Politely telling guests not to bring food is best handled with clear, proactive communication that emphasizes your role as a host. When sending out invitations, you can use a friendly phrasing such as: "Please just bring your wonderful selves and an appetite! We have a fully catered menu planned with plenty of options for everyone, so no extra dishes are needed." If you are worried about people feeling empty-handed, you can pivot the gesture by saying, "We have all the food and drinks covered, but if you’d like to contribute, a bottle of your favorite wine or a small bouquet for the table is always lovely, though certainly not expected." If a guest asks directly what they can bring, be firm but kind: "That is so thoughtful, but we’ve already finalized the menu and won't have the oven or counter space for extra dishes. Truly, your company is the only gift we need!" For 2026 gatherings, where dietary preferences are often diverse, mentioning that you've "curated the menu to accommodate all guests" can also help people feel more comfortable about leaving their own cooking at home.