What to take for the hostess?

[Eeyoreloverforever]

I have decided that I am tired of wasting money and want to make smarter decisions.

Today we are going to someone's house for a BBQ/pool party and it is also her birthday.

I have made her a card, but was wondering if I should take something and if so what?

I don't know her very well so don't know her tastes in anything.

 

[Disney845]

I think a card for the birthday portion is fine, especially if you are not close.

However I would bring something appropriate for being invited to a BBQ (completely unrelated to the birthday). In these situations, especially if you are looking to be frugal, how about re-gifting? Do you have a nice bottle of wine someone gave you, but you never got around to drinking?

Other than that, I would consider making (or buying if you are not great in the kitchen) something inexpensive. A tray of cookies? A potato salad? Baked Beans?

 

[Eeyoreloverforever]

I looked for a bottle of wine as we get them as gifts and don't drink them, but I didn't find one.

I will have a look around and see if there is something I can whip up from what I have.

 

[badblackpug]

Flowers? or a potted plant? I also like the idea of a tray of cookies. It is something that she could save for herself for later. I have always been taught not to bring a food dish that the hostess should be expected to serve at the event. Maybe a loaf of bread or some muffins? I have a friend who makes "cookie jars" she layers the dry ingredients of a cookie recipe in a decorated jar and then make a nice tag with the recipe, and attaches it to the jar.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Flowers are a good choice

 

[Eeyoreloverforever]

I have given those as gifts before.

I actually found a bottle of wine, so I will be regifting that.

I love to hear everyones ideas though.

 

[Eeyoreloverforever]

but didn't know if that was wasteful since they just die.

But it is always nice to get them.

 

[dizkids]

How about a hardy mum? Going into fall these flowers are sold everywhere in pots for about $3-$5. I think if you plant them they come back each year. Not sure if its regional but here in NJ they are everywhere.

 

[Wilsonfamily4]

We had some guests over for dinner last week. She brought me a nice big ziplock bag of green beans. It was a perfect gift. I love when people bring things from their gardens as gifts, tomatoes, zucchini, flowers, green beans. Or if they made jam this summer from some fresh berries or fruit it is nice to bring a nice jar of jam as a gift.
I don't have a garden so it is nice to get fresh produce.

 

[EthansMom]

I usually try to take something consumable that can be shared with everyone.

Our last party we were invited to was an "adult only party" for a friends' 40th Birthday. We took a card and jello shots (alcoholic). They were a huge hit!

Also, since I was driving us home, I didn't drink much and helped clean up a decent bit. The hostess was really appreciative that someone was helping keep things picked up.

For a family BBQ, I would take an appetizer or dessert.