Memorial Day cookout - charge guests for attending?

[Anonymous]

I think a potluck is the way to go here, OP. For large casual get-togethers it's a great way to spread around the responsibility and the cost.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rich people who don't have enough real problems like to mock people of limited means for trying to solve their real problems.

People with “limited means” still have manners. They do a potluck and invite family and friends. Problem solved!

Also, if you have limited means, don't serve crab cakes and brisket. People will be just as happy with hotdogs. The point of these events is to hang out with family and friends.

If you have to choose between cutting your menu or alienating people, you cut your menu.

[Anonymous]

NO. I hope this is a troll.

You are better off serving hot dogs or whatever else you can afford.

Fine to ask local family to bring something to contribute IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rich people who don't have enough real problems like to mock people of limited means for trying to solve their real problems.

No one, rich or poor, should be charging guests at a party they are hosting. Make it a potluck if you can’t afford to provide everything. Or DON’T HOST!

[Anonymous]

Don't forget to make them purchase "bathroom coupons" to use your facilities! And maybe charge for their red solo cup so they won't just toss it away each time. What else can you charge for... parking? Camping chairs? Paper plates? Napkins!! There's a gold mine. $1/napkin for ribs will net you a great profit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Inflation is through the roof. Would it be wrong these days to say charge $15 per family to attend our Memorial Day cookout. We will be serving good stuff like ribs, brisket, crab, etc. This stuff is no longer cheap. So why couldn’t you ask for something like $15 per family to help defray the cost? I mean where else could you go for $15 and feed your entire family, have to do zero food prep and cleanup, and leave zero tip? It’s a really good deal. What’s wrong asking for a little bit of help with outrageous grocery store prices these days?

I will go against the grain and say that it depends. If you are the one who hosts most of the time and these are good friends, I think it would be fine. I know my friends would be fine with it as well as offer to bring things. I would be fine if you asked me.

[Anonymous]

The $15 is a deal isn't a good argument.

If someone wants to pay $15 for an individual or family meal that's a choice for a specific thing. But a party is a social obligation, not a meal calculation. Very few people go to bbq parties for the food so it's not really part of the decision to say its a value - if they weren't at the party they'd be eating at home, not going to a restaurant.

Just do a sign-up potluck. Unless you're trying to make money on this, that should alleviate most of the burden.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Inflation is through the roof. Would it be wrong these days to say charge $15 per family to attend our Memorial Day cookout. We will be serving good stuff like ribs, brisket, crab, etc. This stuff is no longer cheap. So why couldn’t you ask for something like $15 per family to help defray the cost? I mean where else could you go for $15 and feed your entire family, have to do zero food prep and cleanup, and leave zero tip? It’s a really good deal. What’s wrong asking for a little bit of help with outrageous grocery store prices these days?

I will go against the grain and say that it depends. If you are the one who hosts most of the time and these are good friends, I think it would be fine. I know my friends would be fine with it as well as offer to bring things. I would be fine if you asked me.

Oh look, OP found another tacky cheapskate. You two can "party" together.

[Anonymous]

Lots of places you can go and for far better food than you are serving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You cannot do this.

A single meal at chick fil A now runs almost $15. $15 for an entire family is an extraordinarily good deal, especially for way better food and alcohol. Name a single place in existence you could take a family for $15, stuff your face, and drink almost as much beer as you want.

not the point

[Anonymous]

You don't need crab at your Memorial Day cookout for the love. Just do burgers and dogs on the grill.

[Anonymous]

Is this a joke?

I would decline and cut you off permanently.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't need crab at your Memorial Day cookout for the love. Just do burgers and dogs on the grill.

this. if you can't afford it - don't serve crab and brisket.

[Anonymous]

Definitely not. Everyone we invite always asks what to bring. They usually bring the beer and sometimes dessert. I also now do smaller parties so i can do the brisket and tri tip etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of places you can go and for far better food than you are serving.

Name them and the price.