Gifts

Bringing a modest gift when you are invited to someone's home is customary in Croatia. Nothing extravagant, just a bottle of wine, some chocolate, or a package of cookies. Here, it's also customary for the host to accept the gift and open it right away (provided it is wrapped or placed in a gift bag, of course).

Flowers are pleasant too, but they only bring an odd number; reportedly, an even number of flowers is only presented in cases of bereavement. Bringing a small gift for young children when visiting a family with kids is also customary (this can be something small like a Kinder Egg, some candy, a simple toy). Kids enjoy having visitors over since they typically receive a tiny treat:)

Invited to "lunch," which in North American parlance is really an early dinner: In Croatia, lunch is the largest meal of the day and is typically eaten late in the day, between 2-3pm. You won't get sandwiches if you're asked over for lunch! On Sundays, when the most special meal of the week is made, you'll typically be asked over. Don't take the invitation to lunch lightly; it's a huge deal.