How to Take the Luck out of Potluck Dinners
Most of us have been to potluck dinners and found the offerings were lopsided. Maybe there were mostly Jello salads or green bean casseroles. While these dishes are great, green beans and Jello and very little else doesn't make much of a dinner. Potluck dinners are often not organized, resulting in a limited variety of food. But you don't have to hope for good luck at the next potluck you plan; there are steps you can take to help ensure more balanced offerings. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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When you are part of a group that has potluck dinners fairly frequently, such as a church, club or even family gatherings, you usually know who comes to them regularly. Make a list of these people on one sheet of paper and list everyone else on another that you think may come.
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Next, divide the dishes into groups by type, such as appetizers, breads, tossed and other types of salads, fruit salads, green vegetables, any other vegetables, meat dishes, desserts and drinks.
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On your first list, write two different types of dishes next to each name -- preferably items you know they enjoy bringing -- and do the same on the other list. For example, next to the Jones's name, write appetizers and desserts, next the Smith's name, write meat dish and fruit salad. Do this until all the types of dishes are fairly evenly divided among the people on the lists.
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Call or email the people on the lists, starting with the first. Don't assume people are going to come; invite them first and then ask them to bring one or both of the dishes listed by their name. Write down whether they are coming and what they will bring. This will help you modify the list to ensure as wide a variety as possible. Once the first list is finished, do the same with the second list. This list is not as crucial but can still make the difference in the variety of dishes brought for the potluck.
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On the day of the potluck, have tables set up for the prepared dishes, one for desserts and one for drinks. Designate where each type of dish will be placed so all related types are together, such as all meat dishes, all salads, and all sides. This makes it easier for people to choose what they want as they fill their plates.
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Tips & Warnings
This method works great for themed potlucks, such as Mexican or Italian food. For Mexican, ask some to bring enchiladas or flan and others to bring burritos or nachos. Do something similar for Italian.
For family holiday dinners, such as Thanksgiving, having all the family members bring part of the meal makes it possible for everyone to have more time for visiting and the work of cooking the whole meal doesn't fall on just one or two people.
References
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