etiquette: invited to barbecue

[Anonymous]

I just hosted this weekend. Everyone asked what they could bring. One person brought wine in addition to a dessert.

[Anonymous]

I don't think I'd bring alcohol if it was my supervisor. You could bring a dessert. If it doesn't say potluck though, I don't think you are actually required to bring anything (but it might look good to not come empty handed).

[Anonymous]

Ask them what you can bring (say "what can we bring?" not "can we bring anything?"). If they say to bring nothing, I'd go ahead and bring a big bunch of berries (washed) and a bottle of white wine which they can serve or keep for another time.

PP who said "freaky foreign dessert," that made me laugh but it's also kind of offensive. What kinds of things are you talking about??! Depending on where OP is from, there might be something great that she could bring and the hosts would be excited to try. OP, where are you from?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think I'd bring alcohol if it was my supervisor. You could bring a dessert. If it doesn't say potluck though, I don't think you are actually required to bring anything (but it might look good to not come empty handed).

I think it could be prudent to not DRINK alcohol if its your supervisor but beer and wine is a completely appropriate and normal gift for the host of a social gathering.

[Anonymous]

I am OP. Thanks for the suggestions. It looks like they are hosting only us. Laughing at 'freaky foreign desserts' - I'll be sure to offer to bring them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ribs are eaten like fried chicken.

I would never bring liquor to a barbecue. I usually bring bottled water and some cokes.

Bring a simple dessert. Not some freaky foreign dish.

"Freaky foreign dish"? OK, Trump supporter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am OP. Thanks for the suggestions. It looks like they are hosting only us. Laughing at 'freaky foreign desserts' - I'll be sure to offer to bring them.

FWIW- when we host people from other countries, one of my favorite things to get are the 'freaky foreign desserts.' I don't always like them, but it is always interesting to try something new.

[Anonymous]

As an FYI, you're supposed to be wearing a bikini top to a BBQ, it's customary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As an FYI, you're supposed to be wearing a bikini top to a BBQ, it's customary.

only if you are female, please.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an FYI, you're supposed to be wearing a bikini top to a BBQ, it's customary.

only if you are female, please.

True.

Speedo for the men.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am OP. Thanks for the suggestions. It looks like they are hosting only us. Laughing at 'freaky foreign desserts' - I'll be sure to offer to bring them.

FWIW- when we host people from other countries, one of my favorite things to get are the 'freaky foreign desserts.' I don't always like them, but it is always interesting to try something new.

Proper time and place. I wouldn't mind a "freaky foreign dessert" if we invited people from other countries to a seated dinner at our house. But a barbecue? Nah - just keep it simple and the standard American barbecue fare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ribs are eaten like fried chicken.

I would never bring liquor to a barbecue. I usually bring bottled water and some cokes.

Bring a simple dessert. Not some freaky foreign dish.

Well I wouldn't bring "liquor" to a BBQ either. But wine or beer is great. Bottled water is so weird. Surely the host has water?

Unless you're bringing special water, it's also extremely cheap.
"Thanks for inviting me! I got you $5 in bottled water!"

$5? A case is $3

Y'all are cracking me up!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an FYI, you're supposed to be wearing a bikini top to a BBQ, it's customary.

only if you are female, please.

True.

Speedo for the men.

OP, ignore this!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And if they serve ribs, eat them with your fingers. Not with a fork and knife like Europeans always try to do.

Or, you could do whatever you're comfortable with. I'm American and I usually prefer to go the knife/fork route.

Yankee.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ask them what you can bring (say "what can we bring?" not "can we bring anything?"). If they say to bring nothing, I'd go ahead and bring a big bunch of berries (washed) and a bottle of white wine which they can serve or keep for another time.

PP who said "freaky foreign dessert," that made me laugh but it's also kind of offensive. What kinds of things are you talking about??! Depending on where OP is from, there might be something great that she could bring and the hosts would be excited to try. OP, where are you from?

No that PP (I love freaky foreign desserts) but bbq deserts are usually pretty simple and standard: cobbler with ice cream, fruit pie, rice crispy treats, brownies, homemade cookies. Occassionally someone will get really fancy and make that cool whip/pudding/crushed oreos/heath bar bits layered dessert but that is as freaky as bbqs usually get.