What to Do When Guests Bring Food to a Dinner Party?

Hello Polite One,

My partner and I disagree about the proper etiquette when guests bring food to a dinner party. She insists on sending whatever is leftover back home with them (especially dessert). She does it mostly because she doesn't want it in the house. But the guests often look offended, as if we didn't enjoy the food. I say we should keep it, offer it to them perhaps, but not insist.

Any thoughts?

Thank you.

Lynn in Trinidad, California

Dear Lynn in Trinidad, California,

Great question. When a guest gives you something, even food, it is a gift. If you return it to them, it is as if you are saying that you didn't want it.

I guess you win this disagreement.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

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