Hosting a Pot Luck Dinner

Host Bee on Thursday, February 8th, 2007

In response to a request for advice on having a Potluck Dinner, here are some thoughts and guidelines:

Hosting a Pot Luck Dinner is very appealing. Friends can get together for a meal without over burdening any one person! However, hosting a pot luck dinner also requires culinary bravery, social tact and a very open mind! Here’s my advice for both hosts and guests!

Hosts:

Plan from the beginning that the dinner will be informal. Provide the main dish, beverages, dishes and silverware. Once you decide upon a main dish, asking for dinner contributions will be much easier!
Mail fun invitations, letting guests know that pot luck is the plan, but don’t make their food assignments yet! Your friends will appreciate being given a choice on what to contribute and not being forced to make a dish outside of their area of expertise.
When your guests RSVP, ask them what they’d like to contribute. They will know what recipes fit into their schedule, budget and culinary talents.
After a few replies have come in, you may have to make some subtle suggestions. You might try “Well, we’ve got three salads on the menu, how about bringing a dessert or appetizer?” Try to give at least two choices!
On the evening of the party, preheat your oven and set out extra platters, bowls, napkin-lined baskets and serving utensils.
As dishes arrive, place them on the table in an order that makes sense! Have the cooks write the name of their recipe on a small card and place it next to their dish. This will avoid a mystery menu!
After enjoying a great meal, do your best to wash up your guests’ dishes! Send leftovers home with your friends in plastic, food storage containers. If dishes are left behind after the party, return them promptly to their owners. Make sure they are sparkling clean and add a little note inside complimenting the cook!

Guests:

Bring your culinary contribution prepared and ready to serve. Try not to use the host’s kitchen for anything except reheating.
Consider bringing a few copies of the recipe with you, especially if it is a sure winner! A list of ingredients is also helpful for guests with allergies.
Don’t forget to take your dish home with you! There’s nothing worse than being left with a pile of mystery platters after a party! If the host has not had a chance to wash your dish when you are ready to leave, don’t worry; Just ask if he or she would like to keep what is left in your dish before dashing off to your car with that last delicious piece of pie!

A Few Last Pot Luck Thoughts:

A pot luck party can take place at any time of day! The meal can be a brunch, lunch, or dinner! You can limit your menu to one specialty such as desserts, salads, or soups, or you can choose a theme such as Mexican, Italian, or whatever you can buy pre-made at the grocery store! Choose what works best for your intended guests!

If you’re just too nervous about losing control of your menu, consider mailing specific recipes to your friends as they volunteer for various dishes!