Invitedto dinner - what to take?

[demi]

I have been invited to dinner by a friend of a friend (French) who wants to meet me & for me to meet a few people, which is very kind of her.

What do I take as a small token? In the UK I would take wine but that doesn't seem right here.

Would flowers or chocolates be OK?

[exile]

Definitely not wine - it is taken to suggest that you don't trust the tastes of your host.

I would say flowers would be the safest and should cause no unintended offence

[suein56]

Definitely not wine - it is taken to suggest that you don't trust the tastes of your host.

I would say flowers would be the safest and should cause no unintended offence

Agree with both of exile's points .. just don't choose chrysanthemums.

[demi]

Thank you - I knew about chrysanths!

[Liz]

Flowers are always OK, as are choccies

[Blaze]

Flowers and choccies, always welcome !

[Polly]

Thank you - I knew about chrysanths!

Years ago I nearly made a mistake with chrysanths at most unfortunate time.

By chance we would be passing not far from the home of the family of our son’s school exchange friend from years previously, with whom we’d kept in touch, got on really well and had stayed in each other’ homes.

I phoned them and a stranger answered the house phone, then passed me on to Francois, who told me that they were in the middle of the wake for his mother-in-law. I commiserated and apologised for phoning at such a sad time, explaining that we had thought to pop in the next day, but would hope to see them the next time we were nearby.

He immediately asked us to visit, saying that Marcelle would love to see us and it would cheer her up. I demurred, he insisted, so I said I’d check the next day. Marcelle answered the phone next day and insisted that she would love to see us.

We stopped at a florist - and what did I decide on? A lovely big pot of bronze chrysanths, of course, not knowing their significance all those years ago! Chatting to the florist while she wrapped the pot, she was horrified when I told her the circumstances of our visit and explained to me. A quick change of choice followed!

The circumstances made it a bit of an unusual visit, but Marcelle was pleased to have us there, we caught up on family matters and they insisted that we must stay overnight, as they had made a bed up in readiness - not at all our plan.

Next morning over toast and coffee Marcelle asked me if I believed in an afterlife - something I’d never ever been asked by anybody! I knew that both she and her mother were staunch Catholics, so waffled on a bit about people’s beliefs bringing comfort - not easy as my French wasn’t great at that time and certainly not on such a subject! She then turned to my husband and asked his views - oh, just the same as J, he said. Trust him to wriggle out of an awkward situation!

Every November around All Souls Eve when we pass cemeteries and see the pots of chrysanths ranged at tbe gates by local florists or passing florists’ shops I’m reminded of that time.

[ajm]

Flowers and choccies, always welcome !

Yes for the ladies. In our circle (which includes 2 winemakers) the men always appreciate a different bottle of wine. As long as you know something about wine and don't take a bottle of Mateus Rosé or Blue Nun. Enjoy your evening.

[Nomoss]

We take the best offer of our Coopé, who own the names of a few local chateaux, if those we are visiting are some distance away.

[Hotrodder]

The few people I have met socially seem very keen on scotch.