Am I obligated to provide an alternative to red meat at a BBQ?

Question

I'm hosting a family bbq soon and my husband's sister in law doesn't eat red meat. As a host, am I obligated to provide an alternative?

No, it wouldn't KILL me to grill up some shrimp or some salmon! I'd love to have those things for myself, and I'm sure most of the rest of the guests would love to have those as well. It wouldn't be fair to make something like that for ONE person, and I certainly can't afford to buy enough for 20 people! I'm on something called a "budget"!

Answer 1

I would just so that everyone is happy. But I don't know if "have" to do it. I think that it is just curtious. :)

Answer 2

No, you are not obligated, but as a gracious hostess it would show a lot of class to offer a non-red meat alternative. Chicken breasts aren't that expensive. If your budget can't stretch to accommodate a variety of grilled dishes consider asking your sister in law to bring her own meat to grill. Better yet, have your husband ask her to do so. Perhaps you could call her and say something like, ("Mary, I hear you do a great grilled marinaded chicken whatever - do you think you could bring some to add to the festivities?) If she declines - buy one breast and prepare it for her. Will do a lot to make you look good and her a pill. :}

Answer 3

If you know your guests don't eat red meat, it's is polite, but not obligated. You really should though if you want to be a good host. If you can't, make sure you have plenty of side dishes with variety (and protein! like egg dishes and food with cheese) If you are sticking with burgers and hot dogs and things like that, pick up a package of veggie burgers or turkey hot dogs. Good luck!

Answer 4

Probably not, but do it anyway. It shows you are a gracious host interested in the enjoyment of your guests. The alternative could cause tension which will make it unbearable for all. Don't make it obvious (like buying only one chicken breast)...do 1/2 and 1/2. Enjoy!

Answer 5

you're not OBLIGATED to provide anything.. but if you want to be a considerate host, buy a pack of veggie dogs or veggie patteis..

at the end of the day, considering they will be cooked on the same grill as the meat - if your sister in law is a hardcore vegetarian she won't want anything to do with your meat grill anyway - and will probably stick to the side dishes..

have salad, pototao salad, etc that are vegan - and then everybody'll be happy~!

Answer 6

As a host of a BBQ, no you are not obligated to provide an alternative. But, don't you think that your husband would appreciate it?

Answer 7

Ask her if she would mind bringing whatever she would like to have and you would be more than happy to grill or bake it for her. That way you aren't obliged to "guess" what she might want, nor are you obligated to supply 20 people with an alternative.

Answer 8

once you took on the role as "host" you took on the resposibility to cater to your guest needs. It would be appropriate to have red meat and non red meat perhaps a few salads or seafood or some turkey dogs. You should no your guest and can determine how much you are willing to spend.

Answer 9

Of course you are. You invited her and you have to cater to ALL of your guests. A BBQ for 20 people is not a good idea if you are on a budget. Why dont you have everyone bring something? I'm assuming they asked if they could.

Answer 10

I think as long as you have a well assortment of other foods that 1 person will be fine. Alot of salads, fruits and stuff. If there were more than 1 person I would say go ahead and make a fish dish, but dont break your back for just 1 person.

Answer 11

Just buy a package of chicken breasts for her. To be a good host you take certain aspects into consideration. So, to be nice and a good host, you don't have to buy chicken for everyone. Just the one that doesn't eat red meat.