OT - Dinner guests - what is appropriate?

[table4three]

Just an OT question here -

We are having one of DH's work friends and wife (neither of whom I've met) over for dinner. DH was asked what they could bring and he told them to bring dessert.

I'm generally of the mindset that if it is a good friend and they offer, then I have them bring something. Usually, though, I say no because I feel like I'm not being a good host if I ask them to bring something.

Thoughts? What do you consider appropriate?

http://b2.lilypie.com/mkn7m5.png

[kedss]

Hi-

I think since they asked your DH what they could bring, I think its fine. I think they were trying to figure out something they could bring, since they don't know you well enough to know what you like yet. :)

[daniele_ut]

Every dinner guest we've ever had has asked what they could bring and I accept the offer more often than not. I usually figure that someone might be insulted if I refuse the offer, even if I have the whole meal covered.

[bubbaray]

I always take people up on their offer to bring something if they ask first. Of course, most of my friends know I'm such a horrible cook that it is in THEIR best interests to bring something that is edible....


Melissa

DD#1: 04/2004

http://bd.lilypie.com/SasRm7.png

[lizajane]

i think it is nice to give them an answer so that they feel gracious when the arrive and so that they know they won't get it "wrong." like bringin wine to people who don't drink, or a salad when you have already made an elaborate salad, etc.

[crl]

I usually say "just yourselves." But I think it is totally fine to accept the offer. And dessert is great, imo, because it is easy to buy at a good bakery if they don't want to cook and it doesn't really need to go with the rest of the meal.

[table4three]

Thanks for the reassurance everyone.

I think I'm just a little uneasy because I have never met these people. We'll see how it goes!

http://b2.lilypie.com/mkn7m5.png

[DebbieJ]

That sounds perfectly acceptable to me. Dessert is someting easy enough pick up from a bakery if they aren't cooks/bakers themselves.

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03
2 year check up: 25 lbs with clothes on and 35 inches!
BFARed for 20 months and 6 days
(Breastfeeding After Reduction is possible! www.bfar.org)

http://www.bfar.org/members/fora/style_avatars/Ribbons/18months-bfar.jpg

[Mamma2004]

I totally agree that dessert is a great thing to ask them to bring. They are welcome to prepare or purchase and it will help them to feel that they are contributing to the meal.

Have fun!

Stephanie

[sdoyle]

Your post really got me thinking: I always say "nothing" or "just yourself" but would NEVER think of going to someone's house for dinner without taking something. If they don't tell me to bring something, I always end up taking a bottle of wine, flowers, or something. Maybe it would be better to say something :)