I'm going to a friend's house for Thanksgiving and was told I didn't need to bring anything. I feel bad showing up empty-handed. Can I really come with nothing?
- Doug, Rollingwood, TX

Your instincts are right. No one wants to be seen as a freeloader and showing up with nothing is simply bad form. But for specially planned meals like Thanksgiving, the host or hostess may have everything taken care of and thus, a small token of appreciation would be fine. A box of chocolates or nuts to nibble on beforehand, a small bouquet of flowers (that could easily be dropped into a vase of water) or a bottle of dessert wine for after dinner would all be good to show up with. And don't be upset if your gift doesn't get used that day. If you gave someone a shirt, you wouldn't expect them to put it on right then and there would you? Saracco Moscato d'Asti, $16, at Wine.com; Nut mini bar, $38, at Dean & Deluca; Half-pound of chocolates, $28, at Payard.

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