Should I offer to bring something?

My husband and I have been invited to easter dinner at his sister's house. When my husband told me, I said he should ask her if we can bring a dessert or wine or something, and he looked at me like I had three heads. This is perfectly normal (and polite) in upstate New York where I come from but is it considered rude here? DH says he doesn't want to ask because it would be implying that we don't think whatever she would have is good enough, whereas I think it would be one less thing for her to have to do. What do you think?

I am always asked by Brits and Americans both if they can bring something.  If your husband thinks it's not the right thing to do take a bottle of wine and some flowers or chocolates.

Families tend to run by their own rules; but generally if someone invites you to dinner they intend to make you dinner - not have you make it.

In general it would be polite to take a hostess gift, a bottle of wine, flowers etc.

I agree with the suggestions of flowers or perhaps a box of chocolates?

It's not rude but it is slightly unusual. I don't think anyone would take it the wrong way though.   You could ask her yourself (they'll get used to it -my MIL now asks me to bring stuff) or you could just bring a bottle of wine (which is not unusual at all).

Oh, and also don't rely on husbands too much for ettiquett info -they're not always in the loop.

Oh, and also don't rely on husbands too much for ettiquett info -they're not always in the loop.

haha yes, that's why I posted here! I needed to know if this was a British thing or just my husband thing

Thanks for the ideas, we'll probably just bring some flowers or chocolates and not bring it up this time. Maybe when out remodeling is finished (I should probably say if ) I can invite their family and see if they offer and then go from there.

I lean very heavily on being a foreigner, and I seem to get away with it. Like, "excuse me for not knowing this, but in the States it's the custom..."

People seem to like explaining things. Suddenly, perfectly ordinary things they've known all their lives are important facts.

I would say go with your gut and offer to bring wine or a dessert. Everytime I have hosted a party/holiday my inlaws and friends always offer to bring something.  If the seem to get upset that you asked, just play the foreigner card like Statuola suggested.

Have a nice Easter! 

You can get away with bringing a bottle without asking or seeming rude.  I wouldn't bring dessert without asking.   But I doubt the offer would offend.

Vicky