Party Etiquette: What to Bring to a Big Party

Hi Punchbowl,
I have been invited to a "new apartment" party for a guy friend of mine who recently relocated to NYC. He's renting, so I wouldn't consider it a house warming party. Due to the large number of people invited, I think that he's going to have a full bar and possibly have the party catered. He said that we don't need to bring anything, but I would love to take him a little something. I've heard it's not polite to take alcohol to a catered party with an open bar. Is this correct? If so, do you have any ideas on what I could take besides alcohol?
Thanks.
Christy
NYC

Dear Christy-
While I wouldn’t necessarily say that bringing alcohol to a catered party is impolite, I think your instinct is right on this one. At the very least, bringing alcohol to a catered party will be superfluous. But I think you’re definitely right to want to bring something along, even if your host has indicated that he doesn't need anything. My party gift advice to you is to check out one of New York’s thousands of novelty gift stores for something quirky or fun that your host could use in his apartment. A hot dog night-light for the bathroom or a set of sushi magnets for his fridge will let your host know you were thinking of him without going overboard in the gift department.

I gave a friend of mine who just moved to Boston a set of crazy fish-shaped ice cube trays for her “non-housewarming housewarming” party, and they were a perfect, simple way to welcome her to the area.

Have a great time at the party!

Enjoy Planning.
Punchbowl

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