Is It Rude to Arrive Empty Handed to Someone’s Dinner Party? What is your go-to item to bring?
I’m curious where everyone stands on this because I feel like most people who are into grandmillennial are probably more old school and into etiquette and I feel like dinner party etiquette has changed over the years.
If someone invites you over for a dinner party, do you think it’s rude to show up empty handed? Has this happened to you as a host? What do you like to bring?
I’m not talking about bringing something the host specifically requested. I mean showing up with absolutely nothing not wine, flowers, dessert, a candle, or even a small hostess gift.
My grandmother always taught me that you should never arrive at someone's home for dinner empty handed. It didn’t have to be expensive. A bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine, chocolates, or something small for the host was simply considered good manners. I really like bringing candles, if I know the host likes candles.
But I’ve heard the opposite argument: if someone invites you to dinner, they’re inviting you as a guest. You shouldn’t feel obligated to bring something, especially when the host has already planned and prepared the meal.
So where do you stand?
And for those who grew up with more traditional or “grandmillennial” etiquette: what did your family teach you about this? Is it regional?
I’d especially love to hear whether you think this is an outdated etiquette rule or one worth keeping.