Baked Goods: Cookie Tins And Other Means Of Transport..
I have cookie tins that I have saved over the years. I usually pack my goodies in those and ask the hostess to return them after the party. Today, however, we are going somewhere and I don't really know the hostess that well. I would feel awkward reqesting my tin back.
I. Do you think it is rude to ask for the tins back?
2. Looking for other innovative ways to pack the goodies (blueberry bars today) with things around the house
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9 Comments:
i would ask the hostess for an appropriate serving vessel upon my arrival, unpack them, and then put my tin with my things.
the other thing would be to invest in some of those inexpensive ziploc plastic containers and pack them that way. they make all kinds of sizes, easily replaceable, and are perfect for transporting fragile items.
cybercita at 1:30PM on 08/02/08
I do the cheap plastic containers route - if it's (nearly) empty by the time I leave, I pick it up on the way out - otherwise it gets donated to the host.
ansate at 1:39PM on 08/02/08
If you were handing the cookies over as a gift, it would be weird to ask for the tins back. But if this is a potluck sort of situation, people are either going to be bringing their food in disposable containers, or they're going to be using serving containers that they will take back home with them afterwards. I mean, if you were bringing your award-winning chili in a crockpot (so that it could stay warm during serving) you'd certainly expect your crockpot to come home with you at the end of the night.
I think the key is to take the item with you when you leave rather than asking that the hostess hold onto it after the party, clean it, then make her way to you to return the item at a later date.
What I'd do is that as the party is wrapping up, or when I was leaving, I'd go to the hostess with whatever cookies remained and say, "Would you like to keep the rest of these cookies? Do you have something to put them in?" That way you're being gracious by offering to leave the treats, but you're making it clear that you're taking the tin back with you.
Or even bring a ziploc bag or three with you to divvy up the remaining cookies and tell the hostess that she can keep them or give them to anyone else who wants to take them home, depending on how many are left afterward.
dbcurrie at 2:28PM on 08/02/08
I like to stock up on tins and other neat containers for just that reason. I take baked goods wherever I go, and have lost more nice trays and tins etc. to risk it unless I know the people well.
I am forever finding cool containers and pretty trays on the clearance racks, after holidays and at craft and hobby stores. I keep a few on hand for anytime I want to take a goodie and not worry about the receptacle it came in coming home with me.
Other than that, the responses above are right on. Don't be afraid to ask for the tin back at a large gathering/friends house, and try to take a disposable/givable one if you aren't sure.
sadiepix at 3:34PM on 08/02/08
I stock up on tins that strike me as interesting. As part of my food contribution, I usually include the container. Many of my friends do the same thing, and I think of them each time I use their "gift". It also reminds me of the actual food it contained, and I get this overwhelming urge to run to the kitchen and cook up something special.
For awkward sized types of goodies, I hit the dollar store where you can find pretty much any size platter you might need complete with a domed plastic lid. They make for a lovely and dramatic presentation and you've only lost a buck or two in the process.
Josdean at 7:08PM on 08/02/08
I agree with Sadiepix. You can find these items pretty easily at places like Michael's and Target. Also, Michael's carries these super cute boxes with wax paper liners made by Martha Stewart, complete with labels you can write on yourself, for baked goods as gifts, or at the very least, baked goods you can bring to someone's house for dessert. They are a little pricier, but for gift situations, they're worth it, and that's coming from someone who is not a big Martha enthusiast. Good luck.
PAWriter at 8:45PM on 08/02/08
Thanks for all of the suggestions..it was for last night and I had no choice but to use one of my precious tins. The hostess kindly told me that she would be sure to return it but I left empty-handed. I will now stock up on some bulk tins..anyone have ideas about having them personalized?
izzy's mama at 12:52AM on 08/03/08
Oh and also, I was afraid to ask for the tin back since these aren't people I know that well.
izzy's mama at 12:54AM on 08/03/08
If you are in a situation where you must leave it make sure you put your name on the bottom. My mom about 15 yrs ago put a piece of brown paper tape with her name on it on a pan and it is still there! She uses it all the time and just leaves the tape on there. I hope you get it back but if not just think of it as a lovely gift and start hitting up tag sales. I loved that idea Sadie as I always use plastic ware but this would be so much prettier.
www.organicandnaturalmom.blogspot.com
love2cook at 11:21AM on 08/03/08