Some new friends of mine have a habit of being unprepared for dinner guests. For example, last time we were invited over for 7 pm dinner and when we arrived the cook was just starting his preparations - for Indian food. I had brought a dessert (with this couple, dessert is what they suggested when I asked each of the 3 times we've been over). Dinner took him until after 9 pm to cook and the only thing available was a plate of cookies they had set out on a table. At about 8:30, I broke down and ate a cookie because I was so hungry as we typically eat dinner between 5 and 6. But frankly, a cookie is not what I want as an appetizer before Indian food. Plus the cook doesn't get to socialize unless you go into the kitchen and chat, at which point he stops cooking and chats. Finally, each time we've been there a substantial part of the meal gets left unprepared due to lack of time or being forgotten, making for not only a late but also rather skimpy meal. With the Indian meal, he forgot to put the frozen pre-made samosas in the oven during the two plus hours he was cooking.
When they come here, they always comment on how together I am, with everything prepared and ready to serve at the appropriate time. So, it's not like they aren't aware of this issue. I'm wondering if I should offer to make an appetizer next time to avoid this issue? My concern is that I've clearly been designated the "dessert bringer" and that it would be rude to switch tracks on them.
