On 2017-08-09 12:28 AM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> On Tue 08 Aug 2017 08:21:21p, tert in seattle told us...

>
> Certain people in our social group predictably bring things like buns,
> chips, jarred salsa, peper and plastic goods, etc., of which are
> certainly useful, but always purchased with little effort to offer.

A friend of ours used to host pot luck parties but he only invited
people who he knew would bring interesting dishes. Just this week I
read an advice column letter from someone wondering how to deal with a
friend whose contribution to their groups pot luck meals were
insultingly cheap, like a bowl of rice. I disagreed with the advice,
which was to accept it graciously and thank her. I would be more likely
to exclude her.