How do you tell people to not make extra plates at a cookout?

Question

I want family to be mindful of others, so there is enough food for all who will attend after them. They have a bad habit of making plates and taking them to the car and then making a plate to eat there. I want to make a catchy sign or something to post near the food.

Answer 1

You need to have someone "serving" who is actually a sort of a security guard. What the guard says is "Hold on just a few minutes folks. Let's make sure everybody gets firsts before we start getting into line for seconds." Say it loud and clear so that hungry people waiting for firsts will back it up.

Answer 2

The sign that "amoo" suggested would be plain rude! Especially if its your family.

What you should do is don't let them serve themselves. If you really are concerned about this, get some other family members to help you serve everyone at the cookout. That way you have control over what is being served and who already got a plate.

Keep the plates inside so no one can sneak a plate. That way no one can make extra plates without asking you first if its okay. Then when they ask you can explain that you are planning for more people to show up later and you are trying to conserve food. Also add "If there is any food leftover when we are done, I'll make sure to ask you if you want it."

Answer 3

They take food to the car & then come eat with everyone else? That's so rude & obnoxious! I agree with the others who said tell them you want everyone to eat before anyone gets second helpings.

Answer 4

I got inexpensive pottery plates at a garage sale for $2 to use for cookouts (I hate paper plates).  

If you do not offer "To Go" plates, it seems unlikely that anyone will be inclined to pack up food.  

Don't use paper plates or have foil out. That will curtail the problem without having to print signs or rehearse your lines.

Answer 5

Just put a sign next to the plates saying, "Please, no take home until everyone has finished eating".  This should also help come clean up time.

Answer 6

we like to be considerate of others,and make sure there is enough food for all..so please no to go plates thanks so much and enjoy!!!

Answer 7

You don't. You should always have enough food at a party for everyone to have at least two servings. It is very rude to have a get together and then monitor the amount of food they take. Folks normally don't take more than two servings anyway but you should not tell them not to take more than one.

Answer 8

Why not only give them one plate to start with until everyone else has shown up?  Or simply tell them left overs will be divided up among those who want them when the festivities are over.

Answer 9

Just tell them not to take their extra plates until they are ready to leave, instead of in the beginning. Thats not too much to ask♥

Answer 10

"This is NOT a take-out service"