Imagine you arrive at a barbecue. Greet the host, say what you brought, and offer to help.
Mel: Hi everyone, welcome to the Listening Room. Today we're talking about one of the most Australian things you can do: going to a barbecue.
Josh: Or, as we say, a barbie. If you live in Australia, sooner or later someone will invite you to one.
Mel: So let's say a coworker says, 'We're having a barbie on Saturday arvo, come along!' What does that mean?
Josh: It means a relaxed party, usually outside, on Saturday afternoon. People cook sausages, burgers or meat on the barbecue, and everyone chats.
Mel: And often the invitation says 'BYO'. Josh, what does BYO mean?
Josh: Bring your own. Usually it means bring your own drinks. If you don't drink alcohol, that's completely fine. Bring soft drinks or juice.
Mel: Sometimes they'll also say 'bring a plate'. That doesn't mean an empty plate!
Josh: No! It means bring some food to share. A salad, some dessert, or snacks. Something easy.
Mel: What about time? If the invite says two o'clock, should you arrive at two?
Josh: For a barbecue, arriving a little after is normal. Maybe ten or twenty minutes. But for dinner at someone's home, try to be on time.
Mel: Good tip. Now, when you arrive, what do you say?
Josh: Something simple. 'Hi, thanks for having me! I brought a salad. Where should I put it?'
Mel: Perfect. And the host will probably say, 'Grab a drink, make yourself at home.'
Josh: Which means: relax, help yourself to a drink.
Mel: The food is usually simple. Snags in bread with onion and sauce, salads, maybe some prawns or lamb chops.
Josh: Snags are sausages, by the way.
Mel: And if you don't eat meat, just mention it to the host before. Most people are happy to add some veggie burgers.
Josh: One more thing: offering to help is always appreciated. 'Can I give you a hand with anything?'
Mel: And when you leave, say thank you. 'Thanks so much, I had a great time.'
Josh: That's it. Simple, friendly and relaxed. Enjoy your first Aussie barbie!
Mel: See you next time!