Birthday party - is this rude?

[Pops30]

I'm having a joint 30th and 2nd Birthday party at my flat for myself and DD. Probably be quite a large attendance throughout the day and evening (40 adults). Is is reasonable to request that people bring some food along? I've been to parties where people have asked you to bring a dish as well as a bottle and have not thought anything of it.

Just wondering what other people think though? We'll put on basic food and a winter BBQ and basic drink supplies (wine and beer).

Thanks!

I would not think this strange at all and would be happy to take something along to a party.

Have a great time!

bring a dsih parties are quite normal. might be an idea to co-ordinate so you don't get 37 lasagnes. my usa living sis calls these 'pot luck' parties

I think its perfectly reasonable! Though you may end up with a hundred plates of sausage rolls and far too many tubs of pringles IME lol

I wouldn't object to being asked, but i would prefer to have an idea of what to bring.

not rude at all. Whenever I have a party, my guests always ask if there's anything they can bring. It's a good chance to swap a few recipes as well

Thanks so much for your responses. I thought as much but we did a similar thing last year and someone made a snidey comment and had me worried!

Thanks again.

What did they say? How rude! They could have just politely declined your party invite if it was too much trouble for them!

I heard of a "bring a dish party" where one of the guests had just arrived in the country (can't remeber where from) and got the wrong idea. He turned up with just a plate - clearly thought the hosts where just short of crockery!
Was very funny apparently.

lol bubbaluv

have a great party pops30 - hope you haven't invited the snidey one again!

Not rude at all, as long as you just ask them to bring something to throw on the BBQ or a simple salad rather than Beef Wellington!

Have a fab party.

Sounds a good idea to me. But keep a list of things you need in case people ask.

Personally I would NOT be offended nor think it was rude however I would be surprised if there weren't a few that thought otherwise if I'm being completely honest. There's a big difference between offering to bring a dish and being asked to bring a dish - unless it is close friends.

Plus, have heard of bring-a-bottle OR bring-a-dish. Is rude to ask to bring both IMO!!

Also co-ordinating 40-odd people in terms of what to bring will end up with you telling them what to bring, which can seem rude.

Forgot to add, as you are putting on a BBQ - how about saying on invites: "We are having a BBQ, any contributions would be very welcome!!"

That way, most people will know to bring buns/bbq stuff without being told IYSWIM.

For large parties, keeping it simple is best rather than getting into sausage rolls/lasagne sort of thing. just make sure you get loads of cheap crisps/salad/onions/ketchup as these are the sorts of things people people want but won't think to bring!!!

missjennipenni - they sort of sarcastically said something along the lines of "you want us to bring plates and crockery along to your party as well?"

Thanks for your suggestions gettingbiggernow.