First time hanging out with neighbors...invited to cookout. What should I bring?

[Anonymous]

I'd either bring berries - which even if she has some, they usually go fast and so won't mind having extra - or homemade cookies that people can snack on and won't conflict with the dessert she has likely planned.

And no one should ever turn down more alcohol! Beer is great of course. Chilled white wine. Or a champagne punch.

[Anonymous]

Bring something you like to drink and beer

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't necessarily bring beer. How do you know alcohol is welcome? And beer bothers a lot of well intentioned liberals.

[Anonymous]

It's a cookout. Bring a beverage and a dessert. I get being a little peeved if you're planning a formal,dinner and someone brings food that doesn't fit with the menu, but this is a backyard barbecue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Drives me nuts when people randomly show up with food they expect me to serve

You must be a lovely hostess.

I am.

Fully planned, well executed meals. Fully stocked bar. Wine matched to the food.

Don't really need a dish cooked in a manner I don't know, of unknown quality, that may or may not compliment my menu.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Drives me nuts when people randomly show up with food they expect me to serve

You must be a lovely hostess.

I am.

Fully planned, well executed meals. Fully stocked bar. Wine matched to the food.

Don't really need a dish cooked in a manner I don't know, of unknown quality, that may or may not compliment my menu.

For a BBQ? Grow up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Beer

+1. If she hasn't asked you to bring something, I'd not take the chance that you mess up her menu, or that she feels obligated to serve what you've made. You also don't know about any potential allergy issues or other food concerns.

Ugh, this is ridiculous. Only uber-controlling people think like this. Good hosts allow their guests to contribute something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Drives me nuts when people randomly show up with food they expect me to serve

You must be a lovely hostess.

I am.

Fully planned, well executed meals. Fully stocked bar. Wine matched to the food.

Don't really need a dish cooked in a manner I don't know, of unknown quality, that may or may not compliment my menu.

Freudian slip - compliments are what you want isn't it?

Love it when hospitality becomes "all about me" instead being about the guests!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mixed berries -- everything is in season, they are good with any existing dessert and the kids will eat them.

No one wants that shit

I do. And so would my kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Drives me nuts when people randomly show up with food they expect me to serve

You must be a lovely hostess.

I am.

Fully planned, well executed meals. Fully stocked bar. Wine matched to the food.

Don't really need a dish cooked in a manner I don't know, of unknown quality, that may or may not compliment my menu.

This sounds, umm, not fun for a bbq.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Drives me nuts when people randomly show up with food they expect me to serve

You must be a lovely hostess.

I am.

Fully planned, well executed meals. Fully stocked bar. Wine matched to the food.

Don't really need a dish cooked in a manner I don't know, of unknown quality, that may or may not compliment my menu.

This sounds, umm, not fun for a bbq.

Right!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Drives me nuts when people randomly show up with food they expect me to serve

You must be a lovely hostess.

I am.

Fully planned, well executed meals. Fully stocked bar. Wine matched to the food.

Don't really need a dish cooked in a manner I don't know, of unknown quality, that may or may not compliment my menu.

This post is about a BBQ not a dinner party. Obviously, people don't bring food to a dinner party- you bring a hostess gift. People usually bring food/drinks to a BBQ. Who matches wine to BBQ food??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't necessarily bring beer. How do you know alcohol is welcome? And beer bothers a lot of well intentioned liberals.

Wait, what? I'm a liberal who suggested beer earlier...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mixed berries -- everything is in season, they are good with any existing dessert and the kids will eat them.

No one wants that shit

I do. And so would my kids.

But the hostess probably already has some sort of fruit dish. So now there will be two fruit dishes and half would be wasted. If I were hosting I would just love for you to ask instead of guess! That way you'll bring something that works with the rest of the menu. And if I didn't want you to bring a side dish I would tell you a dessert or drink of your choice.

[Anonymous]

I am going to a barbecue tonight..very casual group. Everyone always contributes. Host said please bring an appetizer or a side in invite. At least 3 people have volunteered desserts! Host won't mind though..