Thursday, August 31, 2006

Etiquette

Jeff and I were invited to a birthday party at the beach. This is a surprise party thrown by a husband for a wife. When we were invited Jeff asked what we could bring in the way of food, and was told we do not need to bring anything. Jeff told me all this and I was not going to bring any food to the party. About an hour before we were set to leave, Jeff asks me what I am planning to bring. I said, nothing, you told me we don't need to bring anything. Jeff feels that it is rude to show up without something. We are bringing a present.

I feel that when I throw a party and tell people they don't need to bring any food, I mean what I say. Jeff feels that is just something people say and you should bring food anyways. So what do you all think? Tell the truth would you bring a covered dish, a salad, some soda, or just the gift? We got a nice gift.

7 comments:

meno said...

Just the gift. He said it, and if he didn't mean it, too bad for him.

Anonymous said...

Just the gift. I also feel that when you are throwing a birthday party that you should be the one who supplies all the food, drink etc. It isn't like a potluck dinner or something of the sort. It is your party and you should not expect others to bring anything. IF they offer and you say sure that is one thing but if they say no then they mean no. Your the one that is right about that.

laura capello said...

Originally, I wouldn't take anything. Perhaps they are getting it catered or something -- you never know.

But now, with the gluten issues, I take something to share, since I can't have anything normal that people serve. And I certainly don't expect them to have something gluten-free for me.

Beth Fish said...

I would tend to think that no food means, you know, no food.

Anonymous said...

I have some cracked bit of an internal guidance system. I would have shrugged and said, "ok, no food".

Then?

An hour before the actual event in question?

I would have broken out in a cold sweat, run to the store, and taken SOMETHING.

It's just because I am a paranoid personality with no innate social sense. Not because I'm particularly all clued in on the etiquette thing.

Dixie said...

If I ask for no food to be brought then I don't want any food. A gift or flowers or wine is what I'd bring.

mamadaisy said...

if they specifically say no food, then you're off the hook. i hate to show up empty handed, so i still feel compelled to bring wine or flowers with me, regardless.