It's bridal shower, graduation party, barbecue, and the season for many other celebrations. If you are asked to bring a dish, include the dish the food was made/served in as part of the gift. This need not be expensive. You can get great deals on new items, and thrift stores have plenty of choices. For a bridal shower, you can bring an empty dish with a favorite recipe taped inside. The bride-to-be will have a good start on tried-and-true recipes, plus the correct-sized dish to use.