Hosting servant-minded guests is such a blessing! Here are a few different ways to answer the question, “What can I bring?” when hosting guests.
My friend group is more than willing to pitch in to create an evening filled with fun and memories. And the start of that is always with food!
Whether I need help with food or not, I want to be sure I’m responding gracefully. Just the thought of wanting to help is beyond kind!
Here are a few ways you can answer “What can I bring?” when hosting guests.
When Hosting Brings Interview Questions
A casual dinner with a few close friends may not warrant much help. However, a formal dinner party or a themed party will require a bit more planning.
To answer any questions guests may have, I like to create a quick invite using online design software, download a photo, and send it to friends. On some occasions, if I have the time, I’ll create a paper invitation.
On my invitation, I would like to include a date, time, theme, and any activities we will be doing. This is also where I could ask guests to bring something specific.
However, I like to make requests of guests when I’m delivering the invitation. That way, I’m able to immediately field questions and make distinctions that may not have been communicated well in the invitation.
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Photo by Ifrah Akhter via Unsplash.
A Sample Answer to “What Can I Bring?”
If you are hosting an event that requires no additional food, I tell guests to bring themselves and a heart ready to have some fun!
If you do require some help, consider asking for side dishes relevant to the theme or desserts that can be purchased from a grocery store.
Whatever I ask guests to bring, I consider the day and time of my event. If my guests are coming from work, I opt for something that might be room temperature or pre-made. That way, they can either bring it to work or grab it from a grocery store on their way to my event.
Finally, you can simply say, “Your company will be the best thing you can bring. I hope to see you there!”
Homemaking serves a specific purpose.
We are to love each other as Christ loved the church. There’s no better way to do that than by serving someone!
For a sneak peek into how I use these very skills, sign up for my email newsletter!
When You Are Hosting A Lot of People
Accept the help if it is given!
If I am hosting a large group, I always consider what my guests can bring before I even send invitations. I like to steal the show with a main dish or a surprise side dish. But I’m more than willing to let guests bring other side dishes, a bottle of soda, or a sweet treat for all to enjoy.
I want the party to be a positive experience for everyone involved. If I’m a stressed mess trying to get food on the table, my guests won’t enjoy their time with me!
Fine Tune Your Communication Skills
If you do, or don’t, need help with food for a small gathering, be sure that is properly communicated with guests!
If you don’t need help with food, consider saying something like:
- “I don’t need help with food this time, but I appreciate the offer!”
- “No food, please. Just yourself!”
- “I’m planning a special menu. So just bring your appetite!”
If you do need help with food, consider this:
- Including your food requests on the invitation
- Assign food to guests so there’s not too much of one thing
- Keep food requests theme-specific so the meal is cohesive
- Consider dietary restrictions. Perhaps you request something allergen-friendly so all guests can enjoy the meal without hesitation.
When It’s Truly Okay to Accept Help With Food
Hosting an event with multiple people, or in honor of someone else, is usually a sign it’s okay to accept help with food.
If you are hosting a baby shower, there may be multiple people who want to help shower the mother-to-be. Consider accepting the help of close friends to organize the event.
A potluck-style dinner automatically lends itself to guests bringing food.
A fundraiser is also a scenario where you may be asked to bring food.
When It May Be Inappropriate to Bring Food
A catered meal is not the time to bring a side dish of your choice. The food has already been taken care of!
There may also be a difficult situation you aren’t aware of. There are plenty of people who have dietary restrictions. The hostess may have a plan in place to cater to that need and introducing anything may put someone else at risk.
Unless you asked the host or were asked to bring a food dish, it may be best to opt for a thoughtful gift for the hostess!
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Photo by Rebecca via Unsplash.
Ideas for a Small, Hostess Gift
If your hostess has told you there’s not a food item you can bring, bring a gift!
Hostess gifts are tokens of appreciation for the one hosting an event. They don’t have to be relevant to the theme, but rather what the hostess would enjoy.
You should also gift something the hostess doesn’t have to tend to immediately. For example, if you bring flowers, bring them in a vase with water. That way, the hostess doesn’t have to worry about arranging the flowers while hosting guests.
Etiquette experts also suggest you avoid bringing a food item because the hostess may feel obligated to incorporate the gift into the meal. This applies to things like a bottle of wine. The bottle of wine you selected may not pair well with the meal!
Instead, opt for something like olive oil or a box of chocolates she can enjoy after the party.
To play it safe, opt for a small gift. Think of things like your card game or a scented candle.
If you are looking for some inspiration, check out these related blog posts!
DIY, Easy Christmas Gift Ideas
Homemaker Gift Guide
Best Gift Ideas for Stay-At-Home Moms
Bringing Food to a Holiday Party
There are some traditional dishes that just tend to be a crowd pleaser. Some dishes even make party guests famous!
Consider lending some of those dishes to your guests for the evening. For example, the women in my family are master bakers and some are called upon to make the same dessert for Thanksgiving every year. Let them!
Avoid bringing appetizers, drinks, or a main dish. Most likely, the protein for the meal will be provided and you may not be able to keep drinks cold prior to your arrival.
I give you even more ideas for pulling off the best holiday meal in Tips for How to Reduce Stress During Holiday Cooking.
Remember – Have a Good Time!
Being a good host takes forethought and practice! Whether you want to leave a good impression on new friends or get together with old friends, hosting is an art form that deserves to be mastered.
I have a few blog posts that can get you started in the right direction!
If you are hosting overnight guests, I recommend getting a few snacks prepped and hashing out meal preferences ahead of time. For even more ways to make your out-of-town guests feel comfortable, check out this blog post!
Hosting is just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re looking for even more homemaking activities you can master, check out 20 Kitchen Skills Every Homemaker Should Know.
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Photos by Luisa Brimble (top) and Stefan Vladimirov (bottom) via Unsplash.
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