What do we take to our neighbour's aperos?

[googietheegg]

We've been invited to aperos tomorrow at our neighbour's tomorrow - does anyone know what we should take? I reckon most/all shops will be closed tomorrow though, so needs to be something already in the house!! We have martini, cava, sake (only unopened bottles!), can make cheese straws, or take a cake?! Any ideas?

Depends on where you are. In Switzerland, theonly acceptable thing would have been either chocs or biscuits.

Ok thanks. We're in France. How long are we expected to stay for? What actually happens?!

Hi googie,
I would take either flowers or chocs. Don't know if you'll find anything open today, though....

One would only contribute to the actual apero if you knew the people very well and it was a very casual invitation.

Is the apero pre-lunch or pre-dinner? You would be expected to leave before the meal, although that could take a while. Is anyone else invited? Just take your cue from them. If not, you would probably stay about an hour and a half/two hours.

You'll be served drinks (probably bubbly today!) and a few nibbles. Not enough for a meal, though.....

It really depends on the people as to how formal it will be. I remember being naive and going in my jeans once and everyone else was really dressed up. I had no idea!

Thanks bunny, v helpful! I'll see if the florist is open. Also, when we were invited she said to come 'for a glass of champagne' but I'm pregnant (neighbour knows) and not drinking, so should I take my own soft drink?

No, don't take your soft drink: if you are lucky they'll think it odd and if not, then rude. Also, she may not realise you are avoiding all alcohol: in many European countries the guidelines say to moderate alcohol intake, not avoid it completely. The UK ones used to be the same until it was realised many people's moderate consumption was what most doctors would call excessive.

Thanks for all your advice - we had a lovely time! She offered me champagne but also had apple juice, and as a doctor knew about food issues etc. Is it presumptive to invite them back next week? One of the guests goes back to Paris soon. Can we do 'English style aperos' or should it be French?

We invited our neighbours for wine and mince pies - english stylee - but I did lay on a few other nibbles just in case......It was fine. It gives you something to talk about if nothing else

Mind you, I was told it was rude to take wine if invited to a Belgian house, but the neighbours all turned up with fizz and chocolate.....