BellaOnline Forums Food and Wine Etiquette reciprocating dinner invitations

During the winter my husband and I were invited for dinner by a Church acquaintance of mine. I contributed to the meal, and was happy to do so.
My husband and I did not have a good time ( the acquaintance took the four hour visit to complain about everything she could think of) and would PREFER not to reciprocate by inviting them to our house for dinner.
What do you think, are we compelled by good etiquette to invite them even though we would prefer not to see them socially again? [color:"green"] [/color]

I'd say no. Your time is too precious. Let this one go is my thought.

Typically the way you thank someone for asking you over to dinner is to bring a small dinner gift (wine, chocolates, etc).

It is not necessary to reciprocate a dinner invitation, as not all people are capable of doing so.

Not at all. Think about going on a "date" with someone. If you didn't particularly enjoy the date's company, will you go out again? It would be silly and encouraging the other person, which is rude.

You still should say thank you at the end of the evening, because, after all, you were a guest in someone else's house. However, inviting them over would encourage a friendship, and since that is not your desire, I wouldn't do it at all.

Michelle is completely right!

If you want to thank your host for inviting you to dinner, bring a host/hostess gift. But you do not have to feel oblicated to invite them to dinner as well.

I'm not certain where this whole idea of "If I have dinner, you have to have dinner" comes from but it's becoming almost annoying.

However, if they've invited you over multiple times and you've always gone over, I'd explain to them why you don't want to have them over to your home as well.

I would think that by contributing to the meal, that you have met any requirements to reciprocate. Generally, the requirement to reciprocate an invitation is only if you wish to see the people again! If not, then I wouldn't bother. Reciprocating would only encourage them to do the same!

The best way to acknowledge being at someone's home for a meal is sending a thank you note. Let them know you appreciate their invitation, their home and hospitality. Beyond that you are not obligated to extend anything. If they were to invite you over again I would suggest a polite decline and that should end it there.