Please Help Me Figure Out The Etiquette

[dandelionmom]

For upcoming holiday parties and get-togethers, I plan on packing gluten-free food for my daughter and me. Is it best to tell the host in advance that we'll bring our own food or is it better to just nonchalantly eat our own food? I'm concerned that if I don't tell them in advance they may go to extra trouble preparing something they think is gluten-free (but I wouldn't trust enough to feed to my daughter).

WWYD?

[jerseyangel]

I always bring my own food. I tell the host/hostess that I plan to bring everything I need and not to worry about anything as far as I'm concerned.

Everyone, so far, has been fine with it--I would definately let them know, though.

[Darn210]

I have done that - and I let them know. That way they know ahead of time - less likely to be offended. For a birthday party that my daughter went to, I had a mom that wanted to do "something". So I told her what brand of ice cream to buy (and also told her that my daughter's needed to be dished up first).

[wolfie]

I also let the host know in advance that I will be bringing my own food. I have had my son's friend's parents ask what brand of chips, ice cream, hot dogs to buy for him and that has worked out okay in the past. I also explain a bit about CC.

There aren't many people that I would trust to make a gluten-free meal...my DH, Mom, MIL and my Dad with lots of guidance (he is really good about reading labels though).

[mandasmom]

I also let the host know in advance that I will be bringing my own food. I have had my son's friend's parents ask what brand of chips, ice cream, hot dogs to buy for him and that has worked out okay in the past. I also explain a bit about CC.

There aren't many people that I would trust to make a gluten-free meal...my DH, Mom, MIL and my Dad with lots of guidance (he is really good about reading labels though).

I thinks it fine to bring your own food..most hosts probably appreciate not having to worry about you guys..lI most often eat before I go (reduces temptation) and whenever possible bring a gluten-free side or dessert that everyone can share...I really like showing others that there are wonderful gluten-free foods!! Last night I went to a friends house and brought ato die for rice pudding..everyone went crazy over it and there wanst a spoonful left at the end of the evening!!

[Nic]

I always call ahead and ask what the host is serving. This way I try to match my son's gluten free food with the food everyone else is eating so he doesn't feel so different. For example, if the host is making baked ziti and meatballs, I make a gluten free baked ziti with gluten free meatballs to bring with us for him. No one has ever had a problems with it, it isn't like he just doesn't like their food, he can't eat it.

Nicole

[tarnalberry]

I think it depends entirely on the host/hostess. In some cases - if the host/hostess knows that I have food issues, I don't say anything and just bring food. In some cases - if the host/hostess is particular about things being a certain way - I'll talk to him/her and find out what I should bring to match, or if I should just be eating ahead of time. I don't think there can be a single universal rule to apply to all situations.