I prefer to be a guest because here in Brazil we don't have the obligation to bring something for the host. We just arrive and enjoy the party, but in the end we just leave and the host have to clean the place all alone. I think this is wrong but it's cultural. Because of that I think I avoid to do parties at my house!
In my culture and I assume its mostly the same for many others, people would like to bring specialty or homemade food, as well as beverage, I personally love to have wine and bring wine😂
I am a bit curious, are many Americans not taking off shoes before entering houses? I saw in many movies or TV series, ppl don't wear slipper in homes and just walk around with shoes on