Re: An Etiquette Question
Bring a board game or deck of cards or something that the family can do together afterwards. It brings everyone closer and I think it's very thoughtful. :)
Re: An Etiquette Question
You asked, they said it was covered. I don't think its absolutely necessary to bring anything other than yourselves and some happiness.
Re: An Etiquette Question
I'd bring something. I always bring something.
A nice photo frame for them to put a picture from there trip in would be sweet.
Re: An Etiquette Question
What about a nice blend of coffee for after dinner? I don't know anything about their coffee tastes... What would be something good that most people like? I just really don't want to feel like I'm sucking up or anything (although I obviously am, lol).
Re: An Etiquette Question
If you can find it, Jamaican Blue is one of the better, nicer coffees. They have it at Norma Jean's in the mall where I live.
Re: An Etiquette Question
a scented candle
scent?
I'd buy several small inexpensive votives of different frangrance and a little holder.
Re: An Etiquette Question
You could also always get something from brookstone or sharper image for their trip. Little travel pillows/blankies, or even one of those travel mugs.
Re: An Etiquette Question
A nice box of Godiva chocolates?
Re: An Etiquette Question
I like the chocolate, tea, or coffee idea. Something small and inexpensive that they can either take with them on their trip or leave at home for entertaining with.
Re: An Etiquette Question
It's the thought that counts. Just bring something small. Since they dont drink what about sparkling cider??
Re: An Etiquette Question
^ i have nothing to add, but just wanted to note that those were all really good suggestions
Re: An Etiquette Question
If its dinner, the only thing I could suggest is maybe a bottle of wine.
Re: An Etiquette Question
Wow I guess I'm low class. I would never even think to bring something and would look confused as hell if someone brought something for me.
I suppose my advice isn't really useful because of this, but if they said everything was covered then I'd take their word for it. Are they used to people doing that from them, because other wise it could be getting awkward for them. I know after the first gift, where I'd think it was really sweet I'd start to feel awkward about accepting them. I'd be wondering if every time you were invited over I'd be inconveniencing you because you felt like you had to buy me something.
Maybe I'm just too informal.
Re: An Etiquette Question
I don't know, I normally say oh, I have everything, but I still sort of expect something. It's the way I was raised. It's a major snub in my opinion not to bring a gift. I usually bring small things though, unless it's formal.
like- to go to a friends for dinner, Rob and I would bring flowers, or maybe fresh fruit if I've been to the produce market that day. I've also brought something I've made (a pair of earrings or some cards), food of course- I like baking bread to bring. Or something unique, or just for them. Like if I know they collect something or have some special interest.
If I'm just going over to hang out, I don't bring anything. But a dinner invite is different.
Re: An Etiquette Question
bottle of wine, flowers, etc.
Re: An Etiquette Question
Re: An Etiquette Question
I think the picture frame idea is great! I would think it would be appropriate.
Probably after the third visit you don't really have to bring gifts though, IMO
Re: An Etiquette Question
WOW! I thought I was only person who was this anal about considerate. I've always thought you should bring something when you went to someones house so when I was in high school and went to a small college kickback, I brought strawberries and whipped cream from Ralph's. The college kids looked at me like I was the biggest dork.
Anyways, good call on bringing something over, the orchid is a great idea. Ask your b'f' what they're into. Trader Joe's is perfect for chocolates and wines, but if they dont drink then why not bake cookies for dessert? Something homemade always means more. I've been with my b'f' for two years but I still ask if I can bring something over to the parents house. And its not like I'm looking to score points, they already love me, its just the considerate thing to do.
Re: An Etiquette Question
Depending on when they leave, maybe a bookstore gift certificate, book light (sharper image gifts in general as posted above), or the candle idea... everyone loves candles.
Also, a small appetizer or dessert anyways... food is always hard to turn down.
Re: An Etiquette Question
i ask, if they say nothing i bring the defult option of wine.lol. or at worst, a big cheesecake or dessert.
Re: An Etiquette Question
I always ask if I can bring something but if told not to then I don't think it's rude not to. I do always help with the clearing up and dishes, though. I think a bottle of wine or box of chocolates is a good default, then if it really isn't required they can hang onto it and take it along next time they're in the same situation :P
Re: An Etiquette Question
I was raised the same way, always bring something.
I remember in college, I was leaving from home to go to a party (full on beer pong, flip cup, chugging, etc) and my mom chased after me with a box of chocolates, saying I couldnt go without bringing something.;D
I think it's just courtesy to bring the host/hostess a gift. They go through a lot of trouble to clean/cook, and you should give them some small thing as a sign of appreciation. I have to admit, if I threw a party, and my guests didn't bring a thing, I'd be hurt.
Maybe some appetizers? Crackers/cheese/grapes? Chocolate covered strawberries (easy to make at home, just use baker's dipping chocolate!).
I also like the sparkling cider idea.
Re: An Etiquette Question
Chocolate coverd strawberried are a perfect gift! THat's a great idea!!!! I love them, and so does almost everyone... why didn't I think of that before?
I'm going to do that next time I go somewhere, thanks Kandie!
Re: An Etiquette Question
A nice bottle of wine. Bring a red wine if you want it served at the dinner, or if you want a gift wine I HIGHLY recommend Chateu St. Michelle Riesling. SOO good. But it must be served chilled.
This is what I ALWAYS do, and it goes over great!