DEAR ABBY: I had to laugh when I read the letter from "Uncorked in Hudson, Ohio." I had a similar experience.
Some out-of-town friends came to visit and, upon their arrival, presented us with a bottle of wine, too. Like "Uncorked," I had planned to serve a wine I had selected for dinner and did not open my guests' wine.
The next day, as our guests were leaving, the woman walked into my kitchen, grabbed her bottle of wine, and said that since we didn't drink it, she was taking it with her! I was speechless.
No matter how rude her gesture was, I realized I had hurt her feelings by not serving her wine, and since that experience I have always served the wine my guests bring -- no matter what else I have planned. I would much rather keep my friends than worry about the perfect dinner. -- UNCORKED 2, RICHLAND, WASH.
DEAR UNCORKED 2: That's one way of looking at it. Read on for another solution:
DEAR ABBY: In reference to "Uncorked in Hudson, Ohio": I agree that the host was not rude. I always play by the following rules when someone brings wine to the house. If it's wrapped, it is gift and meant to be saved or added to my "collection." If it is not wrapped, it is meant to be served for that meal. This simple rule seems to work well for me. -- CORKED IN ORINDA, CALIF.
DEAR CORKED: If it works for you, it has my blessing. But there is no formal rule of etiquette that dictates that a bottle of wine brought to an informal dinner party as a housegift must be served that evening. Once a gift is given, it belongs to the recipient to do with as he or she chooses.