It’s common knowledge that you never show up at a dinner party without anything.
You will then move on. What happens to the wine you just gave?
Some people see the bottle as an investment in the party. It’s a token that they can serve or save. Some assume that because they brought the wine, they will drink it as well.
This seemingly innocent 10-second dance can be viewed in a variety of ways.
First and foremost, it is not your concern what happens to the gift. This is a payment to be invited into someone’s house and fed. They can do whatever they want with it.
Second, but a little more murky, is the fact that you’ll be drinking the wine you spent time and money choosing.
You didn’t purchase your favorite game just so Jane Doe can drink it. She brought a Moscato, but it’s your wine.
Third, and perhaps the most egalitarian choice, is to say that you have brought something to share for the table or a bottle of wine to give to the party gods.
What happens to the wine that you bring to an event?
You can drink the wine that you brought. Everyone shares the wine
Orwell would agree that all three options are equally valid, but some of them are more equal than others.
Once you’ve let that bottle go in a fleeting moment, it is unlikely to return.
It’s a nice surprise if you do. Accept your host’s choice and eat what you’ve been given.
It’s impossible to know if your host has chosen the drinks for you or if it’s just a simple dry dinner.
No matter what, you must not bring the bottle back home.
