Real-life MMD: Can I ask guests to bring a bottle?

JayD

It is quite acceptable to ask guests to bring a bottle to a party - and most guests bring a bottle to any invitation that involves eating too these days.

As said above by several people here, cover your bases by having a couple of bottles of red and white wine plus some cartons of fruit juice and maybe a large bottle or two of cola (for a mixer) and add the line Please Bring A Bottle of Your Favourite Tipple to any written invitation - or just say it if inviting by text or over the phone. It is nothing to be embarrassed about - it is quite the norm.
I hope your party goes well

alixandrea

MSE_Debs wrote: »

Money Moral Dilemma: Can I ask guests to bring a bottle?

I need to buy supplies for my housewarming party soon, but don't know what the etiquette is for drinks. As it's my party, should I buy all the food and drink, or count on guests bringing drinks with them? Is it acceptable to ask them to bring a bottle? I'd hate to run out of booze, but costs are already spiralling. Help!

Of course you can, in fact in my friendship circle this is completely the expected thing to do. Most people having parties buy some party food and drink (usually a couple bottles of wine, some cider and/or lager, mixers), but also tell their guests to bring their own drinks with them. Sometimes we suggest that everyone brings a dish with them so it's a bring-and-share occasion, which is always loads of fun! :j

Alixandrea

MrsE_2

Ebenezer_Screwj wrote: »

"Bottle Parties" were quite popular in the 70's and are even more relevant in todays economic climate. I would say it is most acceptable to ask your guests to bring a bottle or a few cans, you could state on the invitation "No presents, please - just bring a bottle!"

Thats it. If bringing a present I think refreshments need to be provided.
I'm sure you would rather keep the costs down & your guests would rather grab a bottle of their fav plonk thank faff about choosing a present.
A win win, for everyone.

MrsE_2

alixandrea wrote: »

Of course you can, in fact in my friendship circle this is completely the expected thing to do. Most people having parties buy some party food and drink (usually a couple bottles of wine, some cider and/or lager, mixers), but also tell their guests to bring their own drinks with them. Sometimes we suggest that everyone brings a dish with them so it's a bring-and-share occasion, which is always loads of fun! :j

Alixandrea

If everyone brings a bit of booze & a bit of food the work & costs are spread & shared & you can all do it more frequently:T

MrsV_to_be

scotsbob wrote: »

Maybe things are different in England, but north of the border no one would turn up unless you were providing alcohol (and plenty of it)

I don't know what part of Scotland you live in but I'm Scottish and don't think I've ever met anyone who would turn up at a party without their own drink! It's perfectly acceptable to ask guests to bring their own, I would normally put BYOB on the invite, and certainly wouldn't be offended if I got an invite with that written on it (even if it didn't say I'd bring drink anyway!)

Normally for a house party I supply food and soft drinks for everyone, and sometimes a bowl of punch but all my friends and family would bring their own alcohol.

Hope the party goes well!

onesixfive

Absolutely - make it part of the invite !
If necessary (so that you dont get lots of junk-ale dumped on you), be specific - you provide the beers & ask people to bring wine ? or you provide the mixers & ask for the spirits ?
Use (sturdy - not cheap) plastic glasses - cheap ones will get knocked over easily, and use throwaway plates, servers & cutlery - this will speed clearing up.
Plently of napkins dotted around, (double up in case of spills, and nicer than kitchen roll!).
and .... dont forget the ready-made ice (buy from supermarket - much easier than making it).

MrsE_2

sng165 wrote: »

If necessary (so that you dont get lots of junk-ale dumped on you), be specific - you provide the beers & ask people to bring wine ? or you provide the mixers & ask for the spirits ?

It's best to ask people to bring what they will actually drink.

alwayswrite

Years ago when you threw a party drink wasn't as expensive as it is now so you supplied food and drink as we did for our wedding but nowadays you can't afford to provide both and people should understand this so I don't think anyone should attend a party without bringing or offering to bring drink. You bet those who don't bring drink NEVER throw a party. Make a joke of it and say 'If you have any problems carrying your booze I can lend you my bags for life'.

florere

Wouldn't dream of turning up at a party without a bottle.

happyinflorida

I would say just bring your own booze. Make sure you have lots of non alcoholic drinks for those driving and diet drinks for diabetics or dieters! Can I come?!!