Note the vase — it's an important distinction from flowers still in their wrapping.

It’s happened to most of us: You’ve been invited to a holiday gathering and when you ask what you can bring, the host says, “We’re all set, just bring yourselves!” While you may feel a sigh of relief you don’t need to make a complicated dish, should you really show up with nothing?

“I’m not bringing something for the meal if I’ve been told not to,” shared Jodi RR Smith, owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “[But] I do not believe in arriving empty-handed.”

We asked Smith and other modern etiquette experts about what they do when the host says not to bring anything, plus tips for gifts that hosts actually want — and what to avoid.

Don’t bring anything that creates more work for your host.

“Respecting a host’s request to not bring anything is polite, but a small token that won’t disrupt their plans can still be a nice gesture,” said Nick Leighton, etiquette expert and co-host of the “Were You Raised By Wolves?” podcast.

For example, while a bouquet of flowers is a common host gift, our etiquette experts advised against showing up with flowers that are wrapped.

“Instead of greeting their guests and getting the meal prepared, [the host] has to stop, find a vase, cut the flowers, [and arrange them in the vase],” Smith said.........

© HuffPost