As you all know by now, I’m a huge fan of the idea of potluck meals. I really think that they are the best way to handle the work and cost of large family dinners. Potluck dinners allow everyone to share in the preparation work. Potluck dinners also allow hosts to spend the evening enjoying their guests rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that hosting a potluck dinner doesn’t require any planning at all. The last thing you want is to realize on the day of the dinner that everyone brought potato salad or macaroni and cheese. Although you don’t want to undermine the simplicity that makes potlucks so fun, there are some easy things you can do to guarantee a potluck dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Assign a meal category to each guest/family. Give your guests a little guidance about the dish they should bring to the gathering. You might ask one family to bring a bread (dinner rolls or home-baked bread). Another family might bring a potato or starch dish. You may even assign one guest to bring a dessert. Assign dish categories allows each guest the freedom to select their own dish without running the risk of having a lop-sided meal.
Keep ovens clear for incoming dishes. As guests arrive for your gathering, you may need to keep some dishes warm. Set your oven to a low setting and be prepared to slide dishes into the oven until all of your guests have arrived. While you’re at it, be sure to clean out your refrigerator, too. Some dishes will need refrigeration right away.
Clean up potluck dishes before your guests leave. Trying to keep track of everyone’s dishes and get them returned to the appropriate owner can be time-consuming. Instead, I always try to get each person’s dish washed and back to them before the night is over. Although it will take a little time, you’ll be glad to have it done.
Have plenty of utensils on hand. Since your guests are going to all of the trouble to bring food, make sure that you take care of providing the tools to serve their food. Lay out plenty of large spoons and knives for your guests’ use. You’ll also want to make sure you have a large supply of dishes for your guests to eat from whether you use traditional dishes or opt for disposable ones.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m a big fan of potlucks too. Not only do they help the holiday party budget (and stress) but everyone enjoys a great variety of goodies. I’m having a potluck party soon.
This might sound really cheesy and really cheap, but I’ll say it anyways.
Regarding alcohol, I usually try to make sure that I have a decent amount of the good stuff (whether it is beer or hard liquor) to start the party. Then, after everyone is already feeling the effects, I usually go to my back up cheaper stuff. I mean, honestly, who cares at that point?
I’ve never heard anything about it, and once you’re a little drunk, it doesn’t matter anyway.
If youre entertasining for a decnt sized crowd, the savings can be substantial