I was invited to a colleague's Thanksgiving party. What would be the most appropriate thing to bring?
912132
If children will be there, you might consider taking something that would interest them, like a nice Mac and Cheese casserole, or a nice salad that has kid friendly stuff in it like ham, turkey cheese or something like that. You might take a dessert that you have had at your family gatherings that this family may not be familiar with.    Adults only, the wine is great or better yet, a nice bottle of Cognac or Bourbon.  When you are invited into someone's home, ESPECIALLY for a major holiday, pretty much anything that can be considered part of the feast is appropriate.  You probably already know this, but be sure to send a thank you note to the host and hostess letting them know how much you enjoyed being included.
229497
I like to give groceries. The things that people don't think of needing until you're in your first house and need to cook dinner - salt, pepper, flour, sugar, maybe some spices, macaroni 'n' cheese, stuff that won't go bad. Put it in an inexpensive laundry basket lined with a kitchen towel and put a bow on top. It looks good and we've always had raves from the bride and groom that it was the best present they got.
278980
bride..and best wishes!!\nif you wanted to try and include your parents on the invite, you could do: Suzy and Tom, together with their parents, request your presence...
676240
Try this site: http://www.1partysuppliesandfavors.com.  They have all kinds of party supplies.  For a planning checklist, try this one: http://www.yankeegrocery.com/party_planning.html
805239
buy a few cases of Coke, about 4 large pizzas, and have some games or music around the house. I personally recommend Jimmy Buffett for a party atmosphere.
298249
I am not sure if this is the same thing as a "come and go" event, but we have a very large family and often hold what we call "open houses".  I advise a 2-3 hour time frame for the event.  Refreshments can be very simple, especially if you hold the shower during the afternoon hours of 2-5 or 1-4 since this is after lunch and before dinner.  Use small plates, 6 or 8 inch and provide finger foods - fresh veggies with dip, cut-up fresh fruit, small appetizers such as little quiche or little sausages wrapped around crescent roll dough.  Dessert can be sugar cookies made in hearts with the wedding date or bride and groom's names written on them.  Miniature cupcakes would be cute, too.  Provide something that will "unite" all the guests since they won't all be there at the same time.  Maybe provide a recipe card and a 3x5 card in each guest's invitation.  Have them bring a favorite recipe on the recipe card and some "advice" for the happy couple on the 3x5 card.  Have a pretty basket available to put the card in.  As each guest leaves, give them something small as a momento since you won't be able to do much in the way of games.  Perhaps a small votive candle or a little potpourri wrapped in tulle and ribbon that match the colors of the bride's colors.  After the party, as the bride-to-be unwraps each gift, take a digital or poloroid picture of her with the gift and send it in the thank-you card to the giver.  Make sure everyone has a name tag since the guest list is large.  Another option may be to consider a different venue for the party.  A church social hall, a school gym or cafeteria, a park with a gazebo, someone's back yard, may be possibilities to allow all guests to be there at the same time.  Also, if you have anyone nice enough to ask what they can do to help, be sure to accept their offer and see if they can either help set-up or clean-up or perhaps bring a veggie tray or make cookies.  This will help financially and will be less stress for you.
931365
How about a turkey breast? Stove top stuffing, mashed potato and bottled gravy (or canned). Jello with miniature marshmallows, green bean casserole and a really good bottle of wine. Get a bake it at home frozen pumpkin pie for later though you'll need to bake it the night before. A can of whipped cream and don't worry about stuff!!
769756
Invite someone over who is less fortunate for dinner, or someone who will be alone for the holiday! \nLeg of Lamb\nHam\nCandied Yams\nCorn bread dressing\nPecan Pie\nRed Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Icing\nCheese Cake\nBaked Macaroni and Cheese\nCollard greens\nTake your pick, God bless****
941649
**a gourmet snack style gift basket.....asst. cheeses, beef stick/pepperoni, some good crackers, bottle of good holiday wine (or champagne even for new years)-you could even throw a couple of cute wine glasses in there, some good candy like Ferrero Rocher or such, and maybe a cd of holiday music or scented candle.\n**If you make one that is New Years themed, you could add noise makers and other party accessories instead of the cd / candle.\nBaskets are nice because you can control what you spend...and you can make these to fit ANY holiday/occasion/theme-good idea for the group you belong to....\n\n**A really nice throw/blanket makes a great holiday gift exchange gift also...and can also be found at very reasonable prices.\n\n**Newly released movies, cds, books...\n**Nice calender/desk sets...\n**Personal planners - they make some really attractive ones that you can even find in outlet/discount stores.....\n**A t-shirt or sweat shirt of your local professional football/hockey team.\n**A PRE-PAID GAS CARD!!! You could include a note that says "To help you get 'Home for the Holidays' "\n**Movie theater vouchers\n\nI have more ideas, but I could go on forever!\nHope maybe these give you some direction/ideas.....HAVE FUN!!
911418
Good for you 'old coots' and I hope you enjoy the gift certificate.  You'll actually enjoy it.  Cloth napkins, fancy dishes, it's all good.  Just remember your manner...help your new lady with her chair and her coat...and order your most favorite dish.  A country boy like yourself can probably find a good steak on the menu...you can splurge on desserts...and a bottle of wine if you prefer.  Won't it be fun to dine in and not worry about the check.  Be sure to write a thank you note to the person who gave you the gift certificate and you've got the rest of your life to dine at BK.  Jazz up your clothing for the event (no overalls), help your new bride with the door and be whomever you want to be for the evening.  Just be sure you save some energy for the fun you'll have when you return home.  Enjoy....and good luck.
865022
Ask her what responsibilities she would want you to to be in charge of for the party.  Offer to have you and your friends clean up after the party.  I know that's a bummer for guests, but you can make it fun by singing Christmas kareoke while you are doing it.  Be sure to agree upon a date for the party that does not interfere with her plans.\n\nIn other words, go the extra mile.  I think you'll be able to talk her into it.
1083976
How about a blank book with a nice cover.  Bring a nice pen for the guests to write with.  Start off the book with a page of your hopes, wishes, advice for his/her future and best sentiments for your friend and then circulate it around for others to do the same or leave it on a table and ask others to contribute their gems of wisdom to it.  This could be a nice keepsake.  \n\nYou could also put some paper on each page as a place holder for a  photograph that you could take of each person at the party.  After the celebration,  put each contributor's photo on the page that they wrote to the graduate.
627203
maybe get everyone in the class to chip in and throw him/her a suprise party. i did that for one of my teachers before w/ a couple of friend and she was realli moved. she was touched that we organized everything and had everyone participate.
1018217
Try getting a sampler plate of traditional greek and turkish food (both are fairly similar with key differences)  Ask the resteraunt if you can order a little of everything.  They should be able to cut you a deal.  Particularly cool if you want to do it in traditional greek style and rather then have it plated for you you have it all laid in serving dishes on the table and pass it around thanksgiving style.  This encourages communication and socialization in a time that, in American tradition, is normally kinda quiet.
953390
A gift is almost required for this kind of occasion--this sounds like something that would require a gift on the same scale as an anniversary present.  If you think in that direction then it might give you some more ideas.\n\nSome Mormons do drink wine and caffeine, but if you don't know for sure then it is a good idea to avoid them.\n\nI would look for something elegant like a cut crystal vase, with a dry floral arraignment.  You can buy the vase and then go to a florist and ask them to make an arraignment for you.  Or you could do it yourself, if you are skilled in that area.\n\nA pair of pumpkin pies (use Libby Pie Mix) would give that homemade touch.  If you follow the instructions on the can they are very easy to make.  You could buy a pie, or a cake, but the homemade touch would be better.  This isn't a "pot luck" dinner so I wouldn't try to bring anything except a desert course and of course you want to present it in a dish that you expect them to keep, and tell her that she doesn't have to worry about returning anything. \n\nYou can have your husband contact his boss or you can contact her yourself and ask her if you can bring a centerpiece for the table.  If you coordinate with her in advance then it will show you care, and she can make room for it at the table.  Make sure that the arraignment you get is a low one.  Most floral shops can help you with this.\n\nYou could bring a nice set of linen napkins or a beautiful salt and pepper set--that could be easily put on the table.  A silver candle set with a set of nice candles would also be nice.\n\nI guess the best rule would be simple and elegant.  People are more impressed with this kind of gift.  Remember, if you seem to be spending a lot of money then the gift will look like a clumsy attempt at a bribe, a modest gift would be the best, and of course you want to avoid something tacky.
814945
Turkey and dressing/gravy, cranberry sauce (homemade, not that canned stuff) on the side...and dessert...Maple walnut pumpkin pie\n\nHappy Thanksgiving....to you, your family and friends
950453
A turkey\nBox of mashed potatoes\nBox of stuffing\n2 packets of gravy\ncan of corn\ncan of cranberry sauce\ncan of yams\nmini marshmellows\npumpkin pie & can of whipped cream\ninstant coffee\nhot coder packets\nI always include a cream or fruit pie also, because I do NOT like pumpkin pie & some others don't either...\nI also include the fixins for a green bean casserole & a green salad...  I try to include what "I" would like to feed my family on Thanksgiving & enough to feed a good sized family or at least enough for a couple of days leftovers.  I also throw in a foil roasting pan & box of foil & a gallon of milk.\n\nGood for you for doing this..... GOD BLESS!!!!