No. Since it is pot luck you bring a dish to add to the pot luck.
Not unless it is a birthday or other celebration. If in doubt, check with the hostess.
The reason why is that it shows very much respect to the elders in the house.
Traditionally, the gift for 15 years is crystal, but watches are the modern version.
If it's a special occasion such as a birthday; special anniversary; wedding shower or baby shower then yes, you should take a gift. If it's just a get together with friends for dessert then no, it's not necessary to bring a gift unless you want to bring a bottle of wine or flowers for the hostess if you know them well, but not mandatory.
A hostess gift is a gift given to your host or hostess as a sort of 'pre-thank you' for having you. A bottle of wine, flowers or maybe even gourmet coffee are common hostess gifts. A small hostess gift is generally considered appropriate for dinners and parties, while guests who are staying for several days may get something larger.
A hostess gift doesn'tt have to be expensive, but it should be thoughtful. Consider the types of activities your hosts enjoy, and gift accordingly. As a general rule, your budget should be around $15 to $30, depending upon the formality of the occasion. An important rule to remember is that you should never bring anything that makes more work for your hosts. The best example is that of flowers: If you bring a cello-wrapped bouquet, your hostess must stop what she is doing, find a vase, trim the ends from the flowers and greenery, arrange the bouquet, and find a place for it. If youre giving flowers, be sure to bring a bouquet that is already arranged in a vase.
A Dried Fruit Basket can be a good hostess gift. Fresh Fruit is more appealing visually but dried fruit can last longer. A dried fruit basket can be a great hostess gift. The key to being a good hostess is uderstanding and catering to the likes of your guest.
No, you do not need to bring a gift for the host, but only a gift for the person whose birthday it is. Some people may bring a bottle of wine or case of beer depending on the type of party. However, if you wish, a hostess gift, such as fresh flowers, is always appreciated.
A birthday gift for your nephew would be appropiate, but it need not be something expensive. At 30 , we hope he is self-supporting by now. A hostess gift for his Mother wouild be optional.
When there is a birthday party and you bring a gift you should also bring your own bottle of wine. If guests bring expensive alcohol it is generally etiquette to leave it behind, but with the high economy often the host or hostess will insist the person take what is left of their alcohol home with them.
Asking a guest who is already giving a gift at a wedding shower to bring a small kitchen gadget in addition is a very odd request and not the norm. Perhaps the hostess is thinking of some sort of game to play and the bride to be gets to keep the kitchen gadgets after the game is over. If this was the case then the hostess should have communicated to the guests this would be part of a game played at the shower. If this is not the case then it is very rude for the hostess to ask any guest to buy a small kitchen gadget in addition to a gift already bought for the bride to be.