My uncle and his wife often invite my family over for cookouts during the summer months. They always provide lots of soft drinks for the children and beer for the adults. My problem is that I try to limit my kids' comsumption of soft drinks as much as possible. My son always becomes so hyper if he drinks a couple of colas that he's practically bouncing off the walls for the next twenty-four hours and can't concentrate at all. I am also trying to lose some weight and drinking regular beer doesn't help much with that either. Would it be considered rude if I bring light beer and juice or lemonade for the kids? My uncle's wife always insists that they provide everything and discourages our contributing either food or drink,and I don't want to offend her.
2007-05-01 07:34:09 · 33 answers · asked by casatranio 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
just bring your own stuff and when they make a fuss just say you didnt want them going out of their way to provide a few light beers and juice just cause you wanted it. i am sure they will understand and keep it in mind for the next cookout.
2007-05-01 07:43:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't consider it rude, however, it really depends on how well you know the hostess and how they would feel. At many of our family get-togethers, even if one person is providing the food, if someone needs/wants a drink that they know isn't of wide interest to the group who will be there, then they bring their own. I have an aunt who always drinks a lot of water, but she also has problems with many brands of bottled water, so instead of having someone buy for her, she just always brings her own water or her own tea (since tea made with the other water even makes her ill, from time to time). And an aunt with diabetes usually brings her own diet beverages, since many in the family try not to drink artificial sweetners. I would think the hostess would be understanding of your bringing your own beverages when it's a situation where you want or need something that the entire group may not be interested in.
2007-05-01 13:32:07 · answer #2 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just do it in a low-key way with a big purse! I always had to bring drinks and food for my son who was very allergic to several foods. He knew I had it and I didn't advertise it to the crowd. Nowadays it would be easier - pack up some juice boxes and and your light beers. Make a big show of eating the provided food and if anyone happens to ask, say that your pediatrician suggested the juices for the kids. No one argues with the doctor!
2007-05-01 07:40:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would just explain it to the hosts ahead of time. FYI juice and lemonade can have *more* sugar than soda and if it's a clear liquid, it has virtually no nutritional value save for a shot of vitamin C. You'd almost be better off with a caffeine free soft drink in certain cases. Just scrutinize the label and try to opt for unfiltered juices. They have a lot more of the vitamins from the whole fruit.
2007-05-01 09:13:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Explain that you are limiting sugar consumption because your son gets hyperactive with too much sugar. Tell them you would like to bring something for him..maybe they will offer to provide diet soda or flavored water instead (Juice and lemonade has as much sugar if not more than soft drinks). If not feel free to bring your own.
2007-05-01 07:41:39 · answer #5 · answered by pamomof4 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could always call her ahead of time and ask her to provide some juice as well as cola and light beer. Tell her you don't mind bringing your own... that way you give her a chance to get some... or make her feel better for not supplying it.
2007-05-01 07:38:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course not! It is always polite to bring something to someone's house where you'll be the guest. It shows you want to cooperate and hey! you never know, your uncle might end up switching to light beer and keep the kids off carbonated drinks. Have fun!
2007-05-01 07:47:21 · answer #7 · answered by goodgirl2484 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In our bunch, ANYONE who brought extra beer, liquor, soda, etc. was on the side of the angels, considering how heavily people managed to put the stuff down (and leftovers hardly spoil, after all).....BYOB was courtesy, to avoid overstraining the host/hostess's budget.
But this sounds more like a specific dietary issue, similar to an allergy. I'd give the hostess a heads-up call first, explaining that you really DO appreciate the hospitality, but mentioning your concerns. (And bring a little extra to share, just in case.)
2007-05-01 07:51:20 · answer #8 · answered by samiracat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk this over with your Uncle and his wife. Exeplain the situation. Ask them if they will provide light beer and lemonade in addition to what they customarily provide.
If they won't, tell them that you have to bring your own (with extra in case someone else would like) for reasons of personal health.
2007-05-01 07:39:36 · answer #9 · answered by nycguy10002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would bring my own, but bring enough so that you can share it with others too, if they want to try your stuff. That way no one will be offended and will feel you are generous. I have the same problem with barbecues... I cannot eat most foods like steak and burgers and chicken, so I usually take some salmon fillets for everyone. No one ever minds.
2007-05-01 09:34:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋