Dinner at coworker's house

[AndreaU]

I was invited to a fellow teacher's house for dinner Friday- nothing fancy (she doesn't cook, so it's pizza and wine). We really need a chill session away from the kids, so what better way? My question is: I've only been at this job for the past 2 months and I don't know the hostess very well personally- what, if anything, should I bring? She's already providing food & wine... and I already gave her a basket of candles for Christmas. Any thoughtful ideas? Thanks!

[sneezles]

How about some nice linen cocktail napkins?
I bought some at Pottery Barn and use them all the time. This year at Christmas I gave wine glass charms for hostess gifts and they were a big hit, dno't know if you want to spend that much ($24). Maybe and assrotment of cheeses?

[luv2cook]

what about dessert?

[lorilei]

Flowers?

Next to a bottle of wine, I've found flowers to be a most versatile hostess gift.

[Leanne]

For something as casual as this sounds - I don't think you necessarily need a gift - but I would probably bring another bottle of wine - she can keep it, or you all can drink it. I know we always go through more wine than we originally anticipate.
Or maybe see if you can bring some sort of appetizer for while you're waiting on the pizza to arrive.

[ama47369]

I agree that a bottle of wine would be a nice gesture. Hope you have fun! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[JLS]

I would say either flowers or dessert.

[Mitchdoggy]

Flowers are always a hit. My favorite are 3 or 4 lilies because they smell so good.

[Vanessa]

I think flowers are a great idea. Wine is always a great gift to take too

[Anne]

Hi AndreaU. I would vote for the wine or flowers. IMHO while it seems that most non-cooks appreciate a house guest bringing something homemade a few get offended (I'm not sure why, maybe they think they are being shown-up?). If you opt for dessert maybe something like icecream with a liquor to go on top would be safest.

[Laura Wick]

If you know her well enough to offer to make something, you could offer to make a green salad or a dessert. Be sure to find out how many are coming. I would never bring anything to be served that evening without discussing it first.

If you don't feel comfortable asking, flowers or wine are always well-appreciated hostess gifts. First choice, though, in your situation would be flowers or a flowering plant. The reason is that sometimes, when a guest brings a gift of wine, I am concerned that they might expect it to be served that evening. If it doesn't go with the food, the hostess is put on the spot.

Flowers or a blooming plant are items people don't always buy for themselves. They also provide several days or weeks of enjoyment in addition to adding a festive touch the
evening of the get-together.

Hope this helps.

[AndreaU]

Wow- thanks everyone! I knew I could get some great ideas from the kind folks here. I don't know why I didn't think of something in terms of dessert... (my downfall). Maybe I'll bring along my friends, Ben & Jerry! I'll ask if anyone would eat it first, or else it would end up being more for me. If everyone's too concerned with calories from the pizza & wine, perhaps I'll do flowers.