How do I tell my hostess I don't eat meat

**queenie** · 11-09-2004, 07:15 PM

I am a vegetarian due to health reasons ( I have a sensitive tummy and don't eat spicy or greasy foods either).

The problem is I live in a small town where almost everyone is a farmer - so I am the only one for many miles around who doesn't eat meat. No problem, I usually bring a salad and such when going to public events.

However, I will soon be invited to a new friends house for supper. She mentioned in conversation that she would probably make lasagna as it is easy to make and everyone likes and she will have time for visiting. I didn't say anything at the time.

What would be the best way to tell the hostess when she calls to set the date? She has no idea I don't eat meat as we have only talked 4 or 5 times. I don't want to offend her or make her feel put out by cooking something different. I will offer to bring a salad. Normally friends and family who have known me for awhile are used to it and tease me, but don't get offended at what I don't eat. I always tell them to make what they always would and I will eat the potatos and vegetables or whatever else there is.

TIA
Queenie

**homesteadmamma** · 11-09-2004, 07:33 PM

I would be upfront and honest with her when she calls to set a date. I would offer to bring a side dish that you could eat and that goes along with the lasagna. Or you might even suggest you'd love to bring a vegetarian lasagna.

Good luck, I know what your going through, but most people I know are very understanding, especially Manitobans.

**forestdale** · 11-09-2004, 07:34 PM

I'm a vegetarian too. The best way is to tell your hostess when she phones to confirm the date. Just say that you're a vegetarian and you hope that doesn't cause a problem. Lasagne is easy to make in both meat and non-meat versions. She can just make a small one for you that, instead of the meat, has a layer of spinach. Problem solved. It's no big deal but your hostess should know before the dinner so she has time to ammend her menu to include all her guests.

**pqb52** · 11-09-2004, 07:59 PM

Been a vegetarian about 5 years. When invited to any function, I tell or remind the host that I am a vegetarian, and never had a problem.

**Ellise** · 11-09-2004, 08:24 PM

I've always been honest myself. ALthough I am not a vegetarian anymore there are still certian things I do not eat very often like Red meat

**DaisyLady** · 11-10-2004, 07:22 AM

I always offered to bring a vegetarian dish for everyone to try and so that my hostess would not have extra work trying to figure out what to feed me. In a pinch I would just not eat the meat. (kind of hard with lasagna though).

**pqb52** · 11-10-2004, 08:34 AM

That's a good idea, bringing a vegatarian dish. Think i'll do that next time.

**Shell** · 11-11-2004, 04:51 PM

I have never been offended by someone telling me they don't eat meat and I always like knowing ahead of time rather then last minute. I think now a days most people have no problem with it and may even respect you for it.

**Missy** · 11-11-2004, 05:04 PM

i had a friend who was veganvery often when her parents and she were invited for a dinner her Mom would call and say that she was. She'd offer to bring a vegan dish along when they came. and what she would do is get a disposeable baking dish and make dinner in it, then she'd wrap it in a new dish towel or such and some string. then she'd have printed a recipe on a card and tied it to the dish, maybe with a brand new serving spoon attatched. When she brought it, it never seemed like she was snubbing dinner but instead bringing a hostess gift. Noone felt slighted or snubbed and the other guests would have an opportunity (it was an ice breaker) to learn why her dd was a vegan (worked out better for her as she had lupus and her system just simply couldn't handle much) and would feel more comfortable asking about vegan lifestyle and such.

**queenie** · 12-20-2004, 08:46 PM

Thank you all for your replies. I am sorry I didn't catch it sooner. I must have forgotton to subscribe to the thread. I just assumed I had no replies.

I now feel comfortable telling people I am vegetarian. Thanks to you all. Personally, I would like to know before hand as well. I think I will do as mrsengeseth suggested and bring a dish as a hostess gift.

Hope you all have a great holiday and Happy New Year!!