The answer isnt so clear-cut, especially when a tray of nuggets is involved.
Often, certain people might be known for a particular dish that gets specially requested again and again.
Rarely, does someone show up with a takeout bag in hand.

Hector Manuel Sanchez.
Its one of those unspoken rules that needs not be said, until a brave face unknowingly breaks it.
Is It Okay To Bring Something Store-Bought?
Upon posing this question to theSouthern Livingteam, the answer wasnt so finite.
In these instances, its acceptable to simply do the best you could.
Often, you might have local restaurants and bakeries that are staples for potlucks and showers.
These arestore-bought foodsthat everyone is happy to see, or even perhaps expects, on the spread.
Think of items such as the best cookies or sandwiches in town from a mom-and-pop storefront.
Just ensure to arrive with the prepared foods on your own serving platter.
Many times, no one will be the wiser anyway.
Alas, it seems the ultimate loophole might be a tray of nuggets from Chick-fil-A.
Try as they might, even the most traditional Southern cooks wont have much to say.
Theyre just that good.
The Answer
In short, its completely fine to utilize ashortcut when necessary.
Just be mindful of time, place, and event when choosing what to bring!