To ask friends to bring food

[Sparebutton]

I invited six friends to come over for dinner on New Years Eve. It's a bit of a tradition that they always come to ours. DH and I enjoy cooking and we usually do quite a formal meal, with starter, main course, pudding etc.

But last weekend, I broke my wrist and won't be able to cook. I don't want DH to have to do it all, as he's got to do all of Christmas now. I don't want to cancel, but was thinking of asking my guests if they could all bring a dish to share this year. Is that rude or ok?

[twotired]

I'd say it's ok given the circumstances tbh and would offer anyway, especially if you do it every year.

Hope your wrist heals soon

[Milkandtwosugarsplease]

I don’t think it’s rude at all. They’ll probably feel better about coming and won’t be worried about you overdoing it. Bring and share meals are always lovely. Enjoy

[DramaAlpaca]

I think that's fine, not rude at all especially in the circumstances. I'm sure when you explain why your friends will be happy to help out. I would anyway.

[MiddleClassProblem]

YANBU! You broke your wrist! Anyone not whiling to help out under the circumstances (and how lovely of you to do this every year) is a twat. Which I’m sure your friends are not!

[MiddleClassProblem]

Also they have plenty of warning to figure out what they will bring

[Leeds2]

I don't think that would be unreasonable at all.

[FluffyWuffy100]

Fine given the warning.

[Ginkypig]

There's plenty of notice so I wouldn't mind

The rest of you might be disappointed by my abilities though!

[AnnieAnoniMouse]

Another option would to be to see if they’d rather chip in to get ‘at home’ caterers. I’ve never tried it, but in your situation it could be fun.

Definitely ok to ask them to bring something though...it might start to be the new normal instead of you doing it all!

Sorry to hear about your wrist 🌷

[SheGotBetteDavisEyes]

Totally fine! People usually like to know that they can help in some practical way.

Get well soon OP

[ProseccoMamam]

Not rude, you're hosting they should bring something whether your ill or not.

[iboughtsnowboots]

It's not rude at all, I would hope your friends might offer when they know what has happened. If they don't it might just be they are a little over awed by your cooking skills !

[PanPanPanPing]

YANBU, it's absolutely fine to ask that.

Or you could ask people if they're happy to chip in for a takeaway - curry or Chinese or whatever?

[Sparebutton]

Thanks everyone. You're right! I'll email them all today. Xx

[Blackteadrinker77]

I've had to do the same this year. I cater for 12 on Christmas day, the full works. I spend weeks prepping.
This year I'm having surgery so asked everyone to bring a buffet. No-one has minded, people are even coming the day before to help DH clean the house before I get out of hospital.
Enjoy them running after you.