What to Bring to Thanksgiving: 4 Things to Take a Long (and 3 to Avoid)

Ask if there’s a specific type your host would like first (white, red or sparkling) and then scope out the best ones to bring under $25. For bonus points, surprise them with a digestif (in addition to a bottle of wine) that will help guests wind down after all that food. 

You may make the best damn pumpkin pie around, but don’t even think about bringing it unless you’ve been specifically requested to do so. It may seem like a nice gesture but there’s nothing like slaving away on a dessert all day only to be upstaged by someone else. And if tasked with bringing some pre-dinner snacks, don’t just pick up your favorite cheese from Trader Joe’s and call it a day—crackers, chutneys or grapes are also required.

A pretty bouquet is a perfectly acceptable (and lovely) hostess gift. But getting dinner ready (and keeping Aunt Miriam away from Aunt Sally) is a feat of superhuman strength—don’t busy your host with more work (like digging around the cabinet to try and find a vase). Instead, come with flowers already trimmed and arranged in a vessel that you’re happy to leave behind.

And ditto on bringing anything that uses up precious oven or fridge space.

We like these ones that are easy to transport and practically spill-proof.

Please inform the host of any allergies or medical conditions beforehand (mentioning you have celiac disease as the stuffing is being dished up is not appropriate). And no, an aversion to green beans doesn't count as a medical condition. 

You should, of course, offer to clear the table and do the dishes after the meal.