Social etiquette question - please advise!

[Earthstar]

We are invited to an afternoon christmas drinks party...given by aquaintances rather than friends. They have caterers for the party.

Should we take a gift or not, as I am not sure, and if so what should it be?

I would take something - a nice poinsettia plant perhaps, or a peace lily, or how about a pretty decoration to hang on their tree. Just something small basically.

I'd take a bottle of something (not expecting it to be opened on the spot - why do people do that?!)

Maybe a bottle of Prosecco - bubbly but not too bling?

No, not unless it's a birthday party or some other celebration that warrants a present.

If you really wanted to you could take something seasonal, like a box of marrons glacés.

love the decoration idea, Littlefish

I'd take some Christmas-sy flowers and a bottle of something (again, not expecting it to be opened).

I would definitely take something. A bottle/chocs/flowers.

I wouldn't take cut flowers if it is a big party as no-one will put them in water and they'll die! I only ever take cut flowers to small dinners.

Last year one of my drinks party guests left me a box ball outsie in a pot - with a note saying Merry Christmas to the Swedes family, Love from X. I found it the following morning when I was taking out all the empties. It was a lovely surprise and totally without fuss. Perhaps a small pot of crocuses? Or alliums?

I nearly bought someone a Poinsetta to take to a dinner last night. I was at the till in M&S when I decided it was too shouty and vulgar. So I put it back. I seem to have come over all socially anxious and middle aged.

Completely agree about poinsettia, Swedington. Don't even think about going there.

I wasn't going to take anything then suddenly wondered if I should!

Is Bonsoir the only vote for taking nothing?!!

Any of box of chocolates/bottle of wine/flowers. Why shouldn't you take something? You would to a smaller party or even if it was just you invited for the evening.

I think it's a bit "off" to turn up at someone's house without anything if they're entertaining you...

Thank you - overwhelming group view is to take something then!

@ Bonsoir and Swedington: since when have poinsettias been shouty/naff? I have two in my house and I like them - along with the baubles and tree lights and little wooden Father Christmas figures! I want to keep them! Please tell me I have become out of date without even noticing!!

Having just given a similar party myself (albeit not with caterers), I can say that it is really nice if some brings a small something - flowers and small decorations are particularly nice to get and I wouldn't turn my nose up at another poinsettia

No, no, no to a poinsettia they are vile.

I would take something that is clearly meant as a thank you gift, something lovely and seasonal from a deli maybe.

Poinsettia says Christmas, is perfectly OK once you've got a cut-down tree with lights and baubles in your sitting room.

Bit over-stated for the rest of the year, I agree.

Poinsettia not to everyone's taste though... I wouldn't really want one as a gift and would probably give it away.

I think a bottle of Prosecco or nice bottle of wine would do as would a small box of chocolates. Any token small gift is a nice thing to bring, it's good manners IMO.