S/O hosting a BBQ

[jinnifah]

We're hosting a BYOMeat BBQ next week for probably a dozen or so adults and a couple toddlers. If you were invited to such an event, what would you expect us to provide?

So far I'm thinking hotdogs and fixings, potato salad, garden salad, chips & dip, veggie plate, pop & juice.

Any staples I'm missing? Any other interesting sides I could make?

ETA: do you think hamburgers are a must? I kind of want to avoid us providing then since theyre on the expensive side. But don't want to leave any anti-hotdog people hanging.

[vanillacourage]

Corn is really yummy when grilled. Mix some garlic and an herb (parsley, cilantro, etc) in butter and coat the ears before grilling.

[heyrebekah]

Dessert

[6fsn]

I find this whole concept odd, but I would expect a few light apps, enough sides to make a meal with my meat, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverages.

I'd keep the hotdogs on hand and offer them if anyone wants.

[Deleted]

Anti-hotdog people..haha. Yes I think it would be nice to have the burger option too. Maybe you could make some of the little slider size. That way they're more for kids or for people to have 1 or 2 as an app and not their main meal.

Maybe deviled eggs? Canned baked beans? Are they drinkers--if so then beer/wine along with several non-alcoholic options.

[kadams767]

Beer

[SJ]

I wouldn't have hot dogs or hamburgers since you said it is BYOMeat. Doesn't that mean the guests are bringing their own meat?

I would provide things such as corn on the cob, baked beans, fruit salad, chip/dip, and simple dessert (brownies and ice cream?). Lots of drink options, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

[jinnifah]

Corn is a great idea! So are deviled eggs. That shoul fill the gap I was feeling.

They aren't really a drinking crowd. Half the invitees are nursing or pg (it's like everyone I know is having babies at the same time!). We'll have a case of beer on hand if any spouses want one or two.

Glad hamburgers wouldnt be a must.

As for hotdogs, I did mention to everyone we'd have them, and it was otherwise BYOMeat

[chessie]

Some sort of desserts, maybe more options for drinks. If not serving liquor mention it is BYOB as well.

[gt7301b]

I wouldn't expect meat if it is a BYO meat party. I would expect alcohol and dessert. (but I would probably bring alcohol too)

[darkling_glory]

BEER. I would expect beer. Especially if you're making people bring their own meat.

But yes... a few side salads, some chips and dip, definitely buns and condoments, and pop and water.

I think it's kind of weird to do a BYOMeat, personally. We do BYOB but it's more like - We pick up a few cases of miller lite and a few bottles of wine, and tell people that if they prefer anything else, please feel free to bring that.

[dexteroni]

I don't get or really like the BYO meat thing, BUT if you're going to do it, eliminate all meat and offer a better selection of side dishes. As in more of them. And some appetizers, dessert, and most importantly, alcohol.

ETA: If you want to offer something main-course-like, you can grill veggie kebabs.

ETA2: Just saw your update that they will be expecting hot dots and there are hardly any drinkers. Never mind on those two points then. I would still try to add something a bit more fun as sides, though. Someone mentioned grilled corn, which is great. Caprese salad and/or fruit salad would be nice too.

[mrssandro]

I think your BYO Meat is a fine idea.

I suggest all the possible condiments and the basic BBQ sides. Also dessert Watermelon/Ice Cream and Lemonade or Iced tea

[cjeanette]

I am used to doing a cook-out the other way around. We provide meat and people bring sides.

Perhaps make sure to have condiments and buns?

[Awkward]

In general are people expected to cook their own meat? Like, glad you could come, the grills out back when you want to cook your food?

My mother and grandmother went to a similar party that was byomeat, but the hostess said she'd have hot dogs as well. Lunch time rolls around and she handed my mother a package of hotdogs and said the grill is on the patio when you're ready. My mother looked at her like :-|

[honeybee]

We've done this (and attended) a few BBQs like this. Its actually a lot of fun and as we got a decent crowd together for it people would get really get into bringing fun items. Lobsters, scallops, racks of ribs, marinated tofu... The concept was usually bring enough to share, thus everyone got to sample lots of fun things.

[definitelyO]

If I were bringing my own meat to grill I would expect for you to have a variety of appetizers, chips & dip, side salads (pasta, potato, etc..), dessert and drinks (juice, water, beer and wine)

[noodleoo]

Yes, BYOMeat parties are not unusual for us, especially when we were younger (and poorer). The host cooked the meat, you just brought your own. Most people brought enough to share too so that there was always plenty of food. It kept costs down for the host and was a nice get together.

It is not weird if you do it right. Totally side eying the "go cook it yourself" people.

[jinnifah]

Jul 6, 2012 10:02:42 GMT -5 Awkward said:

In general are people expected to cook their own meat? Like, glad you could come, the grills out back when you want to cook your food?

My mother and grandmother went to a similar party that was byomeat, but the hostess said she'd have hot dogs as well. Lunch time rolls around and she handed my mother a package of hotdogs and said the grill is on the patio when you're ready. My mother looked at her like

Yikes! No, dh and a friend who's bringing a spare BBQ will be doing the cooking. I can't imagine your mom's surprise! I don't know how to use a BBQ so I'd gave been screwed.

The BYOMeat party is pretty common in our circle, so I'm not worried about any faux pas with that. most will likely bring their own alcohol anyway (again, the norm for our circle) but we do have an extra case just au cas ou

So, I guess dessert is a must it sounds. I like the watermelon idea. Otherwise would cake be reasonable?

[Deleted]

omg you must make the eclair cake (so easy and soooo good)

allrecipes.com/recipe/eclair-cake/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=eclair%20cake&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page

[audette]

I've been to a fair number of BYOMeat parties. Having some hot dogs on hand is useful, in case someone forgets, or is still hungry after what they brought, or for kids...

The sides sound decent. Usually there are burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, condiments) and buns, but not always. Dessert would be a nice touch. Maybe something easy like brownies.

[hbomdiggity]

I don't mind these as it means I can bring something I know I will like instead of someone else's idea of some preformed frozen burger patty. But I also know that the host will have plenty of beer and sides and fixin's.

So no, I wouldn't expect you to have any meat - and those with kids should bring something for the kid!

But I also don't consider hamburgers expensive - its probably the cheapest meat you could buy.

[mayflowers22]

I like the corn idea.

[aliciar6]

we do tai chicken skewers, venison poppers, veggie kabobs (red, green, orange peppers, onion, mushrooms with olive oil and Italian seasoning), i make spiced roasted potatoes, chips and dip, pretzels...then we do hot dogs and hamburgers.

for dessert we have cookies, brownies and my bailey's cake.

normally our friends will bring liquor but we provide some alcohol.