What to Take to a BBQ as a Guest

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If you are told to bring nothing to a barbecue, it is best to respect the host’s wishes and not bring anything. However, if you still want to contribute something, here are a few ideas of what you can bring.

  1. A dish to share: Bring a dish that you are comfortable making, such as a salad, a side dish, or a dessert. This way, you can contribute to the meal and help feed the crowd.
  2. Beverages: Bring a variety of drinks, such as soda, beer, wine, or water.
  3. Grilling accessories: If you are a grilling enthusiast, you could bring your own grilling tools, such as tongs, a spatula, or a basting brush.
  4. Outdoor games: To make the event more fun, you can bring some outdoor games like cornhole, frisbee, or any other games that you think would be enjoyed by the crowd.
  5. Outdoor seating: Bring some comfortable outdoor seating such as foldable chairs, or a picnic blanket, to ensure that everyone has a place to sit and relax.
  6. A plate, cups, and utensils: If you plan on eating at the event, it’s a good idea to bring your own plate, cups, and utensils to reduce the amount of waste generated.

What is easy to bring to a BBQ Party?

Here are a few easy things you can bring to a barbecue:

  1. A salad or side dish: Bring a salad or side dish that you are comfortable making, such as a pasta salad, coleslaw, or potato salad. These dishes are often easy to make in advance and can be served cold.
  2. Dips and Appetizers: Bring a dip or appetizer like guacamole, salsa, or hummus. These are easy to make and can be served with chips, crackers, or vegetables.
  3. Drinks: Bring a variety of drinks like soda, lemonade, or iced tea. You could also bring a bottle of wine or beer as a gift for the host.
  4. Dessert: Bring a dessert like cookies, brownies, or a fruit salad. These are easy to make and transport.
  5. Disposable plates, cups, and utensils: Bring disposable plates, cups, and utensils if you plan on eating at the barbecue. This will save the host the hassle of having to wash dishes.
  6. Sunscreen and bug spray: Bring sunscreen and bug spray to share with the guests, this can be very helpful if the barbecue is held in an outdoor space.
What to Take to a BBQ as a Guest
BBQ Party

Which Gifts Should I Avoid?

Here are a few gifts that you may want to avoid bringing to a barbecue party:

  1. Perishable items: It can be difficult for the host to store or serve perishable items like raw meat or dairy products, so it’s best to avoid bringing these types of gifts.
  2. Expensive items: Unless you know the host very well and are certain that they would appreciate an expensive gift, it’s best to avoid bringing anything that is too costly.
  3. Homemade items: While homemade gifts can be thoughtful, they may not be appropriate for all occasions. If you’re unsure whether or not to bring a homemade item, it’s best to ask the host beforehand.
  4. Large items: Large items like furniture or kitchen appliances can be difficult for the host to store, so it’s best to avoid bringing these types of gifts.
  5. Personal items: Avoid bringing personal items like clothing or jewelry as gifts, as they may not fit or suit the host’s taste.
  6. Alcohol: If the host is providing the drinks, it’s best to avoid bringing more alcohol to the party, unless you know for sure that the host is running low on it.

It’s important to note that the best gifts are those that the host will appreciate, so the best way to know is to ask the host or the person who invited you what they would like to receive as a gift.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a barbecue party is a great way to enjoy good food, good company, and good weather. It’s a casual, laid-back event that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. When invited to a barbecue party, it’s polite to bring something to contribute to the meal, whether it’s a dish to share, drinks, or grilling accessories. However, if the host tells you to bring nothing, it’s best to respect their wishes and not bring anything, but you can still contribute in other ways like bringing a small gift, flowers or offer to help with cleaning up. Remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the company, the food and the atmosphere, the host wants their guests to have a good time.

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