Request Ettiquite

    With the holidays on just around the corner and many family gatherings that are food centered, there are many times when requesting separate food seems necessary.  Giving notice to the host is always appreciated.  With most family gatherings the food is served buffet style and a simple request that some things just be separated is reasonable.  Simply asking for the meat and gravy to be separate is polite, and still offers you the opportunity to partake in the holiday meal.  If there is something specific that you want and are concerned about having, just ask if it is okay to bring it yourself.  Always be sure to bring enough to share.  Sometimes people are just curious and that gives you the opportunity to teach someone a little about what being gluten free means. 
 
    It would however be a little unreasonable to ask for a separate portion of something.  "Please make some green bean casserole with out the fried onions" is a bit much to ask of someone trying to feed a large number of people.  If you are concerned that the host may not be able to accommodate you, it is always appreciated when someone offers to help.  This gives you access to kitchen space and makes the host feel less pressure to accommodate you. 

    If you are stuck on campus for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, there are many places that will prepare a meal for you with options for Gluten Free modifications.  The Whole Foods prepared food department has many selections for the holidays.  If you are like me the only real reason for the meal is the pie, which their frozen food department has many gluten free options for.