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There’s no other gathering like a barbecue because it can bring together almost everyone you know. However, it takes a lot more than just wheeling out the grill. Your friends and family need to contribute to the cookout too! What they bring can say a lot about them. From side dishes to dogs, see what you bring to the barbecue says about you!
Photo by Maude Frédérique Lavoie on Unsplash
Bug Spray, Sunscreen, and an Umbrella
Let’s face it, the biggest obstacle to getting our grill on is the elements! Nothing can ruin outdoor fun like bug bites and rain. So, if you’re the kind of person who brings these supplies to a barbecue, you’re always prepared for whatever life throws your way. You even optimistically packed sunscreen, just in case. People can always find you in the shade or inside.
Outdoor Games
If you bring games to the barbecue, it means you enjoy good company and want everyone to have a good time. You like to turn people’s frowns upside-down, and are always there to cheer up a friend in need. People can find you getting everyone together for charades or helping with seating during dinner. Croquet, anyone?
Beer
Everyone knows you can’t have a barbecue without beer. When you bring beer to any outdoor feast, it means you’re there to relax and take in the environment. You can be found sitting in a comfortable chair and chatting with your mates. There won’t be any fussing over bug spray or badminton for you, but you might try your hand at some backseat grilling.
Wine
Who brings wine to a barbecue? The most sophisticated person there, that’s who. If you bring wine to a barbecue, it shows you’re not willing to sacrifice style for sausages. You like to show up to the party looking fabulous. Guests at a barbecue can find you inside prepping a cheese plate. Now, what kind of burger pairs best with chardonnay?
Your Dog
A barbecue is a perfect place for your pup! When you bring your dog to a barbecue, it says that you’re there to eat food and socialise. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing at the barbecue, everyone is happy to see you. You can always be found amongst a group of friends, with a plate full of food in your hands.
Paper Plates and Napkins
Nothing says neat freak like the person who brings the paper plates and napkins. There’s no way you’re getting your fingers sauced or crumbs on your clothes. It’s probably best to bring plastic cutlery and wet wipes too, now that you think about it. You can always be found throwing away trash, clearing the table, or working out sauce stains from people’s shirts.
Your Phone Charger
It’s a barbecue, there’s no way you’re going to spend the whole time looking at your phone. However, you are going to want to take a ton of selfies and photos. For that, you’re going to need to keep your phone charged. You can always be found posing for photos with your friends, or posting pics of food on social media. Don’t forget to get some napkins to wipe off your fingers before you check your likes!
The Meat
The person who brings the meat to a barbecue is nothing but hungry. You’ve taken time to pick out cuts of meat that you deem worthy for a special occasion, and want people to be impressed with their food. People will always find you near or cooking on the grill to make sure everything is going smoothly. Whether your meat turns out perfectly or you end up burning everything, you gave it everything you had.
An Actual Grill
If you take time to roll out your grill and clean it, then it means you’re serious about barbecuing food your guests are going to love. Dedication and patience are your key personality traits as you flip, turn, and ultimately burn a few things. However, your hard work is usually admired by the person who brought the meat, who might also be you. Don’t worry, your guests will enjoy themselves no matter what.
Water and First Aid
Much like the person who brought umbrellas and sunscreen, you’re prepared for the worst and safety is your number one priority. You have a caring touch and can always be found diligently monitoring the group for burns, scrapes, and dehydration. In fact, you probably know where the fire extinguisher and emergency exits are as well.
Dessert
Life is always better with a little dessert and, of course, you in it. If you bring a dessert to a barbecue, you want to make sure it ends on a sweet note. For you, good-byes are just as important as hellos. You can always be found checking on the kids, and making sure everyone is happy.
Lettuce, Onions, Tomatoes
Nothing completes a burger like lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. If you’re the kind of person who likes to make sure their barbecue is topped with the best veg and condiments, then it means you’re ready to sit down and eat. You probably always have a full plate and are always complimenting everyone on what they chose to bring to the barbecue.
Chairs
No one wants to stand the entire time at a barbecue. When you bring chairs to a barbecue, it means you want to put your feet up. You’re not there to tell anyone what to do. You’ll skip the backseat grilling and ditch croquet. Just give you an ice-cold beer, delicious sausage, and you’re happy. As a matter of fact, you’re probably the person who brought the beer too!
Fruit
A great assortment of fruit is a compliment to any barbecue! Not only can you snack on fruit before the meat is ready, but you can also eat it before and after too. For you, variety is the spice of life, and there isn’t a part of the barbecue you don’t want to be a part of. You’re always there to man the grill, help with the table, play games, or just relax in the sunshine.
Store-Bought Side Dish
There are two kinds of people that bring a store-bought side dish: people who are pressed for time or people who can’t cook. Either way, this shows a quick fix for both of those problems. After apologising for bringing something bought from the store, you can be found relaxing and enjoying time with your friends and family.
An Over-the-Top Side Dish
Some people like to go all out when they bake or cook. If you brought a dish that outshines everyone else’s food, then you didn’t come to the barbecue to relax. You can be found backseat grilling or tempting people to try your delicious dish. So, if everything gets burnt, everyone can rely on your dish to save the day.
Vegetable and Cheese Trays
There’s nothing better than snacking things like hummus, crackers, veg, and cheese while you’re waiting for the meat to come off the grill. Plus, not everyone eats meat. When you bring food to a barbecue that everyone can eat, it shows that you’re another guest who cares about others and wants everyone to feel full and happy. You can be found in the kitchen, helping make sure all the food is out to enjoy.
Hot Sauce
Some people just like it hot and you’re one of them. Barbecue always tastes better with sauce, but sometimes the ones provided just aren’t spicy enough. When you bring your own sauce to the party, it shows you are there to entertain. People can find you dancing or telling jokes to keep the crowd happy.
The Music
When you take time to create a customised playlist for the barbecue you’re attending, it means you’re concerned with the vibe. Keeping everyone happy, relaxed, and drama-free is your mode of operation. You can always be found floating around the barbecue and mingling with all the guests.
Crisps
Yes, crisps, the lazy person’s side dish. When you choose to just grab a couple of bags of chips from the store, it shows that you’re grateful to be invited to the barbecue, but you’re not there to work. People can find you relaxing with a beer, playing games with your friends, and maybe even trying someone’s homemade hot sauce, but they definitely won’t find you cooking behind the grill.
Nothing
While it’s not the best that you forgot to bring something to the barbecue, it’s really not a big deal. When you attend a barbecue there is usually plenty of food to go around. If you forgot or are just short on funds, there’s always work to be done at a barbecue. You can do things like help set up chairs, make sure the beer is cold, and participate in games.
A Positive Attitude
It’s no secret that barbecuing in the U.K. has been a bit of a rocky road. We aren’t exactly known for our grilling skills, and the weather has always been less than cooperative. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t get our friends and family together for some quality time outside, and some okay food. Besides, you can’t get better and barbecuing, if you don’t keep trying!
