Hosting a party?

When hosting a Christmas party, do you think it's ok to ask everyone to sign up to bring something, like an appetizer or a bottle of wine, or is that tacky? Should the host of a holiday party always pay for the expense of the party and guests?





Would it be any different if you were hosting a bday party at your house for a friend? Would it be appropriate to ask all the guests to bring something to the party in honor of the friend?

Hosting a party?
Are you having a party, or are you providing a venue for a party? And if you're providing a location for a party, why are you doing so?


Have a party, or don't have a party. If I have to fix my own food %26amp; bring my own wine, I'll stay home.


Hosting means "to have guests." Take it or leave it.


I am happy to go to someone's party %26amp; be served deviled eggs, ramen noodles %26amp; Budweiser. If I make the effort to walk the dog, phone the mother, check the bookbags etc etc so that I can get to a party on time, I'll be g-d if I want to haul along food %26amp; wine.
Reply:A Pot-Luck is perfectly appropriate for a holiday get-together.





Just be sure to be clear on your invites!





"Please provide your own beverages (mixers will be provided!) and a favorite dish to share"





Expect to purchase crackers, chips, mixers, (pop, tonic, club soda, and ice) have a variety of wine glasses and other glasses on hand. A couple trays of muchies are nice, but it depends on what type of party you are having.
Reply:yes but u have to suply most of the things.
Reply:its not bad to ask them to bring something, its courtesy to being invited, its like saying thanks! people actually enjoy that, they all get to try what people brought! then you know who has the good stuff and to go to their parties! ;)
Reply:Mrs WC here and I love pot luck dinners!!





If you state in your invitation that it's a pot luck dinner, then no, it's not tacky. It keeps the hosting couple from having to spend a lot of money at this time of year and gives others the chance to show off their culinary skills. However, as the hostess, you should be responsible for the drinks. If you want wine, then you should provide it. Otherwise, tea, sodas, juice and coffee is good.





Now, for a birthday party, it depends on how good the friends are and how many you are inviting. Birthday dinners can be simple, yet elegant. Lasagna, salad, and garlic bread are great for that and not overly expensive.
Reply:i think it would be better to do like if you last name begins with A-M then bring an appetizer and if you last names begins with N-Z then bring a dessert, etc.
Reply:You can have a Holiday Potluck. Invite people to a Potluck and if they are offended by it they wont come. Some people will call and ask what they can bring - have those people bring different types of food so you have everything covered. Be sure to have some low budget items for people you know can't afford to contribute much - like can you bring 2 dozen rolls? You need to be sure to have enough beverages - unless you get people to volunteer to bring them.
Reply:um a lot of parties dont ask but the guest always bring something or its rude; even if its ice....... thats what my 6th grade teacher taught me lol
Reply:of course not!


send a evite out and ask people to bring trays or whatever they can bring, and if you cant no problem!


Thats what I always do, it should not be a problem...


to do a itemized list, email each person what you would like them to bring and see if it is okay with them.


Good luck! Happy Holidays!
Reply:Well I understand pot luck parties to be bring a dish. If I had to sign up for my dish I'd think that'd be kinda strange but... maybe call it a pot luck and see what kinda food shows up.
Reply:yeahh its not tacky. it helps the host out alot. i say go for it
Reply:You could say it's a pot luck Christmas party. Everyone can bring a festive dish or drink.
Reply:It is a little different when hosting a party for a friend. It's like you are all throwing the party for that person and not for each other. A Christmas party is a little more formal usually and you as the host are offering your home and whatever else up to your guests to enjoy. If you are having people close to you come to the Christmas party it isn't as big a deal to ask them to bring things. Good friends are usually willing to offer what help they can. You could preface the party as a pot-luck and then it's implied that everyone will bring something although I've never been to a Christmas potluck. Often people will bring a hostess gift to the party and that is usually a bottle of wine or flowers or something. You can't be sure what people will bring but you have options.
Reply:they should be fine bringing there part
Reply:Just call the party a potluck or a pitch-in. Don't stress about what people are going to bring, just let them bring what they like. If you end up with all dessert, then everyone will be eating desserts, big deal.





If you expect people to bring food, I think it is appropriate to specify no gifts. I have a friend who once had a party that was a housewarming/ graduation party (typically gift giving occasions) AND specified BYOB %26amp; F. It was ridiculous!