What to bring along when you are invited
 

We (Europeans) will be visiting a US family in July. I don?t know the customs. We take flowers when we are invited for dinner. What do you bring along?

Flowers are always appreciated - especially if they are already cut and in a vase, so the host/hostess does not need to spend time arranging . . .
Wine is appreciated, or perhaps checking with the host/hostess if you may bring dessert or after dinner liqueur . . .

Are you asking about invitations to dinner specifically or more generically about what to bring your host family?

As a "hostess" gift to the family, you can certainly bring something small but significantly from your own country -- candy, wine or food (nothing perishable, like meat, cheese, or produce, won't pass customs), a small dish or vase or figurine, a scarf, a small piece of jewelry. If there are children, a small toy or some such wouldn't be amiss, or perhaps some candy. The important thing is the symbolic value -- a gift from your "home" to their home.

While you are with them, depending on the length of time you are there, you can certain treat them to a dinner at a good restaurant. I have also had flowers delivered once I arrived and saw the decor of the house -- colors, etc. When you return home, you can also have something shipped back to the host family as a thank-you.

You are not required to do any of these things. Any one of them would be a nice, thoughtful thing to do.

We almost always bring a good bottle of wine. Your hosts may decide to open it that evening, or they may have already planned their wines to compliment the food. If they do not open it while you are there, don't feel that they don't appreciate the gift.

An after-dinner liqueur or dessert wine is a great idea. So is a bottle of champagne, which can always be served before dinner.

I would not expect you to bring anything if you were coming to my home for dinner, especially any kind of food. Just come on time and have a smile!

It depends a lot on the area of the US you are visiting, the background of the host, and their age. For example if you brought a bottle of champagne to my parent's home they would definately Not be impressed. Old school mid-west values.

Give us some more info about the host.

Thanks for the info.
I'm not sure we can take wine/champagne from home. Your customs are so severe. I informed myself and alcohol seems to be a problem lately.
We'll bring a few other things for our hosts, but my question was just about your habits to bring something when you're invited for dinner at someone's house.

Flowers are always fine.

If I had some guests coming from another country, I would be pleased the most by a small token that they brought with them from their country. Something that was unique to their country.

But if you're not able to do that (or even if you are), then buy some flowers and bring a bottle of wine, would be my advice.

All above suggestions are good - if family has children and your native language is something other than English, some token from your country in your language might be nice for the kids - it could be something very routine to you. My daughter has some little items (soaps, a small menu, etc.) from visitors from Denmark and Germany and she thinks they are great.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

Flowers are nice but if you plan ahead and bring something from your home it will be much more appreciated. I would suggest a small prepared food item such as a special mustard, sauce or jam (all non-perishable)that is attractively packaged and if possible paired with a small dish or jar made from pottery or glassware that is representative of your country or region.