should I take a gift?

I wouldn't go to lunch empty-handed, as others said, and also for a first visit to a new home I'd take something sweet, pastries, chocolates, cake, biscuits in a nice tin. To make the time in the new home sweet.

As your friend doesn't drink how about a nice bottle of non-alcoholic fizz, I love Elderflower but there are lots of different ones in the Supermarkets.

I'm personally not a fan of flowers but a nice house/garden plant is most welcome especially if it's an Orchid

I would take something. It's not a question of what it's the thought towards the invite and the hard work involved in the preparation and food - whatever the event is.

It's up to you what you do and not others. I would take some flowers or a plant.

I certainly wouldn't go empty handed.

Or a box of chocolates. They could be shared at the time or kept to herself, as the hostess wishes.

I usually take a bottle of wine if I'm invited for lunch. You could end up the only one not taking anything.
Maybe you are overthinking it.
People shouldn't feel uncomfortable because someone else has done something they haven't.

Personally wouldn’t dream of turning up to a meal prepared by someone else empty handed.

Of course you can take flowers or a plant. I always do when I go out for lunch with a friend. It's just a nice gesture. Whatever anyone else does is up to them but I think it just good manners.

I'd take flowers. Better to be more than less, if that makes sense.

It's a bit like being over-smart at a do. I'd rather look like I've made an effort than not.

Hope you have a lovely time.

Yes take flowers, it’s your first visit to a friends new house ?

Don't worry about what others are doing- or not!
Flowers, or maybe even a plant - either for the garden, or an indoor one if not. Or even a planted container - doesn't have to be expensive , you can usually find them for less than a tenner in many of the supermarkets this time of year.
If not, have a look around for a plain glass vase - you can never have too many of those in diferent sizes in my opinion!

Something for the new garden? We were invited to a 70th birthday/housewarming and I found a lovely recycled wood planter and planted it up with herbs for the deck they had installed. Was much appreciated.

Not everyone wants chocs (I don't!) but flowers are nice as is a plant

I would take the flowers - lovely idea

I would most certainly take flowers irrespective of the others attending. They can make their own decisions. Only problem I find is that the hostess can sometimes be overflowered. I've never found that a problem, mind you.

Yes do take them.

Definitely the right decision. Don't see how anyone could be in the least put out.

I would not dream of attending an event like this without flowers and, probably, a bottle of wine. The hostess will certainly not be phased by being presented with a gift like this and the other guests can think what they like, you are on the moral high ground.

Flowers or a small plant are always very welcome. My ex daughter in law always gives me flowers when I see her and they are much appreciated.

So yes for a new house, who could object?

We are having friends over for lunch today. I will certainly not get upset if they only bring themselves , in fact I’ll be very happy. However if they bring flowers or anything else I will also be happy and grateful.
I would never go to a meal without a “little”something as a token of appreciation.

Great idea, OW!

The lunch is actually next week (sorry should have mentioned that) - I have decided to take the flowers!

I see your post doesn’t mention Easter Sunday. I was confused by someone mentioning Easter eggs.

The others won't feel guilty- they will probably take something too. Hope you manage to find somewhere open if the lunch date is actually today, Enjoy the day!

I always take flowers - in Holland it is the norm and I just got into the habit. I wouldn't worry about making the others feel guilty.