DEAR ABBY: The holidays will soon be here, and so will something that may seem petty, but really irks me. My friends have a large home with plenty of room, so they usually host the holiday dinners. We -- the guests -- supply a few side dishes to accompany the meal. I usually bring several "sides" because I like to cook and I enjoy variety.
My problem is presentation. I bring my sides in nice casserole dishes and do my best to make them look appealing. Because I'm not particularly artistic, it takes some effort. When I arrive with the food, my hosts unceremoniously dump it into disposable aluminum containers, wash my dishes and put them aside.
I hope I don't sound picky, but even when I have asked that the items be served in the dishes I brought, the hosts say, "Oh, this is easier." I have said I don't mind bringing home dirty dishes, but my wishes are ignored. Am I being petty? -- FRUSTRATED GUEST IN NEW YORK
DEAR FRUSTRATED: I don't think your feelings are petty. Having put as much effort as you have into making the food you're preparing look as appetizing as possible, it's understandable. However, because this is a recurring annoyance, consider preparing this year's contributions in disposable aluminum pans. That way, your creations won't be "dumped."