What to bring
 

OK, so I'm spending Thanksgiving with the BF's family. It's at his uncle's house, but his parents are pretty much doing the cooking and everything...

I've never spent Thanksgiving with someone else's family... I want to bring something... but WHAT ?? I mean I suppose the answer is food of some sort... but I'm not quite sure how many people will be there....or what they're traditional meal includes... help me out GC ?

How far do you have to go? Do you have to worry about something spoiling?

I would go with something that is your own speciality or a traditional dish for your family. If your boyfriend is reliable enough (knowing how guys tend to be... my BF is the most reliable guy in the world but when it comes to something like this he is useless), have him ask how many people and what you can bring- appetizer, side, dessert, salad, etc. Or if you feel comfortable, contact his family yourself.

I would bring a bottle of wine and some nice flowers.

His Uncle's place is about 45 Min. south of me in Atherton, so food won't go bad and we're not staying over night or anything. I'd think wine too... but I think quite a few people will be there, do I need to bring enough to serve more than the host ? I wouldn't know who to present it to, his aunt and uncle (since they are technically hosting) , or BF's parents..... ? If I ask the BF, he'll get the info on who's coming... but then he'll tell me "you don't have to bring anything"... :rolleyes:

Is there a particular appetizer, side dish, or dessert that you make well? Perhaps something that is always on your family's Thanksgiving table? If so, make that. It can be anything from green bean casserole to apple pie. If it's a traditional dish from your family, share a story - for instance, "When I was little, my mom made apple pie every year, and it was always my job to make the crust. Now that I've left home, I still make a pie every year - and here it is."

Otherwise, bring a bottle of wine and/or some flowers or maybe a small houseplant.

You shouldn't show up empty-handed.

Usually when my mom has parties, and my mom is the queen of massive Thanksgiving gatherings, guests just bring one bottle of wine or vodka (did I mention we're Russian?) or a bottle of chocolates or something like that. It's more of a formality to show that you have good manners and that you appreciate his family inviting you over. If you bring enough food for the whole family, it may look like you're trying too hard. Also, in terms of cooking your own food, I would err on the side of caution, because your hostess may think that it looks like you're trying to upstage her or think that her food isn't good enough for you. Just a thought.

Pie.

There can never be enough pie at Thanksgiving.

You can bring dessert, flowers, and a bottle of wine. We have hosted a few holidays. Whenever guests bring these things, we are happy. :)

Cheese tray and crackers!!! Simple and easy!

I spent Thanksgiving with a friend last year and didn't bring anything. It would've been a nice gesture but I was told to forget Southern hospitality and just bring myself.

I would CHECK on whether or not they actually drink wine first. If so, bring a bottle of wine and/or ask if your boyfriend can suggest a dish. Also consider asking if there's anything his family needs you to pick up from the store on the way there. I say saving his family a last minute trip to the grocery store is more important than giving them a dish that they might already have or not need.

I agree with bringing a dessert. There's no such thing as too many desserts.

Wine is always nice, but after a holiday with my BF's family, I'm usually glad I brought gin.

I would bring a bottle of wine.....perhaps scotch as well for the men. I wouldn't do food.......alot of families are very particular about what they serve for Thanksgiving....kind of like a tradition. I know with my family, we have the same dishes every year, sometimes slightly varying on the deserts.

If you're bringing food for the meal definately ask the family. If you're bringing a hostess gift, wine or something is good. Even if they don't drink wine often (or at all) it's an appropriate gift. I wouldn't bring wine/scotch/alcohol in general for the whole family without asking first.

A jug of Carlo Rossi sangria...tee hee.


I was going to say a box of See's candy, but since they live in ATHERTON of all places get your behind to Joseph Schmidt for some truffles. They always have turkey and pumpkin shaped truffles that are classy and tasty. I know they sell them other random places (even at the resort in Coeur d'Alene, that made me super happy) but the store/confectioners at 16th and Market is always fun to go to, and they even will package them up all pretty.