Gluten-Free Open House

[Cheryl-C]

Hi everyone,

This weekend we are having a Christmas open house at my place. Aside from a baby shower in September, this is the first party I've had since going gluten-free. Normally, our friends and family bring plates to share; it is not requested, but it's generally what happens.

Anyway, I'm looking for a way to say "Please don't bring anything" without making it sound like I'm expecting people to bring something! Difficult! I've taken a lot of time to plan everything to be totally gluten-free, and I don't want any cc. I have a couple of friends who are great about it and will probably bring something, but other than that, I worry.

Suggestions? What if someone shows up with garlic bread???

[RideAllWays]

You could make it BYOB, no dish necessary? Or even just tell people why.."Come experience a gluten-free Christmas" or something of the like. I'm sure friends would understand!

[kareng]

My exact problem. I think I will specifically have to call the ones that ususally bring stuff and explain. I was thinking about putting on the info: Due to food allergies, please do not bring a dish to share. I've got it covered!

I didn't want to say gluten-free because I am afraid people will try to make something gluten-free. The only neighbor I trust really understands that is the one that runs PF Changs.

[Cheryl-C]

Good ideas, thank you. I guess putting a "fun experience" spin on it might be better than "leave your poisonous bread at the door, mainstreamers!"

[Skylark]

I might write something like "I'm doing all the cooking this year so you don't need to bring anything! If you are really want to bring something, a beverage to share would be great."

To be honest, I hold a lot of parties and I just dish out my own gluten-free food early in the evening. Then I don't worry about what arrives. I do usually put breads, pastries, desserts, and other things that might have crumbs on a separate table outside of the kitchen (or outdoors if it's summertime). I watch the foods that arrive and if something is gluten-free and looks good I get a portion right away, before it gets CC'd. My friends even help me, by alerting me when new food that looks good arrives as they understand the CC issue.

[Skylark]

And by the way, I entertain a LOT and have yet to get glutened at one of my own parties by doing this. Even better, a lot of my friends bring gluten-free foods now, like fruit, cheese, chips marked gluten-free, or even gluten-free cakes from Whole Foods. We have a casein sensitive friend too, so gluten-free/CF even appears.

[kareng]

"leave your poisonous bread at the door, mainstreamers!"

I think I will get this on a decorative sign for the front door!