What's that, you don't cook? You tried to deep fry a turkey one time, fell asleep and now your family has banned you from the kitchen? No worries, I've gotcha. Here a few ideas to make sure you are successful contributor to the meal.
The Unexpected Helper
They told you to stay out of the kitchen, but what they didn't tell you was that you couldn't help the cook(s). How you ask...call to see if when you can help the host clean and set up. That's right, grab your cleaning supplies and favorite playlist and get to it. Dusting, vacuuming and cleaning the bathroom will be much appreciated. Check with the host to see if you can run to the store for them. Go over those ingredient lists and make that store run. Couldn't help with cleaning and set up? Well, don't leave before you help clean up and take down. Washing dishes, sweeping floors and taking out the trash will get you that last corner of mac and cheese.
Hors d'oeuvres
Bring a little premeal snack. Pre pandemic, we called them meat and cheese trays, now they are charcuterie boards. Go to the Dollar tree and pick up a serving tray, head over to the grocery store and hit up the deli and produce departments and snack isle for crackers. Better yet, look for the pre-packed charcuterie kits and put it on the serving tray. I won't tell if you don't.
Beverages and Paper Products
When all else fails, bring those drinks (with ice) and paper products. Go ahead and throw in a box of trash bags. If this is your plan, step it up a notch. Bring the special addition holiday flavor soda or that beverage that no one ever tries, like Fresca. Get the thick bougie napkins. Bonus points for finding out the hosts favorite beverage and bring that just for them.
