I'm going to be doing quite a bit of seasonal festive baking over the next few days and wondered what people thought of my baking extra cakes and cookies to take to neighbours.
I live in a large townhouse split into four apartments. My neighbours and I know each other in that we say a cheery 'Hello, how are you' if we meet in the hallway or front garden but we aren't close.
If I took cake/tart/cookies I'd made to each of them, just as a festive gesture, would it seem weird do you think? Would they want to eat them, or be fearful to unless I'd laced them with arsenic or was a really bad cook? Would it seem a bit odd to be taking something around in a package, when it would seem far more sociable to to invite them round for mulled wine and cake instead? (Though that would also be a bit odd, as we aren't particularly friendly and would have little to discuss)
Should I just quit with the etiquette worries get taking the damn'd baked goods around? Thanks.
2007-12-21 00:49:41 · 13 answers · asked by La Comtesse DeSpair 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I don't think it is odd. Just put in a christmas "tin" (even if it is plastic) and stop by each house. Don't go in, just knock and if they answer say that you'd done some baking and thought they might enjoy some of the cookies. Then wish them a merry christmas and say good bye. I htink your neibours will see it as a friendly, neibourly gesture and even if they don't like the taste (which I am SURE that they will taste good anyhow) they will remember how nice you were. I think it would be more ackwardto go over for wine and cookies. Especially right now, people are so busy and carving out time to spend with people you don't know very well would be aggrivating.
2007-12-21 00:57:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I fix a few plates every year , I was uncertain at first but they enjoyed it and so do I. You do need to think about food allergies though. Sense you don't know these people well, you might want to mention to them if there is peanuts or coconut In anything. I mention these two because they are the most common that might not be apparent by sight. ie: if some one is allergic to chocolate they can see it
2007-12-21 03:25:15 · answer #2 · answered by stormy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, don't stop the etiquette. I'm in cotillion and I've learned that you should give neighbor's home-baked cookies and such; cause its thoughtful and its like a thank-you present. But anyways, you should give them some cookies. Food is the best gift anyone can ask for. Gets them out of cooking. lol But i would suggest that you put their sweets on a plate. It gives a good presentation. Lastly, they would eat it. You went out of your way to make something for them, they would eat it. Hope that this helps! Merry Christmas =]
2007-12-21 01:08:38 · answer #3 · answered by Roberta 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you give it to those who see you often and are friendly then it's fine. It makes things seem more festive and cheery but only if you know them. Last year at the store I worked in some guy brought big take out containers of food for everyone. Each worker got one and while we didn't know him other than a customer it was appreciated.
2007-12-21 01:04:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it is odd and I think it is a very nice thing to do. We finally moved to a close knit neighborhood a couple of years ago and have become friendly with a few of the neighbors and I took over Christmas tins with creamcheese fudge, and they brought plates of cookies.
I think you should take the cookies.
2007-12-21 02:21:05 · answer #5 · answered by Lucy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As you so succinctly put it, "just take the damn'd baked goods around!" Heheh! They will be charmed and delighted -- or, at least, they will pretend to be. If they have any phobias about you slipping poison in the cookies, they'll just throw them out after you leave :-) But I bet they will be happy to be remembered.
2007-12-21 03:36:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a lovely gesture, ans so much nicer than a boring christmas card. The mother of a child i look after has just brought me some homemade shortbread in a glass jar with a bow on it. I think it is lovely, so much better than a hastily bought box of chocolates. Go for it. merry Christmas.
2007-12-21 01:02:19 · answer #7 · answered by dancing queen 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you know their full names and they, yours? OR, are you only nodding acquaintances?
I would say it would be easier all around to begin a closer friendship with a holiday card to each and MAYBE accompanied by a little plate of your best cookies, nothing too much. You don't want to overwhelm anyone into feeling obligated to return the favor.
You are very nice to be so generous with your time and efforts!
2007-12-21 01:34:18 · answer #8 · answered by Tseruyah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do the same for some of my neighbors, especially some single older guys. I just put the stuff in a gift bag and hang in on their door on Christmas Eve day to give them some goodies to munch on the next two days.
2007-12-21 01:10:35 · answer #9 · answered by American Spirit 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be a very nice neighbourly gesture to give them some baked goods. I doubt they will think it is poisoned but if they do then they will probably just say thank you and then throw it out...but I don't think most people would do that.
2007-12-21 01:49:38 · answer #10 · answered by Bears Mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋