<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Here's another Bob to chime in on Fran's question! I too have found that people will be as accommodating as they know how to be. My co-workers have been very supportive; one of them asked me for a good recipe for me to eat for my birthday and bought what she needed and fixed a delicious gf chocolate-mocha torte (recipe courtesy of this list) which we all enjoyed. The committee for another party asked me to bring finger food that I could eat (I brought corn chips, rice crackers, and gf dips and salsa--someone else was bringing fresh fruit) and submit the expense as part of the party budget; the set-up committee made sure to put my gf offerings at one end of the table, away from the other crackers and stuff, and even labeled it wheat- and gluten-free! (I suspect that someone brought over a Trisket or something and dipped it in one of my dips, though, as I got fairly sick later.) For the winter holidays, we are having a catered buffet at the holiday party. As luck would have it, my supervisor was tapped to arrange the menu with the caterer, so she asked me go along with her and another committee-member to discuss the menu! Although the food includes lots of fried (and breaded) stuff, there are several nice dishes I can have, and the caterer was happy to answer all my questions about ingredients, food preparation, and handling. Being in on the planning stages may involve sacrificing more of your time than you always feel you have, but the peace of mind and the power to give your own input more than make up for it. So, bring your own stuff if you need to, join the planning committees if you can, contact the food provider ahead of time if you can, and have a good time! Happy Holidays, Good Luck and Good Health! Bobbi in Baltimore