My wife and I live in Australia. I grew up here, though my wife is from England originally. We have been invited to a barbecue by a sports buddy and his wife - as far as I am aware just a quiet get-together for the four of us and their kids. After accepting the invitation, it occured to us that we're not sure if we're expected to bring our own meat, or other food, or alcohol etc.
When I was a kid here in Oz I remember barbecues at my school friends' places were generally BYO meat. My parents never socialised much and having lived in the UK for the first 5-6 years of my adult life, I'm not sure what is the done thing in adulthood!
We don't want to offend this other couple - who we hope will become good friends - by not bringing anything if it's expected or bringing a stack of stuff if they have catered for us. Trouble is, I don't want to sound dumb by having asking my mate if he wants us to bring stuff.
Please can someone help - what is the general rule with BBQs in Australia?
2007-04-20 14:08:14 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Don't worry, you won't sound dumb if you ask him if you should bring anything. That is actually very common....you can come right out and ask him if there is anything he'd like you to bring. Or you can suggest somethings...and he might pick one of the things you've mentioned. Anything from some beer, to dessert or just munchies. I always ask and even if they tell me not to worry I'll make sure I bring over some dessert at least. A pie, a fruit salad, home baked cookies...anything like that. =)
2007-04-20 14:20:48 · answer #1 · answered by Liz B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know about Oz, but in my own America it wouldn't be out of line to take some potato salad or beans or a side-dish. Yeah, you should bring some beer, you don't want to drink all your friends stuff up. It's their bbq and they invited you, so they should provide the meat. You could just ask, over the phone, if you should bring anything. That way you know what they are expectiing.
2007-04-20 14:24:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not Australian, but you could ask your host if there's anything that you can bring to help out. In the US this is a very common question to ask, and it is considered polite--often people will say no, but occasionally they hint that a dessert or bottle of wine may be a nice offering. I imagine that if you ask this, he will tell you if it is a BYO meat bbq--he won't want you to be there with nothing to eat, so I'm sure he'll tell you.
If this is completely a faux pas in Australia then just ignore me :-P!
2007-04-20 14:16:54 · answer #3 · answered by N 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it's friends just call and ask. You won't sound dumb. Sometimes someone hosting will provide the meat and drinks and everyone else brings something to share. Other times the host prepares all the food except meat and you bring your own.
2007-04-21 00:28:24 · answer #4 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow that is different to bring your own meat to a barbecue. I live in Maryland and believe it is proper etiquette to ask what items does the host prefer for me to bring, if anything, to the barbecue. It may be offensive if you bring something and the host did not specifically ask you to bring it. I would defenitely ask first. Asking is the only way to go. You would not sound dumb if you ask. Enjoy yourself at the barbecue!!!
2007-04-20 14:16:38 · answer #5 · answered by millineumlaura 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ms. Manners would say, call and ask! Doesn't matter if where you live. A simple "Hey mate, just wondered if there is anything the wife and I can bring." Chances are he will fill you in if you are expected to BYOB or BYO meat.
2007-04-20 14:15:13 · answer #6 · answered by t g 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would just call and ask "What would you like us bring?".....I can't imagine anyone inviting someone over and expecting them to bring their own food. T hat would be so rude. If you offer to bring something, its very polite. If they say no, don't worry about it, I would still bring a bottle of wine, or a dessert of some sort. Brownies or a fruit salad, just something small.
2007-04-20 14:18:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am afraid I don't know what the custom is in Austrailia but I would call them and ask what you can bring. If they say nothing, then that is fine. Or they may tell you they are serving hot dogs and potato chips; that way you can ask if you can bring beer, soft drinks, etc.
2007-04-20 15:53:27 · answer #8 · answered by Patti C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plain just ring your Buddy (mate ) up & just say by the way do you want us to bring anything??
That won't make you sound dumb if you just ask casually & accept what he says.
the last one i went to i took some snags & potato chips & a drink but it wasn't needed but its best to find out i reckon
edit
take your drinks & some nibbly anyway, that wont go off if they dont use it
2007-04-20 15:00:01 · answer #9 · answered by ausblue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would bring a salad and a bottle of wine or champagne! Im not from Australia, but i think thats like to bring something, but its like nothing :)
2007-04-20 14:17:12 · answer #10 · answered by Adrienn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋