does it depend on the person that is giving it to you or in general should most people just give you food in something that you should be able to keep?
2007-11-29 08:52:41 · 7 answers · asked by blaque_strength21 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It is standard that the dish is given back. This predates disposable dishes. If it's a disposable, keep it. If not, give it back. When in doubt, give it back.
2007-11-29 08:57:29 · answer #1 · answered by suzanne g 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I agree - if the dish is meant for you to keep, the person usually will let you know somehow. Otherwise, plan on washing it and returning it.
In the days before disposable dishes, etiquette said that dishes were to be returned unless the giver told you the dish was a gift. Now a days we have disposable dishes, but the old etiquette still stands.
I try to give meals in disposable containers - like aluminum pans of plastic dishes. That way the recipient doesn't have to worry about getting it back to me. I know, when I receive meals, I like to receive them in disposable pans. I'm one of those people who often forgets to get the pan back - especially if I don't see that person very often. That is why I give disposable dishes.
2007-11-29 17:39:55 · answer #2 · answered by kdollmusic 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I would give a dish that the person could keep, even better throw away. This is just more practical for me and the people I associate with.
2007-11-29 18:08:27 · answer #3 · answered by bainaashanti 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it does depend. Often in my family, my mother might take some food over to my grandmother and later on pick up the plate. Or we might bring various items to each other in dishes that we later on can pick up.
Now- sometimes the dish might be part of the present. But there's usually something to indicate that.
2007-11-29 17:20:47 · answer #4 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do agree it is a pain to return it, but if they ask for it back when they give me the food, I always wash it really good and return it the next day. Especially because you can get like five plastic containers for about a dollar.
2007-11-29 17:02:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
For the most part, if its reusable I return it. It's just common curtesy that if they were nice enough to bring me food, I can at least clean the container and return it in a reasonable amount of time.
-Not everyone has disposable dishes in hand at all times.
2007-11-29 17:07:46 · answer #6 · answered by samurai_fairy 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Not everyone has a suitably sized dish which can be disposable. You should always assume you will be washing the dish and returning it. Goes with the hostess territory!
2007-11-29 17:41:53 · answer #7 · answered by Katie G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋