A box social is a fundraising event. Various people bring boxes with food to the event, and the public
bid on the different boxes. This may include a
picnic with the maker of the food, or not. Very popular in the US around 1880-1920, apparently. Last heard in modern times when
Marge in
the Simpsons forbid
Homer from having any festivites at
Burns' house:
Homer: Marge, you're right. We do have to have a party.
Marge: Party? No! No parties!
Homer: What about...
par-tay's?
Marge: No par-tays, no
shindigs, no
keggers, no
hootenannies, no
mixers, no
raves, no box socials!
Box Social is also a punk band from the US.