Holiday and Host/Hostess Gifts

My housemate asked the other day "what can I bring to share for Thanksgiving when I'm a guest at another home?" What a wonderful question.

Because here's the thing. Unless you are attending a pot luck, the host/hostess probably has a plan for the meal. Between family tradition (we always have Strawberry Pie and Green Bean Casserole!) and menu planning, the meal has been arranged to go together. The addition of a dish that needs to be reheated, or cooled, or needs special serving stuff, or has mushrooms which the kids all hate, well, the hard truth is that bringing a side dish or dessert of some kind is pretty disruptive. Generous, no doubt, but probably poorly planned.

So here is my advice for guests around the holidays - and don't worry, there is still cooking involved!

First, if you have been asked to bring a side - super. Cook away. If you would like to bring a side of some kind, ask ahead. Find out what the menu looks like and see if you can contribute. Don't push the issue though. No need for the host or hostess to feel obligated to let you bring something.

Consider dessert. Some people cook, some people bake. If you fall into the baking category, then see if you can bring something to share with coffee after the meal. See what they have planned to serve and then bring something to share. I would suggest a cookie or something else that could store well. So if/when you have left overs they could be divided up among the other guests, or if you are leaving them behind they won't go bad as quickly as say a cake or pie. You'll notice I leave out fruit cake. If you have one from last year just throw it away. Unless it is an authentic homemade Scottish creation. That is amazing. But not for everyone.

Or be really creative and bring a starter. For Thanksgiving in particular I find that people come over early and hang out for long parts of the day. With football on TV and turkey in the belly it makes for one of the more mellow holidays. So consider bringing a cheese and meats plate, or bake your own crackers or bring your own dip, really the options are endless. You aren't going to compete with the main meal, it is easy for you to assemble likely, and it's a great gift for the host or hostess.

Flowers, a favorite bottle of wine (to go with or without the meal) or spirits is a nice gift as well. If you are up for making homemade chocolates I find those get gobbled right up as well and make a lovely gift.

Honestly, you might just be a big help stirring the potatoes when you arrive.

November to January is a stressful enough time, you don't need to add figuring out what to make for another person's holiday dinner. Bring yourself. Say thank you. Help with the dishes. Enjoy.