How to Plan an Office Potluck

Learn how to plan for a work potluck. If you follow these simple step-by-step instructions, you'll be sure to have a successful potluck!

Things You'll Need

• Something to write on
• Something to write with

Instructions

1. Make a list of co-workers that will be invited to participate. A potluck can be fun, but it never feels good to be the person forgotten from the list!

2. Choose a theme (or reason) for the potluck. This will help with the decorations and possibly the food selection.

3. At least two week prior to anticipated potluck date, send a meeting invitation to block off the calendar of your co-workers. If you do not use an electronic calendar system, communicate using another method. This will give them the chance to check their schedules and suggest a new time, day, or both.

4. Confirm the potluck date by communicating a second time to the participants. Include in this communication, add that a Potluck Signup Sheet will be passed around. This usually happens one week before the potluck date.

5. Reserve a space large enough for the number of people participating in the potluck.

6. Create a 2 column document containing a list of names followed by a blank space. Print this document and fill in the item you will be bringing. Hand deliver the Potluck Signup Sheet to a nearby co-worker on the list and ask them to choose an item and find another person on the list.

7. Every day until the potluck, check for the location of the Potluck Signup Sheet. This will be a queue to the person with the sheet to choose something and pass it on. Others that have not yet signed up will often seek the sheet out to fill in their item.

8. The day before the potluck, collect the Potluck Signup Sheet. Send a final communication confirming the date, time and location. Include the Potluck Signup Sheet in this communication. This communication serves as a reminder to everyone participating.

Tips & Warnings

• Check to make sure your office allows food and/or potlucks

• Check with building security about crock pots and other items that need to be plugged in to keep warm.

• Be careful of food allergies!