Damsel in dis Dress wrote:
> On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:14:05 -0500, Julia Altshuler
> > wrote:
>
>> I do have a problem with the general question "what are you serving?"
>> It makes everyone sound pickier than they have any right to be.
>
> I admit to asking that. Three reasons.
> 1) Crash is allergic to mushrooms
> 2) I'd like to offer to bring something to go with it, if they'd like
> me to (we don't know anyone who is well off, so the offer of food is
> generally appreciated very much)
> 3) This might sound weird, but I like getting all excited, knowing
> I'm going to be enjoying a lasagna (or fill in the blank) dinner.

The proper response in the above is "We'd love to come, but I need to
mention that Crash is allergic to 'shrooms. I hope that isn't a problem?
And what can I bring!? We're so thrilled to be invited"
Leave it at that if they don't jump on the "what you can bring" idea as
they may have a menu (even a budget friendly one)in mind already. Or
they don't yet. Perhaps what you want to bring doesn't fit the meal?
Don't force the issue if there is any hesitation. Or you could offer a
broad "Can I bring dessert?" and leave it at that, so when you bring it
they have a surprise too.