Etiquette when visiting someone for dinner/lunch

[bella88]

Re: Etiquette when visiting someone for dinner/lunch

@candy_apple

Just curious, when you visit family/friends for dinner/lunch do you take something to their home? For example, bring a cake, box of chocolates etc.? Specifically if you are going to their home for the first time (maybe they just moved into a new home etc.) or if it is someone whose home you don’t go to that often (few times a year at most).

I am curious because we always take something when we are invited to any family or friend’s home. And we take nice stuff and spend properly. I have noticed sometimes people come to our place empty-handed. I don’t care that they do, but I just wonder if we are going out of our way too much then? Do we always have to take something? Is it considered rude not to? What are the guidelines on this? Do you always bring something when visiting others? Do others always bring something when visiting you?

if i am going to my close friends house, which i go almost every week, i am not going to take anything every time. sometimes if i want to take some desserts or snacks i might but rarely.
but if i am invited to an actual dawat then either ill bring a cake or dessert. if its a birthday party, or anniversary party or a special event dinner, then ill bring a proper gift, or some money as a gift.