How to host a great potluck dinner

Potluck dinners are a great way for friends and family to get together, without breaking the bank. Plan your own party following these easy steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A theme
• Paper cups and plates, napkins, plastic cutlry etc
• cling wrap and ziplock bags

1. Pick a Theme: Go Mexican for example, so all of your guests dishes will compliment one another. Other theme suggestions: Chinese, have a pasta night, or picnic theme, barbecue, finger foods etc.

2. Delegate Authority: Give each of your guests a dish assignment as well as a tentative head count. Make sure you cover beverages, breads, vegetables, appetizers and meat dishes. By assigning specific courses to specific people, you will avoid duplications.

3. Provide the basics: You're the host, so make sure you have plenty of plates, cups, plastic ware and condiments. Don't forget to budget for prep time; unless everyone is bringing cold dishes, heating is required.

4. Stock up on plastic cling wrap and zip lock bags: Let your guests make their own doggie bags to take home. You share the leftovers, and guests go home with their on clean serving dishes.

[vallain]

on 8/20/2008 Potlucks make entertaining so much easier.