Spin-off to bringing food to a party . . .

If you bring a bottle of wine to a party as a hostess gift do you expect them to serve it at the party? I went to a holiday party a while back and brought a fairly decent (over $30) bottle of wine for the host and hostess. I was a bit disappointed when later in the evening I saw it empty on the counter by the garbage. I don't know if the hosts opened the bottle to be served to the guests or if a guest took it upon themselves to open it (it was a large party).

I realize that it's up to the gift receiver to do with the gift as they please but I had intended them to drink it at a later time. I'm wondering what others expect when they bring a bottle of wine as a hostess gift?

Re: Spin-off to bringing food to a party . . .

I always assume it is to be put out to drink (espcially since I do NOT drink wine)

Re: Spin-off to bringing food to a party . . .

Yes, I assume that any food or drink I brought will be put out for people to eat and drink!!

Re: Spin-off to bringing food to a party . . .

I wouldn't assume either way, but I'd be happy with either scenario.

Re: Spin-off to bringing food to a party . . .

When people bring me consumable "gifts", I just always assume they would like it to be served. I just never considered that it was a brought as a gift for me...I just wouldn't realize that.

Re: Spin-off to bringing food to a party . . .

Re: Spin-off to bringing food to a party . . .

I have no expectations of how or when something I bring to a party is served. If it gets used for the party great and if they save it for later that's fine too. If I really wanted the hosts to save it for later, I would mention it.

Re: Spin-off to bringing food to a party . . .

Id be fine either way in this case..I dont expect it to not be opened or to be opened..whatever the hostess wants to do with it.

Re: Spin-off to bringing food to a party . . .

Re: Spin-off to bringing food to a party . . .

With something like wine, if it's going to be consumed at a party, I wouldn't spend more than 10-15 bucks because most people wouldn't even appreciate it. If I do buy a nice bottle it's usually because the receivers are wine aficionados and they will appreciate it. But if it's just gonna be served at a party, a magnum of Bella Sera or Woodbridge will do.

Message edited 5/17/2011 8:26:28 PM.

Re: Spin-off to bringing food to a party . . .

I always assume that it was brought for the party and not for me. There have been times that I have forgotten to open a bottle that a friend brought and felt bad afterwards.

I once gave my sister and bil a specific expensive bottle of wine during a party, but I bought it for them exclusively. So I told them it was their choice but my intention was for them to enjoy it alone.

Either way, I am never personally offended if someone doesn't serve what I brought. Sometimes there is already a bottle open, and I'd rather it not go to waste.

Re: Spin-off to bringing food to a party . . .

Re: Spin-off to bringing food to a party . . .

Wine can go either way. It's a hostesss gift, so they can keep or serve it, it's up to them, unless you were asked to bring it, then it should be served.