Open House -- Advice needed

[librarychickie]

My husband and I have been invited to an open house (one of his professors) this weekend. It''s a "brunch" thing. His professor is Jewish, and I''m at a loss as to what to bring -- if anything. Can someone please help me out as far as protocol is concerned in this situation? We definitely don''t want to offend him.

Many thanks!

~LC

 

[Haven]

Is this open house connected to a religious event? I''m confused because you shared that the professor is Jewish, so I''m assuming this event is somehow religious, right? If so, if you let me know what the event is, I can probably be of some help.

 

[librarychickie]

That''s just it, I''m not sure if it''s religious, which is why I mentioned that he''s Jewish. My husband mentioned that some of the other classmates were thinking of bringing a Kosher wine, but since it''s a brunch thing 11-3, I didn''t think that was really appropriate. If it''s not a religious event, what could be an appropriate gift? Is that as clear as mud?

 

[Haven]

Yes, clear as mud. Ha!

It sounds like this is just a plain old open house event, then. If there was a religious event connected to the open house you would know about it. (e.g. We had an open house after my bat mitzvah, but everyone received in invite to the actual bat mitzvah first, and then details about the open house later.)

I think you''d be safe bringing a dessert item to the brunch. I''d stop at a local bakery and pick up a box of pretty little dessert treats and call it a day.

Have fun, at whatever it is!

 

[librarychickie]

Yeah, that''s kind of what I was thinking, too. I appreciate your help, Haven.

~LC

 

[Lilac]

I agree with Haven that a dessert item is a good idea, but just have one note: Assuming he keeps kosher, if you bring a dessert item from a bakery, make sure it''s kosher (not all bakery items are, it needs to have a kosher symbol on it).

 

[Gayletmom]

I like to bring a little something for the host/hostess that is not for the party but for them to enjoy another time. Just a little hostess gift like a nice notepad from my local stationer, a monogrammed hand towel, a small box of chocolates, a pretty candle or something similar. I was always advised by my mother-who is a stickler for etiquette-that you shouldn''t bring a food item in case you have one of those hosts who plans every detail and/or is particular about what is served.

Hope you have fun!