We brought 2 ice-creams to a neighbor's party last night. The girls seem to enjoyed them.
My brother-in-law brought beers. Obviously, nobody took it and the man of the house even asked me to take them back (assuming I was the one who brought it?). I told him who had actually brought them. I cannot be sure of the beers' fate, even now.
I recall this tradition was even taught in my primary school years, in Pendidikan Moral. That we should bring things like fruits, drinks, when invited to be guests of the house.
Somethings that are understood within a culture maybe treated with opposite reaction in different culture. Hence, it is called culture shock. When culture shock is ignored, then it could be time for war, mostly cold wars, in this liberal era.
I, of course, would never support this Chinese tradition, unless the host requested something to be brought. Nevertheless, I cannot completely deny its value, because those who enjoyed the ice-creams obviously would prove me wrong.
If it were my own party and I have no need of any gifts or fruits or drinks (meaning that I follow the Western way of always being well prepared), I find it necessary to state that clear to all guests. Then, ignorance can be placed in the hidden corner of some room or straight to the garbage can. Wisdom would call for the former option first, to give exception to something like the ice-cream case.
As conclusion, it is about promoting clear direct communication and not inconspicuous cultural value which may be disregard or opposed by other cultures, not to mention an ignorance to the integrity of clear communication. Is it sinful otherwise, I would say yes. It would be the same as giving a birthday gift that's not even favored by the birthday person, if good judgment fails. But with the craze of merchant returns in America, I think any further question qualifies for another topic.