With summer in full swing, it's open season for barbecues, picnics, and impromptu potlucks. And arguably what makes these get-togethers so great is the food that goes along with them. As you do your part to pitch in with the fun, remember these tips when bringing food to any summer soirée.
1. Don't forget the serving utensils.
Being a good guest means more than just agreeing to bring the potato salad — it also means bringing a serving spoon or two. Ask your host if you should bring any extra platters or serving bowls, but the serving utensils are almost always a helpful item to bring along.
2. Know how long food can safely stay out.
Let's not forget food safety. This is an important point to always keep in mind, but especially so when food will be sitting out in the hot summer months. Let your host know if your dish requires any space in the fridge or if it needs to be heated upon arrival or served over ice.
3. Alert the host for food allergy potential.
Don't count on knowing the food allergies and dietary restrictions of everyone at the party. If you do, great; if not, that's okay. Alert the host to any ingredients, like nuts, shellfish, soy, and dairy, that have food allergy potential. On the flip side, it's also helpful to mention if your dish is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free.
4. Don't assume there's extra freezer space.
This goes for the fridge and the oven, as well. Fridge and freezer space is a precious commodity during summer party season. It's never a good idea to show up with a dish that needs to chill, and assume there will be ample space. If you do plan to bring something that needs to be refrigerated or frozen, be sure to coordinate with your host beforehand.
5. Bring ice with those drinks.
Did you agree to bring beer, soda, or wine to this weekend's cookout? If you're packing a cool beverage, bring an extra bag of ice along. Between keeping drinks cold in the cooler, to extra for filling glasses, ice goes fast at any party. Be a hero, and bring an extra bag of ice.
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