Should I bring a gift when visiting someone's home?
Neutral Polite
What it really means
For a dinner or party invitation, yes — something small: a bottle of wine, chocolates, or flowers. It's a token, not a display; expensive gifts embarrass British hosts and can feel like pressure. For a casual cup of tea at a friend's, nothing is needed, though a packet of biscuits never hurts.
Chinese explanation
受邀吃饭或参加派对，要带——但带小东西：一瓶葡萄酒、巧克力或鲜花。这是心意，不是排场；贵重礼物会让英国主人尴尬，甚至感到压力。只是去朋友家喝杯茶则不用带东西，不过带包饼干总不会错。
Example conversation
A: Should I bring a gift to Sarah's dinner on Friday?
B: Just a bottle of wine or some chocolates — nothing fancy. It's the gesture that counts.
A：周五去Sarah家吃饭要带礼物吗？
B：带瓶葡萄酒或一盒巧克力就行——别太贵重。重要的是心意。
What you could say back
No spoken reply needed for this one.
Related phrases
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· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake