Bring containers for leftovers or not?

debodun

debodun

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Location
way upstate in New York, USA
If invited out for a holiday meal, I always wonder what the better course of action would be. If the hosts offer leftovers to bring home and I haven't brought my own containers, the they must scurry around and find some. Then I have to wash and return them. If I bring my own containers, it might seem like I was being presumptuous and assume that leftovers would be offered and they might feel obligated to offer them. Sometimes there's barely enough for one more meal for the hosts. I don't want to make the feel obligated to give me their food. What should I do?
 

I wouldn't bring my own containers, and it's fine to politely decline taking leftovers. If the host is wise and insists on you taking some, he or she will have some disposable containers that you wouldn't have to return.
 
Personally, I wouldn't do that. Like you say, it may look presumptuous. Most people have on hand zip-loc bags which serves the purpose quite well--I use them at times. Double them if necessary.
 

I agree with bluebreezes and Carla. The other thing you could do, if you're driving, is to bring containers and leave them in the car. Then, if it comes up, you could go out and get them. But unless there's really a lot left over, more than their family could eat in a few days, I would decline.
 
As the perpetual hostess, I always buy the disposable containers to send home leftovers with my guests. It is just what I do. It is not as if I have a housefull of guests, though. Just two guests every year. SO no big deal for me.
 
I'm with Falcon on this. Good company and food should make the guest happy and not worry about what food they can take home. Maybe the hostess is hoping herself that there will be enough leftovers for her own family the next day.
 
I would never bring my own containers. I've served meals at my home and found a container to give someone something to take with them if they liked. I wash out and save certain food containers with lids specifically for this purpose. Often I decline taking anything with me unless the host insists, because many times they may just be being polite and would like the leftovers for their own family to enjoy the next day. I agree with others here, I'm there to enjoy the dinner among friends or family, taking anything with me is not even in my mind.
 
BlondieBoomer made the same suggestion that I thought of. It all kind of depends on how well you know the hosts but it wouldn't hurt to be prepared. If it is a first time dinner date, I wouldn't expect to be offered leftovers but if you are visiting old friends and they enthusiastically press you then you will be ready and they don't have to scramble. Enjoy the holiday!!
 
debodun said:
If invited out for a holiday meal, I always wonder what the better course of action would be. If the hosts offer leftovers to bring home and I haven't brought my own containers, the they must scurry around and find some. Then I have to wash and return them. If I bring my own containers, it might seem like I was being presumptuous and assume that leftovers would be offered and they might feel obligated to offer them. Sometimes there's barely enough for one more meal for the hosts. I don't want to make the feel obligated to give me their food. What should I do?
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Well, I'd say you're there for one meal. Being offered leftovers is a real joy! So I would say, as a hostess, I have disposable containers and let my guests fill them as they will. Some want leftovers, others don't, and everyone can do as they wish. After the meal, I set out the containers and yell, "Go for it!"

That cuts down on my own leftovers, and makes more room in the fridge.

Bringing your own containers is a unique idea. I kinda like that. That means you'd like to enjoy my cooking past the meal and I'd take that as a compliment.
 
My family is very informal about this. If a family member comes over for holiday dinner with their own containers, it's okay with me. I wouldn't do this at a stranger's but with family? Absolutely. :eek: I grew up in the '60s. Everything was so informal back then. Hostesses expected to feed everyone and provide leftovers too.
 
Last time I visited an American family for Thanksgiving we could hardly get into the car for leftovers! (see my post on Thanksgiving memories).

Took "Bundles for Britain" to a whole new level!
 
That reminds me of my Aunt Marge, bless her departed soul, who would bring tupperware to the all you can eat buffets. She was asked to leave and not come back...:playful:
 
Years ago a friend worked in a local buffet restaurant that was popular with retirees and some of them would bring the "buffet purse" with them and slip a few plastic bags and containers of food into it. My friend got written up by the manager one day when he exclaimed "Ladies, ladies, ladies, it's all you can eat, not all you can carry!"
 
I will confess that when I (used to) go to CiCi's Pizza Buffet, after I finished stuffing myself full of pizza, salad and bread sticks, before I'd leave, I'd hit the brownie pan. I'd take about four of them back to the table, wrap them up in a napkin and sneak them out, either in my pocket or just carry them. Take them home and have them later in the evening while watching TV. The way I figured it, I was entitled to some dessert, I just didn't want it right then.
 
This is the reason you design your contribution to the meal, be in a container suitable for carrying leftovers home. The Missus will sometimes be to generous with the giving away of leftovers,and we end up shortchanged. Other times I'm sneaking out to the driveway and loading cars if we don't get enough volunteers.
 

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