When going to a "house party" where you are also bringing a gift (birthday party, graduation party, etc.), will you also bring a food item or other contribution, other than the gift?

Yesterday I went to a party at someone’s home for someone who turned 50. I gave a $30 check in a card but was wondering if it was expected or courteous to also bring a food item. Another friend who attended the party made pasta salad. Because I felt like better safe than sorry, I stopped at the supermarket and picked up some cupcakes (on a happy note, because the cupcakes rang up incorrectly, I only had to pay for one of the two boxes).

When you attend a party at someone’s home where you bring a gift for graduation, birthday, etc., will you also bring a food item, wine, flowers or hostess gift? Or is the gift enough? My mom always said “you’re bringing the gift, you’re not expected to bring something else.” What is your opinion?