We have been invited to a Christmas Party for the Volunteers from the doggie rescue group I volunteer with.I think it was be on the casual side. The adoption coordinator is having it at her house. Anyways, when I talked to her the other night to rsvp, I asked if we needed to bring anything(food, drink etc..)she so no, not a thing. The only thing we are suppose to bring is some dog treats/toys for the lower income families who have dogs.
If the person does not want you to bring anything in the way of food , do you still do it anyways?
I feel funny going to a party empty handed(besides the dog stuff LOL)
Also, this is a big deal to us. Me and my husband never go out alone. This is a no children party LOL..I asked my friend to watch my kids that night.
The party is at 5, so it wont be a late night. Honestly, I do not think Faith would go to sleep for anybody except me or my husband. She is never left at bedtime so the early hours for the party work good.

By Heaventree on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 - 09:12 am:

Bring a basket of holiday cookies if it will make you feel better about going and not being empty handed. I have a friend that never goes anywhere empty handed regardless of the occassion.

Try not to worry about Faith, I know easier said than done. I always think that it's a big job for DH and I together to put both our kids to bed, but everytime someone else does it they act like it was no big deal. Your kids sometimes are easier on others than they are on you. Also we have a party/holiday rule here. If we have guests or are going out the rules relax. Meaning if they don't go to bed on time it's no big deal. So if Faith stays up one night it's not the end of the world is it? If she just plays quietly with the sitter while you're out that would be okay wouldn't it? I'm sure you'll leave your phone number where you can be reached when you go out. You're just a phone call away.

Go out and ENJOY yourself Jackie, you deserve it!

By Kaye on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 - 09:29 am:

I never go to a party empty handed. But if you are told no food, then I would not bring food. I would bring a hostess gift. If you want that to be a plate of cookies, than that is fine. You could bring her a candle, or a nice bottle of wine.

By Bellajoe on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 - 10:45 am:

If it were me, i would bring a bottle of wine.

By Kate on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 - 12:13 pm:

I would not bring anything. This is a party for volunteers...this is a way of them paying you back and thanking you and it should be a total gift TO you. You shouldn't supply food for a party FOR you. Just go and enjoy and take the pet items.

By Pamt on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 - 03:45 pm:

I might bring a small poinsettia, candle, or something.

I do have to say about the wine though...DH and I are teetotalers and I have been given several bottles of wine over the years. I strongly suggest NOT EVER giving wine as a gift unless you are positive that the people drink and enjoy wine. It always makes for an awkward thank you when I receive it because sometimes the giver will give me wine and then say, "You do like wine, don't you?" I then have the choice of being rude and saying no or lying. I usually say, "Thank you so much. With family and guests in for the holiday, this will certainly be enjoyed"---and then I give it to my brother and SIL. Sorry, just had to interject that because it is a pet peeve of mine.

By Kaye on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 - 03:53 pm:

Ditto Pam! I also suggest you don't give wine if you don't drink wine For a couple of reasons, one being it just sends the wrong impression, but secondly if you don't drink it, it is hard to pick a good bottle.

By Debbie on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 - 09:13 pm:

Ditto Pam, I would take a poinsettia, a holiday candle, or something like that.