Giving this question some thought, I decided that I've dealth with about three different scenarios when it comes to visiting someone's house.

1. Quick visit/dropping something off. When I am visiting a friend/relative that doesn't live near by and this is usually meant for a very quick visit just to say hi and catch up then I do not bring anything to their house for them. Or if I am simply delivering a message, gift or object from someone else I do not bring something for them.

2. Parties. When I go to a party or some sort of group gathering where there could be a possibility that food will be there I will always bring some food. I don't bring main course dishes unless asked but it will be something like a pie, small cake, cookies, chips or simply some beverages.

3. Holidays. When invited over to someone's house for a holiday obviously it will depend on if you're told there wont be any gift givings or something like that but I will always have something for at least those who live in the house I am visiting. Christmas, Easter and Birthdays, it is always a good idea to not only bring specific and thoughtful gifts for the household you're visiting but for Christmas and Easter you might want to consider bringing several small gifts for those who may show up while you are there.

And like I said it will depend on if there is a strick 'no gift' rule or something but not many people are likely to turn down the small thoughtful gifts like a box of candy or ornaments.

I think it's an individual choice but also depends on how you and your family were raised, after a couple generations it may be considered a local culture thing.

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