Etiquette Tuesday: I’ll Bring the Merlot
Thanks to one of my favorite foodies for this week’s Etiquette Tuesday. As the summer comes to an end, we cannot live with regrets of what we did not do, what we should have done and the like. Now is the time to learn from our mistakes. Now I learned cook-out etiquette ages ago but some of us missed that memo. While perusing my Twitter files the other day, I came across one of my fave DMV food bloggers status that said something like this: “Ugh, how tacky. One of the guests coming to the cook-out says she’s not bringing anything because she’s not going to eat anything”. How tacky?!?
Even if you’re not going to eat, bring something. It’s one of the most selfish acts to show up at an intimate gathering empty handed unless (*there are always exceptions…) 1. the host has explicitly requested that no one bring anything or 2. you and the host have already had the discussion on “I cannot afford to bring anything”. If not, you just look like the selfish empty-handed guest who forgot you were going to an intimate party. This etiquette tip applies primarily to intimate settings, cook-outs or places where there will be more talking and eating rather than drinking and vomiting.
It is in good taste and will make the host feel appreciated for hosting the event. Honestly, the host should have everything you need for the event, but everybody could use an extra bottle of Merlot or Diet Coke for a later date. Be generous…the host has by opening their house to you.
Category: Food.Fun.Stuff.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.Subscribe
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Chiiiiiiiiiiild, you will NEVER run out of things to talk about, when it comes to etiquette.