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If someone invites us to dinner at their house I always ask what I can bring. If they tell me nothing, then I bring a bottle of wine. I only actually cook something if I clear with with the host first because I wouldn't want them to feel like they had to serve something I brought if it didn't go with the menu they planned. But I'm definitely not offended if someone doesn't bring something when they come to my house for dinner.

@MamaMoose: Same here!

When we go over to MIL’s house I always ask what we can bring and since we go over there fairly frequently I don’t take something each time if she says she has it covered.

Depends who it is...not when we go to our parents, but yes when we go to any other relatives house. For friends, we'll usually bring a bottle of wine or dessert.

For family, we don't bring anything unless it's a pot-luck type event with extended family. I doubt she means it to be offensive; her family probably just does things differently.

Also, I think not bringing a gift is just as much on your brother as his girlfriend--why would it be solely her responsibility? He may have even told her not to worry about it.

Friends place, a bottle of wine usually. Parents? Probably nothing, it's my *parents*, we're long past that formality. Extended family that I dont see often, perhaps a few oranges (I'm Asian so that's customary).

I'm trying to think about when my husband and I were dating - his family lives out of state so we would drive or fly to get there but I think I always brought something like cookies or bread or something. I know I did the first 4 visits or so. I think I stopped once we got engaged/married though. If we visit for a holiday I still bring something but not otherwise. My brother's girlfriend is at my parents' house every other weekend and she never brings anything and my mom has never said anything and I never really thought about it. I think it's nice, especially the first few times but I don't think it should be expected with family all the time.

maybe it's a regional thing because no one ever does that here!! lol I've never brought a gift to someone's house, and I certainly didn't when I met DH's family.

I would take fruit, flowers, something over if I was going to a BF's parents' place for dinner. Probably only the first time though.. definitely not each time.

Depends who it is. If it's family, not unless we're asked. We always offer. A friend's house? Wine or dessert.

I don't necessarily think the gf shows a lack of respect, though. Maybe her son is like, "nah, don't worry about it!"

If the shoe was on the other foot, I don't think many people would be upset their daughter's boyfriend didn't bring something over

I usually don't take anything to my parent's house. I help them cook when I get there. I ask when we are going over to visit my extended family. They usually have me bring a dessert or appetizer. With friends, it is usually wine.

I always bring something consumable - dessert or wine, mostly. Sometimes flowers if it's a nice occasion or a celebration.

I always bring something when I go to someone's house, but I don't expect it from my guests. That being said, I do appreciate it when people at least offer to bring something.

We only make bring something if it's a big dinner or not my parents or IL's. I usually make a token offer though.

I think my mom would be more offended if I brought something. She is an amazing cook and wants to do it herself and wants no help.