Going to a dinner party

If you're going to someone's house for dinner, it's polite to take a gift. But what is appropriate in the UK?

Flowers are always a safe bet, but be careful not to give white arum lilies, the flowers British people most associate with death. (Other countries have different flowers associated with death, such as chrysanthemums or carnations.) We also associate red roses with love, so these should also be avoided. It's not a good idea to buy the biggest bunch in the shop, as this could be seen as ostentatious: as if you're trying to show how rich you are. The safest idea is to choose a medium-size bunch of freshly-cut flowers in season, such as daffodils or tulips in spring.

Other gifts which are suitable for hosts and hostesses are chocolates (British people particularly value Swiss, Belgian or French chocolates over British-made chocolate); or even a good-quality bottle of wine. However, it would seem strange to bring other alcohol such as brandy or cognac, unless it was a speciality of your country, and therefore quite rare in the UK.

Like in many other cultures, writing a brief "thank you" note to your host and hostess a day or so after the evening is considered polite.