Summer may be winding down, but there is still plenty of time for one more cookout.
Good Housekeeping recently asked etiquette experts Beth Anderson and Diane Gottsman about some of the biggest do’s and don’ts when attending or hosting a barbecue. Even though cookouts are usually casual, they say being a good guest still matters. (Good Housekeeping)
Here are five rules worth remembering:
Dress for the occasion. Ask about a theme or dress code instead of arriving extremely overdressed or underdressed.
Stay away from somebody else’s grill. Unless the cook asks for help, don’t start flipping meat or opening the grill to see what’s inside.
Don’t overload your plate. Start with a reasonable amount of food. You can always come back for seconds.
Show your appreciation. Consider bringing a host gift, offering to contribute a side dish and thanking the host afterward.
Give guests options. Hosts should consider dietary restrictions and offer a variety of foods, including meat-free choices when possible. (Good Housekeeping)
One of the biggest rules might be the simplest: if you were invited to enjoy yourself, don’t show up and take over somebody else’s cookout.
So, what barbecue rule do you think people need to hear the most?