What is the proper etiquette for providing potluck dishes and/or gifts at parties?
435412
Someone is being cheap and tacky.
667753
You are not really obligated to bring another gift. You might feel awkward showing up empty handed. You could perhaps chose to bring a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers. Also if you bring a card(without money), others don't know if it contains money or not, but it looks good.
626903
Usually you try to at least pay them the amount of your plate.  If for one person they spent $75/plate, then you give them $100.  Also, please remember that you need to do that for each person in your family.
423935
Absolutely not! It's a big etiquette faux-pas and considered gift-grabby. Whether you write it on the invitation or use a card to put with the invitation, it's tacky and a big no-no. Registration information should only be provided when requested by a guest, and only then. \nPeople are smart enough to know that they can ask for the information. \n\nIf you have other etiquette related questions I recommend the site http://www.etiquettehell.com\n\nThey have a forum where people will answer any and all questions.
547182
Be polite and respectful. Note what time the household is up and be up when they are. Find out the first day which meals they eat together as a household, and if you arn't going to be there for a meal, tell your hostess first thing in the morning. \n\nDuring the first day or two, while talking with your relative find out what kind of hostess she is. Will she want to show you everything there is to see while you're there, or does she expect you to fend for yourself? Start by asking her what she recommends you do or see.\n\nDon't be rude. Don't insult her country or culture. Don't make a mess or leave your things laying around common areas. Be thankful for her hospitality, but don't flatter. And don't spend all your time talking about life back home.\n\nShow interest in your hostess and her interests (ie: if she spends the first two weeks talking about some tourist attraction that doesn't sound that great, when she does drag you to it, pay attention, don't rush the visit, and try to understand why she likes it so much.)\n\nAnd don't make a burden of yourself. A month is a long time to be at someone's home. Spend a lot of time away from the house during the day, and mabie a night or two on a little get-away in the middle of the trip.\n\nAnd ALWAYS bring a hostess gift - never show up empty-handed. Something from your home area. (Just mind customs laws - no plants, etc) It doesn't have to be expensive.
1023326
i suggest going to a walmart super center and ordering some platters its very cheap als o have a cooler filled with beverages of variety i wouldnt go to over board with decorations but a few would be appropiate go to a dollar store closets to you to get decor. find a place if you dont want it in your house or backyard where it is convienent for every one have a radio and alow the guests to bring cds to listen to or just let them choose what station get enough food for all your guests ask people what types of food they would want but most iimportantly have fun and dont sress your self out putting it all together ask people closest to you to help and maybe bring somethings have fun
872241
Put the tablecloth on first. Make sure it's clean.\n\nPut the plates into each position where someone is expected to be seated.\n\nTo the right of each plate, place a neatly folded napkin. On top, put a  spoon, a knife and a fork.\n\nTo the top right, place a clean glass.\n\nIn the center, put a nice flowered centerpiece.\n\nTo the left and right at the long ends, place a nice candlestick with a long white candle.
35064
Offer your sympathies to the family and offer to do anything that they need. Then follow through since some people have a hard time asking for help. Making sandwiches, snacks, or a casserole is also nice.
453374
Invite close friends over and have a small party. Have them over for dinner and make it like it is Thanksgiving, have everyone bring things over and then buy something for the party like at thanksgiving
674717
I would start by deciding how many people you're going to invite than decide where you will have it. Wether you rent a place or just have your party at home. You need to decide what kind of food you would like, you could have a caterer or decide to make all the food yourself. For my 16th birthday I had a party at my house. I did a lua theme we had coconuts, a pinata, we made all the food ourselves. We didn't spend alot of money but the party turned out great, it was alot of fun. As long as you have your friends there you will always have a good time. Good Luck!
793963
I'm sure almost anything you decide to bring will be enjoyed by all.  I would probably bring something not too heavy (and easy to make) like deviled eggs.  Maybe you could make/bring some sort of dip and crackers to go along with the dip.  It's nice to have a variety of food at Thanksgiving.  Enjoy your holiday!
123602
reserve a party room at a pizza place. just treat it like a girls night out type of party!\nhave people bring gifts like lingerie. even a conservative girl needs something! :)\nother gift ideas are incense, candles....romantic stuff.
693872
Guests should never be  Required to bring anything.\nYou are invited presumably because your Host likes you. \n\netiquette says you should send or bring a gift if invited to the Wedding  or the bridal shower.   \n\nIf  this is the first public event after the wedding. It would be nice if you brought a gift  but its not required.
628447
Are they calling first or just showing up?\n\nGosh if they are just showing up, you could always say you didn't make enough for more than just you/your family.\n\nIf they are just showing up, you can simply say "tonight is not a good night".  Remember you don't have to explain to them why.  So if they ask just say, it just ins't.\n\nAnd you can always tell them you are giving them their drink in a "to go" cup. LOL. ;)
310884
Yes, it's always good ettiquette to offer food and drink to anyone that comes into your home....especially if they were invited.   \n\nMore than just Catholics bless their houses.
848493
I always send them a thank you card with a gift certificate to there favorite restaurant.And in the off months I help them out as much as I can.Anything from bale-ling hay to mowing for them AND ALWAYS THANK THEM AND OFFER SOME OF YOUR GAME OR SERVICES.DON'T FORGET TO TELL THEM WHEN YOU'LL BE HUNTING OR FISHING ON THE GROUNDS!
327078
i think the way you are going about it is fine. \nit's rude to just state it in the invitations, much better to spread it by word-of-mouth.\ni would think that people would rather give money instead of buying you something that you'll never use.