Hosting a BBQ

Hosting a BBQ

All about the BBQs at the Club

For those who haven’t been to a barbecue yet, here’s how it works: you bring something to cook on the BBQ, something to drink, and $5 per person ($2.50 for children under 12). The hosting family provides all the sides — green salads, bread, a starch salad and dessert — which is a great deal for $5, and we have some wonderfully talented caterers at BDYC. The club reimburses the host for the cost of the food.

You don’t have to reserve. Just come to the clubhouse for 6:00 PM — it’s best to come a little early as the best seats go quickly. It’s a great way to meet people. If you’re a little shy, talk to Mary or Margaret and they’ll introduce you to other members. Some members are still great friends with people they first sat with at a BBQ many years ago. You’re welcome to bring guests; if you bring more than 2 guests to any BBQ, please let us know so we can tell the host to prepare extra.

During the year we also host special events like the Lobster Party, Oyster Party and others. These events do require reservation — an email will go out to all members beforehand explaining how to reserve and how much it costs.

Check the Social Calendar to see what’s coming up.

How to host a BBQ

If you’d like to host a BBQ but aren’t sure how, here’s the playbook:

  1. Pick your date. Check the social calendar for an open Saturday (one with no host name beside it).
  2. Sign up. Email social@bdyc.com with your chosen date.
  3. Plan and prepare salad(s) and dessert(s) for approximately 40 people. Guests bring their own “something to BBQ”. Typically a green salad, a starch salad (potato, rice, pasta, beans, etc.) and bread (rolls or baguette). Keep it simple — better to have enough of one dessert for 40 than five different desserts for 8 each. Food can be homemade or store-bought, your choice.
  4. The club provides butter, coffee, and tea.
  5. Keep your receipts — at the end of the evening the club will reimburse the cost of the food you bought. We try to cover costs with the $5 per person fee, but it doesn’t always balance: if you submit $200 in receipts and only 35 people come, the club loses; if you submit $150 and 45 people come, the club gains. It works out over the season.
  6. Arrive around 4:30 PM to set up. The bosuns usually help with tables, and they handle clean-up and dishes afterwards.
  7. Volunteer credits — hosting a BBQ counts toward your volunteer hours, which apply when you receive next year’s membership bill.

Event hosts are encouraged to ask about dietary restrictions whenever possible.

Leftover food is shared with the members present at the end of the evening — there’s no reservation required, so we never know exactly how many will turn up.

Questions? Email the Social Director at social@bdyc.com.