Ask Tracy, she has the answer.. asked:
I am joining my boyfriend’s family for Thanksgiving dinner this year. I’ve met his parents, but the dinner is being held at his aunt and uncle’s house (both of whom I’ve never met).
I am joining my boyfriend’s family for Thanksgiving dinner this year. I’ve met his parents, but the dinner is being held at his aunt and uncle’s house (both of whom I’ve never met).
He told me not to bring anything, but I am an unknown, non-related guest! I should bring SOMETHING, right?
Any suggestions? Please help! 
P.S. Unfortunately, I don’t know what kind of wine they drink (they live in Napa, California of all places, so who knows!).
fresh flowers or a signature dessert. that way no one is offended
i agree withLT flowers will do fine. good luck
I was going to say a dessert wine, til I read the last line – if you feel adventurous, go for it. Dessert wines are a good gift – they don’t necessarily have to be served if they clash with the meal, and it’s a nice gesture.
How about a small bouquet? Or a small, token gift like soap of something? Or a little (little!) fruit/cheese tray – something they can put off to the side if it doesn’t go with dinner.
The trick to this is not to make them uncomfortable, like they should accomodate your gift, but something as an aside.
They will remember your laughter, your demeanor and your company long after whatever you bring, if you choose anything or nothing, so don’t feel bad if you arrive emptyhanded. A warm handshake and perhaps a small goodnight hug could be the best gift of the evening.
Honestly, if your boyfriend said not to bring anything I would go with that. If you truly feel compelled to bring something, ask, whether its your boyfriend, his parents, or the actual host/hostess, if anything is needed for the dinner. If not, maybe bring a dish of your own to add into the equation. Its Thanksgiving, the more the merrier hon!
If you’re against the food thing, and more towards gifts–try a thanksgiving card, food basket, or check out a gift shop for other ideas. Good luck and have a happy one!
Bring something small, and unique. Flowers are a nice approach if you know a little something about them, but what if they are allergic to the type of flower you bring? I went to something like that, and I brought a dessert, something that is popular like cheesecake, or a classic pumpkin pie.
You see, if they are throwing a Thanksgiving Dinner, 9/10 times everyone brings a side dish, but everyone seems to forget the dessert, and what kind of dinner is it without a dessert?
Everything will be fine, just do what you think is best and they will love it! Especially around this stressful time of year.
Flowers are awesome. Another touch is to bring a traditional dish from your Thanksgiving dinner. You can tell them you wanted to share with them something you love.
a nice box of chocolates just for her so she can put
her feet up and enjoy….one of my soon to X’s friend
did this for me and it was such a nice surprise!
You could go with flowers or a signature dessert, like a fall bouquet or perhaps tiramisu.
But personally, I’d make a gift basket thinking towards breakfast (gourmet muffin or scone mix, a mini selection of coffee, fine tea, and cocoas, etc.)
And definitely BRING SOMETHING regardless of what your boyfriend said, especially if your boyfriend is of hispanic descent! (My wife is mexican, believe me I know this the hard way.)
His family won’t talk about you afterwards for being overly gracious, but they will talk about you negatively if you aren’t!!!
Err on the side of thoughtfulness, and let us know how it went!
Forget the flowers, to weird for a first meeting. Desert is your best bet.!!! Keep in mind that not everyone likes the same thing, but you cant please everyone either. I think that it is the thought that counts the most.
do a nice thanksgiving themed flower arrangement.
How about an already prepared gingerbread house made at the bakery of a premimum grocery store.