I would like to have a graduation party for H in May, to celebrate his graduation and his acceptance to his Phd program, that will also serve as a chance for extended family and friends to see us before we move in June.
This will be a family and close friends only party. I'm going to have it in my parents backyard and it will be a pool party/cookout. I was thinking of doing hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill, maybe a few different types of sausages too, and a few side options. I will also provide soft drinks/water/beer/wine and a cake.
So would it be acceptable for this kind of party to give people the option to bring a side dish or a dessert if they would like to, or do I need to provide everything? I know people in my family will ask about bringing something since it's so informal, and I always enjoy having alot of options at family parties, and I know my family does as well, but I can only afford to do a few. I don't want to offend anyone on my H's side though (I know my family won't be offended, this is how we usually set up informal parties), and I also don't want anyone to feel obligated.
I have a background in food saftey and am certified in sanitation and saftey so that's not an issue. Everything will be properly stored and kept at the proper temps, and we know everyone well and I am aware of how they prep food so I trust that as well.
Thanks in advance for your responses!
ETF: spelling