Party etiquette

[gilana]

I'm terrible about remembering to bring something to parties. I never seem to think of it until the last minute, and often there just isn't anyplace reasonable to stop on the way there. But then, I'm always vaguely surprised when people bring donations to parties I host, too. So I'm curious.

A) Would you rather skip a party than arrive empty-handed? Do you only bring something if it's convenient? Do you just assume the host has everything covered? Share!

B) How do you feel when you're the host? Do you notice who brings what? Are you offended if someone doesn't bring anything? Would you prefer people *not* to bring things? Share on that, too!

Comments

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

I bring donations when there's something I want to bring, or if there's something someone asked me to bring. If someone SAYS it's potluck, then of course I bring things. Otherwise, I bring things if there's something I want to make and try out on folks.

I bring food to parties when I want to show off. If I make a cheesecake, or my Auntie Debbie's Chocolate Dream Pie, or something like that, then I'll bring it. For the accolades.

As a host, if someone wants to bring a show-off dish, I'm totally fine with that. But I don't want people bringing things, just 'cause they're, y'know, bringing things. I understand that many people feel a calling to bring a hospitality-gift of food to social events, and that's fine. But a host provides food; it's not a guest's job.

Again, if a guest wants to show off a dish, a party is a wonderful time to do that. And there are parties where "guests bringing stuff to show off their cooking skills" is a significant part of it -- the Lefton Hot Foods Party is a perfect example.