SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

Ok so with my group of my friends that I grew up with, whoever hosts the playdate makes the coffee and usually has bagels, then everyone who comes brings something small...like mini muffins for the kids, grapes, cookies, etc. We rotate houses so everyone hosts at some point. But we all live in different places, this is our way of having girl time since we don't see each other much anymore as well as getting the kids together since they won't be growing up together in the same place.

DH and I just moved to Jersey a few months ago and I've found a cool group of moms through our mommy & me class and our library storytime group. A set few of us all seem to click so we decided to have rotating group playdates at each other's homes in the neighborhood since it's getting cooler out, we all live in walking distance of one another. Topic of "bringing anything" was never discussed and our first one is today at 10 am.

So, WWYD? Or rather, what DO you do at your local playdates? The same thing I do with my old friends, bring cookies or muffins or something? Or do you guys not bring anything and not even think about it? I just don't want to make a bad first impression by not bringing food but don't want to look silly either if no one else does....it's so stressful making new friends again.

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

well, since I am in a similar situation as you-- I will tell you what goes on here. A friend of mine organizes a playgroup and the first week I was here, it was at her house... They meet every week, so it's a regualr thing. I asked her if I could bring anything and she said no... No one brings anything except what they would pack in their bags for their own DCs.

If you want, you can bring munchkins or something like that-- something very easy and for everyone (moms and babies). But why over complicate a playgroup? I think it's different with your friends who you grew up with.

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

I used to have regular playdates with the same people - we decided that whoever hosts takes care of everything that way the people coming over don't have to stop.

If I were going to another playdate then I would bring something with me.

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

We have a regular neighborhood playgroup every friday and whoever hosts provides all the snacks, etc. Since we rotate, every hosts on a regular basis so it is easier to just have to worry about providing snacks when you are the host and it makes it easier for everyone each week to know they just have to show up unless its at their houes.

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

I would bring at least something ir just ask..what should I bring...

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

Since it is you rfirstplaydate, I would bring a little something--munchkins, mini muffins etc..

After that I would see what the other moms do but if it is going to be the same playgroup, we only had dtuff if it was at your house...

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

Everybody brings something. Usually I'm the one hosting because I'm the one with a brood and it's easier. I usually tell people not to bring anything because I feel bad they they are traveling to me, but they still do.

I have one dear friend who always brings wine. She's my bestest playdate buddy.

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

Sorry- I didn't fully answer your question. My standard that I always bring to playdates is a fruit plate.It's healthy, easy to make/pick up, and I know my kids will eat it.

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

Where are you in NJ? I only ask since I am in NJ as well---anyways, at our playdates we don't bring anything, the hosting mom supplies bottled water, snack for kids and sometimes for moms too.

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

Thanks for all your input ladies. I think I'm going to bring something but kind of hold it back for a minute to see what everyone else does first. If no one else brings anything I'll try and slip it to the mom on the sly so no one else notices and feels weird.

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

Bring a little something this time and see what the norm is. I would rather not go empty handed.

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??

i am in charlotte.

we go to playdate not expecting anything...sometimes it is there, sometimes it isn't.

everyone almost always packs their own lunch for the kids.

we do taco tuesdays a lot with those of us who have husbands that work late...then we all bring something...but just a playdate, we usually bring our own lunch.

I find a lot of hosts shy away from the food thing all together. Eat, come over and play, then leave at lunch time. Keeps the mess out of there

Re: SAHMs--What is the playdate etiquette where you live??