When you're invited somewhere to celebrate, what do you like to turn up with?

A natural way to answer

I like to bring something that shows a bit of thought rather than just grabbing whatever's by the till. Often it's a homemade dish or some good chocolates. I think a small gift is a simple way to say thank you and not take the host for granted.

Key phrases to use

• show up empty-handed — to arrive somewhere without bringing a gift or contribution“I'd never show up empty-handed to a dinner.”
• do your bit — to make your own small contribution to a shared effort“Everyone did their bit to set up.”
• take the host for granted — to fail to appreciate the effort the host has made“It's rude to take the host for granted.”
• go out of my way — to make a special, extra effort to do something kind“She went out of her way to make me feel welcome.”
• make a bit of a song and dance — to make a noticeable fuss or effort about something“She made a bit of a song and dance about saying thank you.”