Hosting a Successful Potluck Party

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019

Okay, it’s springtime. This is the perfect season to finally get out of your thick clothing and to begin planning for activities that you could do until summer. One of the best things that you can actually hold for your family or even the neighborhood is to host a potluck lunch or dinner.

 

Hosting your first potluck is going to be great because, first, you won’t have to worry about what dishes to prepare. You’re technically off the hook regarding the cooking stuff. You could even assign dishes that your guests can agree to. This is so you won’t be stuck with a bazillion pasta dishes but will have, instead, a variety of foods that you and your guests will enjoy.

 

To be successful at this, here are some red-hot tips –

Make a Headcount

 

And this isn’t just counting the guests off in your head, nope. You have to have an accurate number of those people who really are going to attend. If you’re not keen on welcoming a lot and would only want to have an intimate dinner of sorts, then set the total number of guests that you could accommodate.

 

You should also count those who are still undecided and those who said that maybe they could come. These are the people who might show up at the last minute so be sure to account those, too.

 

Pick an Exciting Theme

 

Yes, your potluck party should also have a theme. One of the greatest things about potluck parties is that you can sample as many dishes as you want. So don’t limit your choices.

 

You could have a Mexican theme the first time and then take on a Superhero theme the following time. You could also pick a theme such as Favorite Foods so that you even get to know your neighbors and become potential close friends.

 

Make Contribution Groups

 

Every invitee must sign up to bring one from the following –

 

• Appetizers
• Salads and soups
• Main and side dishes
• Desserts
• Beverages

If the potluck will only have, say, five invitees, then you could just have an appetizer, a main dish and a side dish, one dessert, and beverage. If you’re having more people over, then you can assign three or more people per group or category.

 

Communicate

 

There are many ways that you can request for contributions from your guests. You could have them sign up on a list that you would upload in Google Docs. You can also email the theme and their contributions directly to them.

 

You can also have a signup sheet that will be posted in a prominent part of your village. Remind them also that they need to RSVP so that they can be included on the guest list. This is so you will know how many people you are supposed to prepare for.

 

Do not forget to monitor the contributions so that you can edit the list. If you haven’t assigned the dishes, then you can update the people about the food items that are no longer available for picking.

 

There seems to be an ongoing rule, though, wherein the host provides the main dish and the guests just bring whatever stuff they could afford. This setup is fine, too. You have to know when to assign and when to just allow the guests to bring whatever it is that they are comfortable to bring for the party.

 

Give your guests a chance to showcase their talents, too. If there is a neighbor who loves to bake then you could assign the dessert to her.

 

Remember Other Stuff

 

Keep in mind that potluck parties aren’t all about food. You will also need some non-food items such as the tablecloths, centerpieces, utensils, napkins, plates, cups, bowls, some paper towels, serving spoons, and garbage bags.

 

 

Tags: hosting a party, hosting a potluck party, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, potluck essentials, potluck party
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