Do I bring something when invited to a neighbours for a BBQ?

Normally Italians do not take anything to a neighbour when eating with them that they have bought.  They will have either grown it, or made it.  They will definately love anything for sweet that they would not make themselves.  Normally when eating with our Italian neighbours for desert we have fruit, icecream or tiramisu.  The last time I told them I would make desert and I made a pineapple upside down cake - and they loved it, and I get it requested now everytime we go !!

Very tongue in cheek(y) answer; however....First thing we need to establish; Bakewell Tarts are what you may find wearing a short skirt, bits hanging out etc in the Red Lion in Bakewell Market Square on Saturday night.Bakewell Pudding is the true dessert of Bakewell, and the strange concoctions that Mr Kipling started to circulate are nothing to do with the true Bakewell Pudding, the original recipe kept in the Original Bakewell Pudding shop in Bakewell town centre. (True to form there are 2 separate shops / companies that claim the original etc).Generally Italian families that invite you to eat with them like to think that they have catered for any eventuality, and that they have prepared anti-pasti; primo, secondo e dolce.We have found that taking something along is almost curiosity value, and my suggestion would be that rather than take something to eat when you go for the meal, do as the Italians would - take a small houseplant or similar. Wine I would suggest is a no no.A couple of days later turn up with your cakes, buns etc and they will be delighted. We did this with some nieghbours, and now we have a constant stream of exchange items; Jean's Kumkwat mamalade; their crostata, our Lemon Curd / Cheese, their crostini. Occasionally also veg and wine changes houses. Delightful it is too!P.s. Apologies to anyone from Bakewell, however they already know that the best thing that ever came out of Bakewell was the road to Matlock....

 I agree with the others, they would not expect you to bring anything; however, they will be delighted if you give them something homemade and different, preferably some sweets, or a cake, or homemade chocolates or confectionery. Something that never fails, a nice little basket full of chocolate truffles.

Actually all the guests brought a dessert and my bakewell (which as it did not come directly from Bakewell was a tart and not THE pudding) was most welcome.. No one brought house plants, and many of the cakes were from the baker. Since the temperature is over 30, truffles would not survive.Interesting how peoples thoughts differ!

I agree that Italians differ ( as do Brits) in their tastes and habits according to the areas they live in, ages, background etc.Most Italians love to show off their own produce and cooking skills and providing that you don't try and trump the host I would say that any food/wine present would be acceptable.A british traditional pudding would be my choice followed by a couple of bottles of local wine from a good cantina and certainly costing over 5 euros each!