BBQ Cookout Etiquette??

When I've had bbq's I've encouraged people to take home as much or whatever they can because I just don't have enough room in the fridge for tons of leftovers.

There's only so much leftover potato salad a girl can handle.

But they really should use those disposable containers that are available now if they're so concerned about their Tupperwear. I mean, if they're already going to the grocery store to buy stuff to make for this BBQ, why can't they pick up some containers, too?

ive seen it done every possible way.

i always take stuff in a cheap container that i dont care about leaving behind or tossing. that is the norm among the crowd i run with, so to speak.

my friend and I host a huge halloween party at her house every year, and encourage folks to take a plate home, and even then i end up taking several plates home the next day for my kids (i always stay there overnight and the party is not kid friendly so they dont come) and she has TONS leftover even after that.

Let's keep this simple...

Side dishes in disposable containers will be left and host may eat, feed to pet ferret, or throw away.

Side dishes in crock pots or grandma's china will be taken home only AFTER party is over.

NOTE: If you have to leave early because you are a party pooper, then you forfeit all ownership to said dish and host may keep dish and use for next BBQ invitation to take food.

All in favor, say aye....

I take my BBQ Seriously, Like Hogs at a trough - there ain't no leftovers-
No worries

I've done it both ways where I take it or leave it. I've gone to many events where it was understood you took leftovers and some where it was never said. Most hosts I know have so many leftovers they rather people take their food back home. Sometimes we do a bit of take others leftovers and enjoy the bbq food longer.

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saragreen012 wrote: »

I always bring my contribution in something disposable, as I would much rather leave it behind, but generally the host will insist everyone bring leftovers home. I understand though, because when I host I dont really want the leftovers taking up my entire fridge either.

Edit to add: I don't think it is every appropriate to take your leftover alcohol though, that should stay with the host unless they specifically request otherwise.

"Leftover alcohol" = not partying hard enough.

BrunetteRunner87 wrote: »

I've never heard of someone leaving their food. My boyfriend and I host a 4th of July party every year and I would never expect someone to leave their food. I also don't WANT them to leave their food. I don't need the mess or tons of food. It looks like I'm in the minority though.

Same. We host numerous parties throughout the summer and I do not want all that leftover food. Gross. Please take it with you when you go.

However - leave the alcohol, please

I throw 5 or 6 big BBQ's every year. As a matter of fact I have one coming up on 9/10. My invite usually says, "Having a BBQ to celebrate (insert event here). I will be BBQing (whatever) and dessert. Please bring whatever you are drinking and a side dish if you want." I can pretty much predict what everyone is going to bring. Some people go all out and others just stop and pick up a deli salad or chips at the store on their way over. It doesn't matter to me. I always make too much and I try to send BBQ home with the guests. Some people leave stuff, some people take stuff. Doesn't matter to me. The BBQ is just a reason to get together with those I care about.

Honestly, whenever my friends and I get together we take our stuff back with us so we don't burden whoever is hosting that day with extra cleaning. We live in dorms and we don't have the space for it. Even before that I've never seen people leave their stuff without the host being like "oh damn I have to be responsible for this now".