If you go to a luncheon and the host says "don't bring anything"...

[wellyes]

... what do you bring? Flowers? Port? Candle? Nothing?

[lil_acorn]

flowers or wine would be lovely!

[cvanbrunt]

Nothing. I really try to take people at their word on these things.

[crl]

Well, was the bring nothing in response to asking, "what can I bring?". That's a little different than a preemptive don't bring anything. If it was a preemptive don't bring anything, I would not bring anything. If it was in response to an inquiry, I would take it to mean that the meal is not a pot luck and bring a small hostess gift (wine, flowers, chocolates, fancy olive oil) not intended for the meal.

Catherine

[hillview]

Well, was the bring nothing in response to asking, "what can I bring?". That's a little different than a preemptive don't bring anything. If it was a preemptive don't bring anything, I would not bring anything. If it was in response to an inquiry, I would take it to mean that the meal is not a pot luck and bring a small hostess gift (wine, flowers, chocolates, fancy olive oil) not intended for the meal.

Catherine
:yeahthat:

[bisous]

Nothing. I really try to take people at their word on these things.

My initial thought was to bring flowers but I like this response. I appreciate straight-forwardness and I like the idea of cultivating that in people around me. It just makes life easier!

[wellyes]

I asked, what can I bring? She said nothing.
I said, I pass a bakery on the way to her house, it'd be easy to get some cookies. She said, no, nothing.

[crl]

I asked, what can I bring? She said nothing.
I said, I pass a bakery on the way to her house, it'd be easy to get some cookies. She said, no, nothing.

I take that to mean she has the meal planned and does not need/want additions to the meal. But I do not take it to mean that she would not appreciate a small hostess gift that is not intended to be part of the meal. I don't think one is necessary in most circumstances, but I think it would be nice.

Catherine

[ezcc]

If it's lunch I wouldn't bring anything. I don't think a hostess gift is necessary. Exception would be a luncheon given in your honor (shower or something).

[123LuckyMom]

I wouldn't bring anything. She told you not to bring anything. I would trust that she means it.

[Sweetum]

flowers or wine would be lovely!

:yeahthat:

[mommylamb]

I think flowers or a small plant is nice, but totally unnecessary. If you have never been to her home before than I'd try to bring something.

[georgiegirl]

I'd bring flowers.

[almostamom]

I would bring a hostess gift. I don't know if it's a family thing or a regional thing, but I was always told not to walk into someone's house empty handed (I'm not talking about playgroup dates or chatting with my neighbor, but when I'm invited to dinner, lunch, etc.)

[TwinFoxes]

I take that to mean she has the meal planned and does not need/want additions to the meal. But I do not take it to mean that she would not appreciate a small hostess gift that is not intended to be part of the meal. I don't think one is necessary in most circumstances, but I think it would be nice.



:yeahthat: I can't think of a way she could say, we are all set for lunch, but I'd love a hostess gift! ;) My friends don't do potluck meals, but I know they appreciate some wine or other token.