Bring-and-eat party

Bring-and-eat parties came about because of our very cluttered-up and busy lives. Families with children found a way of getting together with their families and friends without going to too much expense. Today these parties are very popular and a phone call to a group of friends inviting them to a bring-and-eat bids the question; "What should I bring?". It has become customary amongst many groups that guests bring their own drinks.

Bring-and-eat parties are as varied as the guests that attend them. But a mention of a few types of bring-and-eat parties should help you plan a great party without going to too much trouble.

The first step is to plan a simple theme. This means that you need to plan the form that the party will take on. A barbeque is a favourite bring-and-eat party. Another form of bring-and-eat party is planning your party around a main dish such as a curry and rice party or seafood party.

The next step is to plan the different dishes. Your list does not need to be complete; because part of the secret of a successful bring-and-eat party is that you allow your guests to participate in the planning of the party.

The next step is to phone or email your guests and invite them to your bring-and-eat party. Ask them what they would like to bring along or make a suggestion. It is important that you are flexible about what your guests bring; they might not be able to prepare any of the dishes that you suggest.

Example of a meat barbeque bring-and-eat food list

Each of your guests will bring along one or more of these foodstuffs. It is customary, but not necessary, that guests supply enough meat for the members in their group. This is often the case with barbeques that include children.

1. Meats (steaks, chops, sausages, burger patties)
2. Bread rolls
3. Salads (One or more)
4. Desserts (One or more)
5. Drinks

An attractive alternative to the meat bring-and-eat party is the seafood bring-and-eat party. The meat is replaced with a range of different seafoods; different line fish, shellfish and scampi. The bring-and-eat parties may need a bit more planning, because not all the seafoods are suitable for preparation on a barbeque and may have to be prepared in the kitchen. Another important consideration is that some of your guests might have a seafood allergy.

Example of a main dish bring-and-eat food list

Main dish bring-and-eat parties take on the form of a regular home party, with the difference that all the guests supply the eats for the party. This is an example of a food list for a curry-and-rice bring-and-eat party.

1. Rice (Different rice dishes, for example, white rice, yellow rice)
2. Meat curry (One or more; some hot, some mild)
3. Salads
4. Side dishes (For example coconut or banana)
5. Bread rolls
6. Desserts
7. Drinks