How to Plan an Office Potluck

The size of the company or agency that employs you will determine whether it is an entire agency potluck, a division potluck or a unit potluck. Usually, planning a larger potluck is left for the holidays.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tablecloths
• Tentative menu
• Napkins and cups
• Decorations

1. Potlucks can be for baby showers or holiday events. In this day of political correctness, instead of advertising a Christmas potluck, advertise it as a "Winter Season Potluck." Use decorations that are not red, green, blue or white in combination. Use snowflakes and silver streamers or another winter theme. Make certain the plan for a potluck is approved by administration, and be sure to include them on the list for food. Also reserve your room.

2. Send out in advance a list of workers' names who are included in the group. Ask them to list either a main dish, salad, side dish, drink or dessert. Or you can suggest certain last names bring one item, such as A-D bring a main dish, E-H bring a salad and on down the list. Try to divide the list so you will have equal numbers of people. If you have very few people with last names that begin with E-H, you might have to make it E-L. Perhaps a few would prefer to donate for decorations rather than cook.

3. On the day of the potluck, have a committee or group to help you set up and decorate. Decorate at least 1 hour before the potluck is to begin. After that, people can begin to bring their dishes and be set up for the time the potluck is to begin.

4. Once the potluck has ended, have a group who will do cleanup. Be certain the tables are wiped down and the floors are swept or vacuumed. Leave the room clean.

Tips & Warnings

• There are always some people who do not like potlucks. Respect their reasons. For some it may be a health concern. For others it could be financial. Never plead with someone to participate.
• You may see some folks partake who did not contribute. Expect it. Someone who is single and made enough for eight may have asked a friend to come. Or they are freeloading. Assume freeloaders either do not get really good food at home or they cannot afford to participate. Keep a good spirit about sharing and forget the petty stuff.

[CCrock]

on 12/24/2007 great article! I agree with Mary Ann on the warning.

[bmi57]

on 12/8/2007 Good article, I really liked your warning.