The “rules” of good potlucking
While a potluck is, almost by definition, a less formal sort of event, it doesn’t mean there aren’t a few helpful guidelines to make things run more smoothly. So, to avoid common potluck pitfalls (like having too many of the same dish), we’ve put together some basic potlucking tips for you this holiday season.
Guests: Come prepared
A good potlucker remembers to bring everything you need to serve your dish. Your host has already supplied a kitchen and a dining room, not to mention they are on clean-up duty after all the guests have left. Help out by bringing your own “tools” from home, like serving spoons and bowls. If your dish is hot, bring your own trivet or dish towel to place underneath, to protect your host’s table.
Guests: Think beyond food
Want to be part of the potluck festivities, but don’t love cooking? That’s completely fine. Offer to bring paper goods like napkins, plates, cups and utensils. Even better, offer to bring a few nice bottles of wine or some interesting beers.
Hosts: Plan the courses
If you just wing it and tell people to come with whatever they want, you’re asking for trouble! You might end up with six different pastas but no greens. Break it down for people and spell it out in your email invite. Get four people on drinks, four people on sides and four people on main dishes.
Hosts: Know what your guests need
Things can get tight in the kitchen at potluck dinners. Ask your guests to tell you if they need any equipment, oven space or serving utensils. Based on their needs, you will be able plan and, if you foresee yourself running out of anything, you can ask your guests to change their dish or bring what they need from home.
Some important “don’ts” of potlucking
-If the host asks you to bring a specific dish, don’t go rogue and just bring whatever you want.
-Don’t be a left-overs hog. Ask your guests to bring an extra container and share the spread.
Some important “do’s” of potlucking
-As a guest, do offer to help clean up.
-As a host, do return people’s dishes and pots to them after they have been washed.
- As a host, do check with your guests about any food allergies and dietary choices such as guests who may be vegetarian or vegan.
And of course, there’s the most important “do” of all—have fun! Whether host or guest, when you’re enjoying yourself, others around you will too.