A potluck is a dinner party where the guests bring the food. But what do you need to care about as the host? Here’s a guide through the process and six tips for giving your guests a fun experience.
Keep Track of the Dishes
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Let people sign up for dishes using a sign-up sheet. You can use Google Docs, a shared spreadsheet, or even just a piece of paper you tape to your fridge—whatever makes the most sense for you. Just make sure to specify what you want—appetizers, mains, desserts—so you don’t end up with a smorgasbord of snacks (unless that’s the idea, like a Super Bowl party or something similar).
Set a Theme (If That’s Your Thing)
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Themes aren’t a necessity for a good potluck. But if your guests are having a hard time thinking of dishes to make or if you want the food to have a similar throughline, try having a themed potluck! This could be whatever you like: you might try food from a specific culture or do something different and dub it a “fridge cleaning out party,” where everyone brings a dish made from whatever they had on hand!
Remember the Drinks
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As the host, you’ll likely be responsible for a larger percentage of food or refreshments, and that includes providing drinks. Give your guests a variety of options, including non-alcoholic options for those that don’t wish to partake. If you aren’t much of a mixologist, maybe have that one friend who is responsible for the drinks so that everyone can work with their strengths!
Set the Scene
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Creating a welcoming atmosphere for your potluck means tidying up your space and ensuring there’s enough seating for everyone. If you’re short on chairs, don’t panic! Just throw some cushions on the floor and call it a “casual dining experience.” Bonus points if you can get your guests to sit cross-legged while balancing their plates on their laps. It’s not the most chic dining experience, but at the end of the day, this is a potluck—the point is to have good and friendly vibes, not blow everyone away with a Michelin star experience.
Put on a Playlist
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You could create a playlist specifically for your potluck or put on a pre-made one—either way, you’re going to need some tunes. You could also share the playlist with guests so they can add whatever songs they like. Maybe have them make it tie into their dish; it’s like another mini potluck, but for everyone’s ears! Hopefully everyone’s taste in music is equally as delicious as their dishes.
Embrace What Comes
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Speaking of good and friendly vibes, know that throwing any party or get-together will involve a little chaos. Things will go wrong—someone will forget to bring their dish, someone else will bring something you can’t identify, and at least one person will spill something on your favorite rug. But that’s all part of the fun! Just roll with it, laugh it off, and enjoy the company of your friends.
10 Beers Americans Can’t Stop Guzzling
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Each generation has its favorites when it comes to everything from apps to restaurants. They have clear preferences for certain beers as well. Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millenials each have favorite beers that are their go-to beverage for a night out.
10 Beers Americans Can’t Stop Guzzling
10 Grocery Store Foods Linked to Memory Loss
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Medical research shows that your diet has the potential to affect your mental function and overall brain health. We often focus on foods that affect our internal health but rarely give attention to the impact food has on our brains. Our brain uses 20-30% of the calories we consume. While you may have an idea of foods that promote brain health, you may be surprised to find out that some foods you’re consuming could be affecting your focus and memory.
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