DEAR ABBY: My grandparents are flying into town soon to celebrate my mother's and grandfather's birthdays. My father wants to take a home-baked cake to the restaurant where we're having dinner. Is this appropriate? He insists it shouldn't be a problem. However, my mother and I think it would not be a good idea. We even joked about a "cake cutting fee" similar to that of a "corkage fee." What do you think? -- HEIDI
DEAR HEIDI: I see nothing inappropriate about taking a home-baked cake to the restaurant. It would add a personal touch to the celebration. However, I would contact the restaurant in advance and obtain their approval to be certain they wouldn't prefer you purchase a cake from them.
You could always forgo dessert at the restaurant and have cake and coffee at home.