We got invited out - now I need a gift!

↑ DefyGravity ↓

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 1:40 pm

OP, if you bring dessert, make sure you ask first. Nothing is more annoying as a hostess than to have someone bring a dessert after you've already prepared something.

tanachit

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 1:44 pm

If you live in NYC, got o Sahadi Imports on Atlantic Ave. They have high quality (much higher than BP or flatbush) dried fruits and nuts, as well as kosher shortbreads (packaged), pastes, jams, etc- Put together a basket of the stuff. If you live in Israel, go to the shuk in Jerusalem and do the same thing. Sahadi stuff will knock their socks off without emptying your wallet.

↑ shopaholic ↓

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 2:31 pm

Thanks so much!!! All these ideas seem great. I think I'll go with flowers. We're eating there on Simchas Torah so I have all of Chol Hamoed to get something.

octopus

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 3:15 pm

DefyGravity wrote:

I think flowers are a good idea.

I really don't like it when people bring serving dishes, spoons, etc., because then it's another thing to add to all the clutter.

At least flowers will die and then you don't have to find a place for them. And they won't add pounds to your waist.

you made my day. I actually giggled out loud when I read this.

greenfire ↓

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 8:08 pm

what about a honey dipper

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb.....p;y=0

↑ Raisin ↓

Thu, Oct 01 2009, 2:51 am

shop, if I ever invite you, feel free to bring a dessert! I hate flowers, most of them anyway. I like them growing, but not in vases.

mominisrael2

Thu, Oct 01 2009, 9:28 am

So who says the hostess can't serve two desserts, or save the gift one for another day? I've been bringing desserts lately when I get invited out because it's no fun to bring wine when you can't have any Smile

Haven't had any complaints...

↑ DefyGravity ↓

Thu, Oct 01 2009, 9:42 am

Nobody is going to be rude and tell the gift-bringer that they don't appreciate the gift. However, I still think it's rude to bring a dessert without asking. People often go to a lot of work to prepare a nice dessert, and by bringing something else, you're detracting from it.

I don't do well with extra cake lying around, and if someone brings another dessert, that just means more leftovers that I'll eat during the week.

BrachaC

Thu, Oct 01 2009, 9:53 am

I want to second the towel idea. My sister sells dish towels, so I have taken to giving them as a gift when we are invited out. They are always appreiciated and I seem to get a lot of positive feedback.

↑ chocolate moose ↓

Thu, Oct 01 2009, 9:56 am

If you're bringing a course, that's gotta be arranged in advance. Especially because yomtov time means scant fridge/freezer space.

↑ Raisin

Thu, Oct 01 2009, 11:21 am

DefyGravity wrote:

if it's a big family, or someone who entertains a lot, I don't think that is a huge concern. Also, you can easily tell them in advance.

pinktichel

Thu, Oct 01 2009, 12:44 pm

Raisin wrote:

shop, if I ever invite you, feel free to bring a dessert! I hate flowers, most of them anyway. I like them growing, but not in vases.

I'll take both!! LOL

↑ shopaholic ↓

Thu, Oct 01 2009, 1:17 pm

I also prefer dessert because as my mother says - you can't eat flowers! But, this family is kinda fancy so a homemade this isn't so nice for them & I'm not paying a lot for a store bought one.

↑ chocolate moose

Thu, Oct 01 2009, 1:43 pm

Does it have to something fabulous? What about something frozen and a bought cake?

Ani

Thu, Oct 01 2009, 3:19 pm

Quote:

Another vote for flowers. Nice and thoughtful, can fit any budget, adds beauty to any room. I don't think more is necessary for a Yom Tov meal.

When flowers are brought, they must be put into water. How could this be done on Yom Tov??! Rolling Eyes

(besides, this year it's also Shabbos Wink

)

↑ shopaholic

Fri, Oct 23 2009, 11:26 am

I went to the local florist who made a very pretty centerpiece, not a bouquet. They loved it. I had to get something nice because it started out with the 6 of us being invited. Then, we remembered that my bIL was eating all the meals with us. They said ok. Then, 1st day Chol Hamoed my MIL called to say she was coming to stay with my SIL so we asked for them to come too. This is a family who rarely has guests so 9 extra people is a LOT!!