When invited to dinner, open house, or brunch, do you take a small gift?
Dec 13th, 2005, 04:32 AM
#41
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,728
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
GBelle, that's what amazes me! I always figured it was something like "chochkey"...
Where did this word come from? I'm from Philly originally, Florida lately. Never heard it until a couple of years ago all my FLa girlfriends were using it to describe a hideous house we passed, with Stuff all over the lawn.
Where did this word come from? I'm from Philly originally, Florida lately. Never heard it until a couple of years ago all my FLa girlfriends were using it to describe a hideous house we passed, with Stuff all over the lawn.
Dec 13th, 2005, 04:59 AM
#45
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,586
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We have 3 - 4 dessert parties every December and I never ask guests to bring anything except room in their stomachs for cookies, truffles, fudge, etc. I warn them there will be no healthy food available!
I've received great gifts - this year a friend gave me a Burt's Bees sampler. I thought that was different and a neat idea. Everyone knows I love to read, so people have given me books. And I think one time someone re-gifted me a wedding gift b/c I got a fancy fluted bowl in a contemporary style. Not that I'm complaining - I don't have people over to get hostess gifts!
Hostess gifts v. food for the party are two different things. People usually ask what they can bring and I say I've got everything covered. That doesn't mean a hostess gift is not a gracious gesture.
I've received great gifts - this year a friend gave me a Burt's Bees sampler. I thought that was different and a neat idea. Everyone knows I love to read, so people have given me books. And I think one time someone re-gifted me a wedding gift b/c I got a fancy fluted bowl in a contemporary style. Not that I'm complaining - I don't have people over to get hostess gifts!
Hostess gifts v. food for the party are two different things. People usually ask what they can bring and I say I've got everything covered. That doesn't mean a hostess gift is not a gracious gesture.
Dec 13th, 2005, 05:05 AM
#46
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,693
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A small token of appreciation is generally given, but as mentioned above...NEVER bring food to be served at the occasion, not even dessert. If you bring a bottle of wine, nothing else is necessary.
Dec 13th, 2005, 05:15 AM
#47
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's wonderful to receive a token of appreciation from a guest, I don't care whether it is flowers, a "tchotchke", bath salts, chocolates. It really is the thought that counts. One can graciously accept and if it's not needed, pass it on someday. I would never be offended by any generous gesture. I have hundreds of guests a year and (not that I expect it) very few bring a hostess gift.
Dec 13th, 2005, 05:34 AM
#49
Things I have learned this morning:
It is rude to show up at an open house without a hostess gift.
It is rude to show up at an open house with a hostess gift.
It is rude to show up at an open house without food.
It is rude to show up at an open house with food.
The word tchotchke is not yet in universal circulation.
It is rude to show up at an open house without a hostess gift.
It is rude to show up at an open house with a hostess gift.
It is rude to show up at an open house without food.
It is rude to show up at an open house with food.
The word tchotchke is not yet in universal circulation.
Dec 13th, 2005, 05:41 AM
#50
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ditto to maggi's response, well said maggi! A little gift, a token of appreciation is always in good taste, regardless what it is.
I too grew up hearing it's best to ring the doorbell with your elbow! A formal dinner party is totally different in regards to food. But this Christmas season, the best parties we've attended are those where everyone brings a favorite appetizer or dessert. Very casual and a fun (wild!) time!
I too grew up hearing it's best to ring the doorbell with your elbow! A formal dinner party is totally different in regards to food. But this Christmas season, the best parties we've attended are those where everyone brings a favorite appetizer or dessert. Very casual and a fun (wild!) time!
Dec 13th, 2005, 05:59 AM
#52
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,528
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
joan - my Italian mother in law always described the awful lawn clutter outside of certain homes as Yingadees (of course my spelling is awful). She had another word for the awful end table clutter inside the same type of house but it wasn't tchotcke but has the same meaning. I'll have to ask my sisters in law what the word was.
Dec 13th, 2005, 06:00 AM
#53
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love your post, Nikki.
Because you do need to know your host or hostess. We do not get invited to formal dinner parties per se, and the host or hostess at the open houses oftentimes says "yes" to bringing either a dessert or an appetizer. This is NOT in the subject field of hostess gift.
But in the "letter of the law" types of posts, which many of the above are, and on both sides of the coin, try to remember this guys. You are having a party because you LIKE to be with someone or someones. They are friends supposedly. You ask. You know them. For instance, I could never bring chocolates as two of my best friends are diabetic.
AND if you, on the other end, experience a faux paux of someone giving you "clutter" or something you are allergic or averse to, there is always the overriding rule. That's one of graciousness. There are tons of 1/2 way houses and abuse centers that love the soaps, perfumes, flowers, knick-knacks. I do know this. And you don't get an attitude for something given to you, period. It IS the spirit, you know and not the gift.
I have lots of parties and we do have fun, fun times. I thank them in person and do not take averse attitude over any intended dish or trinket.
Because you do need to know your host or hostess. We do not get invited to formal dinner parties per se, and the host or hostess at the open houses oftentimes says "yes" to bringing either a dessert or an appetizer. This is NOT in the subject field of hostess gift.
But in the "letter of the law" types of posts, which many of the above are, and on both sides of the coin, try to remember this guys. You are having a party because you LIKE to be with someone or someones. They are friends supposedly. You ask. You know them. For instance, I could never bring chocolates as two of my best friends are diabetic.
AND if you, on the other end, experience a faux paux of someone giving you "clutter" or something you are allergic or averse to, there is always the overriding rule. That's one of graciousness. There are tons of 1/2 way houses and abuse centers that love the soaps, perfumes, flowers, knick-knacks. I do know this. And you don't get an attitude for something given to you, period. It IS the spirit, you know and not the gift.
I have lots of parties and we do have fun, fun times. I thank them in person and do not take averse attitude over any intended dish or trinket.
Dec 13th, 2005, 09:48 AM
#57
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,777
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yes,yes,yes!!!
Usually wine, although sometimes a plant/flowers, although flowers can be a pain unless you bring them in a vase, because the hostess will have to take the time to arrange them.
I think around Christmas, a pretty poinsettia plant is always appreciated!!
Usually wine, although sometimes a plant/flowers, although flowers can be a pain unless you bring them in a vase, because the hostess will have to take the time to arrange them.
I think around Christmas, a pretty poinsettia plant is always appreciated!!
Dec 13th, 2005, 12:02 PM
#58
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 808
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Would it be rude to print this thread to send along with the invitations for our annual new years eve open house? Could I specify our likes and dislikes? Give ideas of the menu and what would compliment it? Just kidding!
However, if any of you are showing up, please consider re-stocking the bar, shrimp bowl, and/or dog toys.
However, if any of you are showing up, please consider re-stocking the bar, shrimp bowl, and/or dog toys.
