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Bringing a dish to a Thanksgiving meal is a good idea, even if the host doesn’t ask for one. It can commemorate the holiday’s history of sharing, accommodate dietary restrictions, and show appreciation for the host. Offering to help with cleanup or prep is also appreciated.
When asked to attend a Thanksgiving meal at someone else’s house, you may find yourself in a quandary as to whether you should bring anything to the meal. Of course, you may not have a choice; some hosts may automatically assign you to bring something, whether it’s desserts, sandwiches, side dishes, or drinks. Other hosts don’t specifically ask you to bring a plate on Thanksgiving. There are a number of reasons why you should at least offer one.
If there was ever a holiday that prompted potluck, Thanksgiving it sure is. Thanksgiving is not only a time to share the company of friends and families, but many also reflect on the first friends Pilgrims and Indians shared, before this relationship soured. For holiday purposes only, the offer to bring a plate commemorates this early sharing.
An invitation to dinner, especially to a possibly large dinner party, is usually met by the host’s polite offer to supply something with the meal. Even if you don’t bring a plate to Thanksgiving, consider bringing a bottle of wine or for teetotalers a nice sparkling apple juice and even as the recipient of an invitation, think of a small gift for your host, if not the wine, the flowers, chocolates, or a holiday plant make good choices.
Some people have dietary restrictions, both medically and by choice, which means things on the Thanksgiving menu may not be something you can or want to eat. For example, if you’re a vegetarian, how to get around the fact that the Thanksgiving main course is usually turkey Instead of asking the host to go to the trouble of making you a vegetarian meal, explain your dilemma and ask if you could provide a vegetarian casserole/ vegan or another dish where you can be sure you are not allergic to the ingredients. When you don’t have the opportunity to ask, simply bring a dish that fits your diet and give your explanations as you present your contribution.
There are many hosts who really enjoy preparing the Thanksgiving meal and plan a lot to have everything “just like this”. While you should always offer to bring a dish at Thanksgiving, don’t be alarmed or feel offended by your kitchen if a guest declines this offer. The host or chef may have a beautifully coordinated meal planned out and has already done all the shopping and most of the preparation.
Offer, after the meal, to help with the cleanup, or offer your services if you don’t bring a dish to Thanksgiving, to help with the prep ahead of time. With a host who has a clear idea of what they want, this can still be rejected. Instead of feeling offended, appreciate the host for giving you plenty of free time to enjoy your vacation.
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