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Dear Helena,
When I entertain, I often send guests home with leftovers in Tupperware. I also use Tupperware to pack cookies I bake as gifts. People never give the containers back. Individually, they only cost a few dollars, but the cost adds up and it’s a hassle to keep replacing them. I think it’s rude of people to assume they can keep my Tupperware. Or am I being petty? -Left-Over
Dear Left-Over,
Denise Lum-Kan, executive director of the San Francisco Bay Area office of Tupperware, Inc., says Tupperware is a “treasured possession” that must be returned. However, I think that asking your friends to return your Tupperware is like asking them to return a Ziploc bag. You’ll look worse than petty. You’ll look crazy.
So why not buy cheap, disposable plastic containers, like the ones from Glad, so that you can easily buy more when you lose them? One could argue that more-durable containers (like Tupperware, which has a lifetime guarantee) may last longer and create less environmental waste.
The deeper answer is this: No matter what your preferred brand of plastic leftover containers, you need to practice detachment. Only when you are able to give generously without expectation of reciprocity will the universe reward you with more plastic ware. I call this the Law of Tupperware Karma. When your friends give food to you, simply keep their containers. You’ve earned them.
Have a Table Manners question? Email Helena.
mashi, I do the same thing.
I always return dishes with something else in them. I'd be mortified if I forgot one time, and one of my friends came over and saw their dish in my kitchen.
I do think the cost and the hassle of getting new ones matters.
At the same time though, I have never asked for anything back.. I think I'm too proud for that. I just hope people will follow my example.
Funny. I got a set of cheap Christmas china as a gift once. I decided to use the peices as a container for gifts of cookies, etc. at Christmas. People keep bringing the damn stuff back. I guess it's hard to know the giver's intent. I'll put a note on the next dinner plate I "give away."
Oh, I love my tupperware. My Mom gave me two of hers when I left home 20 years ago. I still have one, and it...+READ
Funny. I got a set of cheap Christmas china as a gift once. I decided to use the peices as a container for gifts of cookies, etc. at Christmas. People keep bringing the damn stuff back. I guess it's hard to know the giver's intent. I'll put a note on the next dinner plate I "give away."
Oh, I love my tupperware. My Mom gave me two of hers when I left home 20 years ago. I still have one, and it was a sad, sad day when the one with "Chicken Salad" written in Sharpie--- slowly fading over the years--- finally bit the dust last year.-COLLAPSE
I give a lot of food away, usually in Gladware, but sometimes in Tupperware. I almost always get the containers back, frequently with yummy things inside, but I don't get bent out of shape if I don't. These are friends with whom I want to share the bounty of my kitchen. I'm gonna kvetch if they don't return the plastic?
LJD had the right idea. If you are bringing a food item to a friend for the first time, get them in the habit of returning your storage items (if you want them, regardless of what they are) by labeling the containers.
Why would anybody not return a container? Especially one that cost more than a buck- doing stuff like that is really counterproductive to receiving future food gifts!
If they don't want the container back, they'll tell you, but for God's sake, the least you can do is offer to give it back, whether it's Tupperware, Gladware, or pricey imported ceramic- and if you have it longer than overnight...+READ
Why would anybody not return a container? Especially one that cost more than a buck- doing stuff like that is really counterproductive to receiving future food gifts!
If they don't want the container back, they'll tell you, but for God's sake, the least you can do is offer to give it back, whether it's Tupperware, Gladware, or pricey imported ceramic- and if you have it longer than overnight you could put a little return food gift in there as well, although it would be excusable not to if you had lots and lots of containers to return from a large potluck, say.
If I want to take the container home, I usually just take it off the table and put it in the car when it's empty so the host doesn't have to bother washing it and figuring out who gets what back.-COLLAPSE
Are people using the word "Tupperware" to mean any plastic storage container? Like people use the name "band-aid" to mean bandage? I had never heard of this before now. Tupperware was always the name brand of the high quality plastic storage items available at the parties. If someone did not return Tupperware to me, I would be furious!!! But then, I wouldn't let any of my worthless friends, who...+READ
Are people using the word "Tupperware" to mean any plastic storage container? Like people use the name "band-aid" to mean bandage? I had never heard of this before now. Tupperware was always the name brand of the high quality plastic storage items available at the parties. If someone did not return Tupperware to me, I would be furious!!! But then, I wouldn't let any of my worthless friends, who incidentally put their knives in the dishwasher, borrow any of my kitchen items. Not without leaving one of their children as collateral.
The disposable stuff is the way to go. For basic gift giving. But good-hearted people will ask if you want it back. And you tell them that the container comes with the goodies you made for them. Even if it only cost you a few cents or a buck.-COLLAPSE
Sending gifts in Tupperware--gasp! How tacky. Why not make food packages out of something more clever. By the way, are you running a soup kitchen?
They're not thieves, but they're not mindreaders either. If you'd like something back, say so when you give it to them.
As for what friends should know without being told, or have ultimately forced you to say directly, or might have been intending before you straightened them out, by all means practice the message in front of a mirror until those notions are gone. It'll allow for clarity...+READ
They're not thieves, but they're not mindreaders either. If you'd like something back, say so when you give it to them.
As for what friends should know without being told, or have ultimately forced you to say directly, or might have been intending before you straightened them out, by all means practice the message in front of a mirror until those notions are gone. It'll allow for clarity without obnoxiousness.-COLLAPSE
I save the take out containers that prepared cold and hot food comes in. If you bring something to someone's house, just put the food in those. Sometimes you have to use a few containers, because you don't have the right size. Big deal. So if I don't get the takeout containers back, who cares?
Now, the expensive Tupperware that I was 'forced' to buy when I got invited to one of those stupid...+READ
I save the take out containers that prepared cold and hot food comes in. If you bring something to someone's house, just put the food in those. Sometimes you have to use a few containers, because you don't have the right size. Big deal. So if I don't get the takeout containers back, who cares?
Now, the expensive Tupperware that I was 'forced' to buy when I got invited to one of those stupid parties by a client's wife....I'd kill to get those back! They purposely never leave the house because I'm afraid I'll never see them again.-COLLAPSE
Oh, except that if you give the Tupperware as part of a gift, then it's part of the gift. If you don't want to part with your Tupperware under those circumstances, use something else! In addition to the suggestions other people had, I stock up on tins at after Christmas sales.
I don't think you're being petty -- I think you're being wimpy! Just tell them (politely) that you'd like the container back! As in "I'm glad you enjoyed it and you're welcome to take some home, but I'd appreciate the tupperware back."
Anytime you buy sour cream or yogurt or numerous other products that come in plastic containers, after you've emptied them, save them and send leftovers home in them.
I'm also a big fan of the disposable glad containers. I use them myself when I make a big batch of pasta sauce and I want to freeze individual portions. If you're not crazy about those, how about paper plates covered in plastic wrap. Then there's no worry about returning anything.
I often send home a lot of foods home with friends in zip lock freezer bags. They are inexpensive, durable, and can be labeled. They are best placed in a box or shopping bag for transport. But don't put really hot liquids in them. Foods should be cooled first.
The disposable Ziplock and Glad containers are even better. And the plates and bowls that snap together to create their own lids work...+READ
I often send home a lot of foods home with friends in zip lock freezer bags. They are inexpensive, durable, and can be labeled. They are best placed in a box or shopping bag for transport. But don't put really hot liquids in them. Foods should be cooled first.
The disposable Ziplock and Glad containers are even better. And the plates and bowls that snap together to create their own lids work well for drier foods.-COLLAPSE
Oh please. Just get the cheap plastic Gladware or garage sale dishes. In these busy times, it's such a bother to have to keep track of and return someone else's containers.
When someone gives me food in a "returnable" dish, they have given me a chore.
I think if you gave it to them as a favor (ie. they raved about the guacamole dip at your party so you gave them some to take home), then they should return it on their next visit.
BUT, if it was a gift for an event (ie. birthday cupcakes, your famous Christmas bundt cake, or a host's gift), then it's part of the gift, like the wrapping paper on a present.
Hmmm... don't offer them if you don't want them back. Also, don't make a special trip or contact for them. Do it while at their residence or another reason.
Here's a good excuse to rid yourself of all tupperware and get the gladware with the stackable, connected lids. That'll give you a fresh start with less clutter.
If you are baking cookies to give as a gift, they are just that... a GIFT. The cookies AND the plastic container. Because of the new disposable Gladware containers, many people don't feel the need to return containers the leftovers are packed in.
I always return actual Tupperware, though. It's too expensive not to return.
My friends always bring back durable plastic containers. We're all young and poor, so we understand how important it is. Sometimes, things happen and the original container is lost/destroyed and another is used to replace it. That's fine too.
I've thought about going to Smart and Final and buying those huge stacks of to-go containers that restaurants use. They have all kinds. Styrofoam,...+READ
My friends always bring back durable plastic containers. We're all young and poor, so we understand how important it is. Sometimes, things happen and the original container is lost/destroyed and another is used to replace it. That's fine too.
I've thought about going to Smart and Final and buying those huge stacks of to-go containers that restaurants use. They have all kinds. Styrofoam, plastic, paper, different sizes and shapes. If you know you're going to be giving 10 people leftovers to take home, that might be best.
You could also send a BYOT with your invite, if it's a casual event among close friends. When my mom has a potluck, people take home leftovers in the containers they brought food in.-COLLAPSE
In some cultures, when a dishful of food is given as a gift or as extra take homes, it's considered rude not to return the cleanly washed containers with something else in it as a return "thank you". I know that I always do. Not only does this enable you to return the gift but to somehow reciprovate it even if it means there's only a pack of candies inside.
As MakingSense said, I go to garage sales looking for glass and metal pans. Usually these are available for around .50 each. When I bake a cake or a casserole for someone, usually for a new baby, sickness, funeral, etc., I specify that I do NOT want the dish back. My good friend who has recovered from a nasty cancer/chemo bout was visibly grateful when I took a meal to her. She showed me a...+READ
As MakingSense said, I go to garage sales looking for glass and metal pans. Usually these are available for around .50 each. When I bake a cake or a casserole for someone, usually for a new baby, sickness, funeral, etc., I specify that I do NOT want the dish back. My good friend who has recovered from a nasty cancer/chemo bout was visibly grateful when I took a meal to her. She showed me a counterful of dishes that she needs to return, some of which arrived at her house when she was too sick to remember who brought what. A sick person, new mom or grieving family doesn't need to hassle with returning dishes.-COLLAPSE
What you're being is ungrateful. These folks are actually doing you a favor by ridding your kitchen of these hideous things. Tupperware is where food goes to die. This is technology that should've been marketed to the funeral industry. And, yes, we have a ton of it at my house. My wife would sooner take a bullet than part with a single piece of it.
There are always casserole dishes, plates, containers, etc. at rummage sales and thrift stores. High quality deli containers are worth keeping to reuse. They are cheap or free, and best yet - recyclyed. I use these and kiss them goodbye. When I'm entertaining a lot, I buy new deli containers at a restaurant supply house - much cheaper than the supermarket reusables. My supplier sells less than...+READ
There are always casserole dishes, plates, containers, etc. at rummage sales and thrift stores. High quality deli containers are worth keeping to reuse. They are cheap or free, and best yet - recyclyed. I use these and kiss them goodbye. When I'm entertaining a lot, I buy new deli containers at a restaurant supply house - much cheaper than the supermarket reusables. My supplier sells less than case lots so I can keep several sizes on hand.-COLLAPSE
Wrap the whole bundle in sturdy foil and give that (it'll hold cakes and cookies, even frosted things if you tent it carefully.) Or go for reverse psychology and send stuff home in ceramic or glass containers you'd be crazy *not* to ask for a return. Guilt is a powerful motivator, and nobody can feel guilty over cheap plastic ; )
I don't think it is petty if it is the durable tupperware. Maybe if you had your name on the bottom or if you said "Sure take this with you to enjoy, and return the container when you are done." A lot will be in the delivery - which we can't do while typing!
I never expect to get a plastic container back when I give food to friends, which is why I always have a steady supply of those cheap Glad and Ziploc reusable or recyclable containers around.
However, when I use glassware or a baking pan or dish I always expect it back. Growing up my family always brought a casserole and a pie over if someone just moved to the neighborhood, or had a new baby,...+READ
I never expect to get a plastic container back when I give food to friends, which is why I always have a steady supply of those cheap Glad and Ziploc reusable or recyclable containers around.
However, when I use glassware or a baking pan or dish I always expect it back. Growing up my family always brought a casserole and a pie over if someone just moved to the neighborhood, or had a new baby, or was recovering from an illness. The "polite" thing to do when someone did this for you was to return the clean dish as soon as you were able with a thank you note. In some cases, returning the dish with a food gift baked in it was a good turn, too.-COLLAPSE
My friends and I always ask for our platic containers back. If you're kind enough to bake cookies/send food home with people after a meal, they should be kind enough to return them. In most cases, people forget. I don't think it hurts to ask.
However, a good way to package cookies, truffles or any candies you might make are origami boxes. It takes a little bit of time, but you can make them...+READ
My friends and I always ask for our platic containers back. If you're kind enough to bake cookies/send food home with people after a meal, they should be kind enough to return them. In most cases, people forget. I don't think it hurts to ask.
However, a good way to package cookies, truffles or any candies you might make are origami boxes. It takes a little bit of time, but you can make them yourself out of whatever paper you have around and are inexpensive. You can also make them any size you want. Here's a tute: http://www.kid-at-art.com/htdoc/lesson16.html-COLLAPSE