Need some advice

[wjjkoevoets]

I'm currently living and working in the US and have been for about 3 months now. My boss's boss has been kind enough to invite me over to his christmas dinner early next week. I don't have any family or close friends in the US, so I really appreciate the gesture.

I'd like to get him something for inviting me over. I'd feel bad showing up empty handed. But I'm not really sure what would be considered appropriate for something like this in the US. It may seem very trivial, but I've noticed that the difference between the US and Europe are in the small things. I don't want to come across as ungrateful.

Thanks!

[Redd]

Anything with alcohol in it should be fine.

[kscarrol]

Agreed. A nice bottle of wine to go with the meal would be appropriate...

[Gooner5643]

Can't go wrong with a top shelf bottle of wine.

[wjjkoevoets]

Huh, surprisingly simple, yet elegant. Why didn't I think of that :S

Thanks guys.

[P1]

I assumed you already asked if you can bring something? Either way, agree with a bottle of (good) wine at a minimum.

[Boosted 1]

Bourbon. A nice bottle of bourbon.

[overcoil]

This time of year people usually have all the alcohol they need - I think the trend is starting to get away from alcohol and boxed chocolates.
For a single guy it's tough. If a women were attending a very smart small homemade dessert is very nice. And what ever you bring should be consumable - like fine dinner candles or fine hand soaps.

That's just my opinion.

[RickFLM4]

I'd agree with dessert unless you have seen him drink before. Wouldn't want to show up with wine or liquor only to find out he and his family is Mormon (or otherwise don't drink any alcohol). If you sure alcohol is appropriate, them wine is also a standard go-to.

You can also just ask him what you can bring. That is also pretty standard. If he says something bring that. Otherwise dessert or wine.

[mledfo2]

Yeah I say a nice bottle of wine will do. Even if they don't drink it's still a kind gesture

[EJT86]

wine or another kind of alcohol (if you know what the person likes) is standard practice. i mean you COULD get a desert but you never know, food allergy, preferences etc. yes people usual have all the alcohol they need this time of year but its not going to go bad or spoil. a bottle of something now will be put to good use next christmas too or sooner. alot of people "collect" it and break it out as desired

[wdb]

When I have people to dinner I've already picked out the wine I plan to serve. If they show up with a bottle in their hand, am I obligated to open it and serve it with the meal?

Well, I don't, as a rule. If it's a good match then yes. If not, I thank them very much and open what I already had chosen.

Just my pair of pence. Doesn't mean I don't appreciate the gift. I hope the guest sees it that way too.

[FlaPatsFan]

You can never go wrong with extra dessert! Italian pastries! Mini Cannolis!!!! Mini tiramisu!!!! Mmmmmmmmmm OR.....depending on the crowd Cards against Humanity and a 12pk of PBR...

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

You can never go wrong with extra dessert! Italian pastries! Mini Cannolis!!!! Mini tiramisu!!!! Mmmmmmmmmm OR.....depending on the crowd Cards against Humanity and a 12pk of PBR...

Or some Alizé
-Go pats

[MrRoboto]

Can't go wrong with Ring Dings and Pepsi.

[///M Power-Belgium]

A Christmas tree ?

[wdb]

Diamonds.

[1MOREMOD]

Yep booze, whisky, bourbon can't go wrong

[kscarrol]

Originally Posted by wdb

Just my pair of pence. Doesn't mean I don't appreciate the gift. I hope the guest sees it that way too.

Absolutely, it is a gift to the host(s), not something that has to be opened immediately.

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by MrRoboto

Can't go wrong with Ring Dings and Pepsi.

Classic George Costanza lol

[wjjkoevoets]

I ended up getting a nice bottle of wine. It was well received

[wdb]

Originally Posted by wjjkoevoets

I ended up getting a nice bottle of wine. It was well received

But did they open it???