1. Depends on who's issuing the invitation. Default: I ask, upon receiving the invitation, if there's anything I can bring. For a family holiday dinner: I bring what I'm told to bring. For a casual dinner at Mom's: I bring either nothing or a bottle of wine.
I'm sure there have been times when I've forgotten to ask. :(
2. As often as possible/I remember. 3. Sometimes at the end of the evening. Sometimes later. Sometimes I ask first. But then, cooking for people is one of my "things". I've fed just about everyone in my life who hasn't run away fast enough. 4. Them to RSVP in some form before they show up. In specific circumstances I expect a critique of the food. 5. Some guests help clean up. Others don't. I will sometimes ask frequent diners for help in clean up or prep. Yes, I notice help. People who help are likely to be asked back. 6. Not as much as I should. I help to clear reasonably often, but I don't help with dishes as much as I might. (I hate doing dishes.) I tend to offer to help with prep if I show up in time.
I've also put on (always with a partner) Serious Dinner Parties(tm) for select people and occasions (SDP = 4 or more courses). Invites to those are somewhat tougher to come by and the rules are different. Guests are not encouraged to help with prep, though help with dishes may actually be required. Guests are discouraged from bringing food or wine. (Menus are planned and wines may be specifically paired in advance.) Unexpected wine is accepted as a "host gift" and cellared. Applications to help with prep are considered in advance.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2006-10-11 01:16 am (UTC)I'm sure there have been times when I've forgotten to ask. :(
2. As often as possible/I remember.
3. Sometimes at the end of the evening. Sometimes later. Sometimes I ask first. But then, cooking for people is one of my "things". I've fed just about everyone in my life who hasn't run away fast enough.
4. Them to RSVP in some form before they show up. In specific circumstances I expect a critique of the food.
5. Some guests help clean up. Others don't. I will sometimes ask frequent diners for help in clean up or prep. Yes, I notice help. People who help are likely to be asked back.
6. Not as much as I should. I help to clear reasonably often, but I don't help with dishes as much as I might. (I hate doing dishes.) I tend to offer to help with prep if I show up in time.
I've also put on (always with a partner) Serious Dinner Parties(tm) for select people and occasions (SDP = 4 or more courses). Invites to those are somewhat tougher to come by and the rules are different. Guests are not encouraged to help with prep, though help with dishes may actually be required. Guests are discouraged from bringing food or wine. (Menus are planned and wines may be specifically paired in advance.) Unexpected wine is accepted as a "host gift" and cellared. Applications to help with prep are considered in advance.