What should I do with the gift bottle?

Dear Polite One,

What is the proper thing to do if a guest brings wine to a dinner party? Do we serve it or not?

Gifted

Dear Gifted,

A gift bottle is just that, a gift. Nevertheless, as great hosts, and knowing that many don't know this, we try to elicit information slyly. Statements like, "This looks like a great bottle, would you like me to open it with dinner?" Or "Do you think this will go with the main course?" may get the information we need. This gives the guest the opportunity to tell us his/her intentions.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

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