The quick version: Be prepared to bring what you want to drink and to drink what you brought, whether that’s an alcoholic beverage or not. Also, be prepared to share and to take home with you what’s left over if open-container laws allow for that in your town or state.
BYOB is a fabulous way to not break the bank on a fully stocked bar, but to still allow everyone to enjoy their beverage of choice. (Note: BYOB is not meant for hosts to use as a means to stock their own bars with the leftovers.)
However, it can be frustrating to bring a nice bottle of wine, a specialty beer or a high-end brand of liquor and barely get a sip of it for yourself. While the nature of BYOB is that you bring your own beverage for your own consumption, the practice has morphed into making a contribution to a collective bar, available to all the guests. It’s certainly considerate to aim for a balance.
If you know that you’d like to have two or three glasses of wine out of a bottle you’re bringing, it’s probably a good idea to bring a second bottle so you ensure that there’s enough for you and some to share. Try to avoid watching your contribution like a hawk all night. And certainly don’t try to hide it or tell people that you’d rather they didn’t drink it.
If you think the M.O. at certain parties is for people to go after anything they want from the collective bar, rather than sticking to what they brought, then you may want to consider bringing something that you’ll enjoy but that you won’t feel possessive or protective about. At my house, I have my “sharing” wines and liquors that I am always happy to bring for BYOB, and then I have the stuff I keep for special occasions and smaller gatherings. When I’m preparing to go to a party, I think about what type of party it will be and decide what to bring based on that.
What’s your question? To submit a question on etiquette around the house for Lizzie Post, send an email with the subject line “The Polite House” to edit@houzz.com.
See more from The Polite House
More: 8 Tips for the Perfect Potluck
from Houzz http://ift.tt/2d8GwbI
Advertisement
Sourced by "Home Hacks". Scouring and supporting the art of DIY home projects by sharing links and information provided by numerous active reputable DIY veterans and company's. Any projects you start please be of proper age, follow all required safety measures, and use the required protective equipment when handling any chemicals, power tools, or during any construction project. If you need advice regarding your next project we suggest visiting Contractor Talk.
