Guest contributions

My Simple Rule

If a guest offers to bring something, easy and reasonable options are pies, ice, spirits or other beverages, and snack trays. The basic menu is yours unless someone offers to bring one of those items.

How much should you ask them to bring?

If you’re feeding more than about eight people, supplement each dish with your own, or ask two guests to bring that dish.

Keeping Guest Foods Hot

If your guests can bring their dish in a slow cooker, keep a place open by an outlet for them. Other methods of keeping food hot include chaffing dishes heated with canned heat such as Sterno, or hot plates that plug into the wall. These are a great investment (not too pricey and easy to store). Be sure to plan space and sources of power for everything.

Unexpected Requests

Have plenty of serving dishes and utensils available for serving guest dishes, or ask that they bring everything needed to serve their dish from the table. For instance, if they bring something in a slow cooker, they’ll need a dish to transfer it to for serving. No matter what, something unplanned will happen with a guest’s contribution, so be flexible and go with the flow.

You’re the Host

Nobody should be expected to bring anything. If they ask what they can bring, give them an assignment that feeds 6-8 people (that’s about how many slices are in a pie, for instance). If they offer something specific, just say yes (unless it is something truly unwelcome). Your guests are guests first. If you can’t swing providing everything, maybe a smaller crowd or a co-host are good options.

Last Tip: Brine Your Turkey  Next Tip: Day By Day Prep Schedule

Resources for further learning:

• The Etiquette of Guest Offers to Bring Something 
• Short on ideas for side dishes? Here ya go!
• Let your guests be guests, not employees.