007-11-20 11:51:43 · answer #2 · answered by BABY 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If the host insists that you shouldn't bring anything, then don't bring anything. If you simply can't show up empty handed, you could always offer to help clean up after the party. Do something that they need done. That way, everyone wins.
2007-11-20 14:38:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I love those ceramic turkey planters, either filled with the fall colored flowers or a plant. If the flowers wilt and the plant doesn't survive, she still has a great ceramic turkey to set out next year on Thanksgiving Day.
2007-11-20 21:00:34 · answer #4 · answered by mj 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You could bring a scented candle for the host. You can also bring a bottle of wine or box of chocolates to designate as a gift for your hosts to enjoy later.
2007-11-20 11:49:26 · answer #5 · answered by detailgirl 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bring something for after Thanksgiving, like a Christmas arrangement. Then say...well since you said you had everything for today, here is something for tomorrow to bring in the Christmas spirit.
2007-11-20 11:38:14 · answer #6 · answered by Barbara C 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
a personal gift for the hostess/host themselves. Or nice candles or even a box of really good chocolate. A nice bottle of liquor that you know they enjoy. Or offer to help with the dishes!
2007-11-20 11:39:42 · answer #7 · answered by barwench99 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You know what? Listen to the host. They don't want anything more. Just bring yourself. Later, if you learn that there's something they like, you can send it as a thank-you. Or, you can make a donation to charity in their name, preferably a charity they support.
2007-11-20 11:41:45 · answer #8 · answered by Katherine W 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't like to go empty handed either. Buy a hostess gift...I saw some nice (not too expensive) hostess gift ideas at Williams Sonoma....nice room fragrances in holiday scents (like candy cane, etc.).
2007-11-20 11:42:18 · answer #9 · answered by Bears Mom 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A small box of gourmet chocolates for the host.
2007-11-20 11:42:43 · answer #10 · answered by Badkitty 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋