Politeness w/ No Excuses

[Guest guest]

When I am invited to a pot luck,cook out, or picnic, I take along a

traditional main dish recipe, of course made Vegetarian. Spaghetti,Mac

and cheese,chili,Lasagna,etc. I also take chips and dips, and a fruit

salad. Sometimes a pasta salad. No need to bring attention to my

recipes. Just place them on the table and watch them disappear. When I

have guests if I don't know their preferences I ask before hand. I

could never serve meat or even cook it to take to a get-together.

However often people are easily offended when they make a gesture of

food and are turned down. They take it personally and have their

feelings hurt if you do not accept their *offering*. Just smile and

say " no thank you " . If they persist I simply state " that looks

wonderful, you must have put in a lot of time preapring it. I am a

*strict* Vegetarian and do not eat meat " . Period. Smile and walk away.

A caring person will accept your choices.

Deanna in Colorado