How to Host a Potluck
Hosting a potluck can allow a group of friends, family or co-workers to get together without putting the burden of cooking on one person. Asking guests to contribute a dish can lead to interesting menus and new food experiences. Following these simple steps to hosting a potluck can lead to a low-stress dinner party. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Serving utensils
- Hot Pads
- Napkins
- Eating utensils
- Plates
- Bowls
- Glassware
- Beverages
- Foil
- Plastic Wrap
- Disposable plastic containers
Instructions
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Decide on a main dish to serve. Selecting the main dish ahead of time helps guests decide what they should bring.
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Invite guests. Let invited guests know that the party is a potluck and ask that they bring a dish to accompany the selected main dish. Ask that each guest RSVP.
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When guests respond, ask what type of dish that they would like to contribute. Keep track of the dishes so it's easy to make a suggestion to a guest who is not sure what to bring. Encourage guests to bring a variety of dishes, including appetizers, salads, side dishes and desserts.
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On the day of the potluck, set up a buffet area. Provide plenty of hot pads and serving utensils and set out plates, silverware, napkins and beverages.
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As guests arrive, help them arrange dishes in the buffet area in a logical serving order.
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Have disposable containers, foil and plastic wrap ready for guests to take leftovers home. When a guest is ready to leave, offer to wrap up any leftover food. If a dish is empty, wash it so that the guest does not have to transport a dirty dish.
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