Labor Day brings about the confluence of two wonderful events: a day off from work and a party you don't have to host. Of course, as a considerate invitee, you will bring something to share with your fellow partygoers, right? But instead of facing a table full of Lay’s chips, Two Buck Chuck and store-bought cookies, here are some worth-the-effort upgrades to your typical BYO fare.
Instead of Chips
Bring gourmet popcorn. Flavored oils, spices and other mix-ins will add depth to the finger food selection. You could even bring extra toppings along and let people customize their own blend. For house parties, a Whirley Pop gets everyone excited for the freshly popped kernels, or a simple popcorn popper can even allow on-the-spot popping for bonfires and barbecues alike.
Instead of Beer
Bring cider or hard root beer. Someone else is bound to supply a 30 rack of domestic malt water, so the variety of beverage flavors will give guests something to compare and talk about.
Instead of Store-Bought Desserts
Bring cookie dough. If you have access to an oven, grill or even just fire, you can not only satisfy sweet tooths (teeth?), but also provide that irresistible aroma. In fact, there are plenty of grill-ready desserts you can impress with.
Instead of Wine
Bring sangria. The added step of putting some fresh fruit into a pitcher and chilling this the night before to meld the flavors will be much more party-ready than a simple bottle of Barefoot.
Instead of a Veggie Platter
Bring homemade pickles. Nobody really likes that rancid ranch cup anyway. A variety of vegetables can be brined in just hours and bring a bright flavor profile to the snack table.
Instead of Liquor
Bring an infused spirit. The best part is, you can pour a half-used bottle of vodka from your last party into a mason jar, add your flavoring ingredients and suddenly you're an artisan.
Instead of Ice Cream
Bring a mousse or trifle. Especially when attending an outdoor party, a chocolate mouse or fruity layered trifle is a fantastic non-melting dessert addition.
Instead of Watermelon
Bring gazpacho. A chilly watermelon and tomato soup can be kept cool in a thermos or a pitcher on ice. Bring a sleeve of Dixie cups along for easy sipping.
Instead of Nothing
Bring games. First of all, don't be the crappy person who brings nothing to a party. And if you're really pressed for shopping time or just don't have the finances, check your closet for your board and lawn games collection. Jenga, Frisbees, or corn hole will give everyone something to do when the conversation runs dry.
