How to Plan a Potluck on Short Notice for an Office

Provide the main dish as an apology for the short notice office potluck.

Office potlucks are events that encourage coworkers to mingle as food is served. The best potlucks are those that are planned in advance and give everyone plenty of time to decide what dish to bring. However, sometimes work overwhelms the person planning the potluck or the host restaurant backs out. Regardless of the reason, it is possible to plan an office potluck on short notice.

Instructions

1. Select a time, date and location with upper management. Hosting the potluck on payday may help financially strapped workers attend as they can pick up a couple bags of chips or an inexpensive tub of potato salad before the event.

2. Create incentives for coworkers to attend the potluck. Host a best side dish contest with the winner receiving a $10 gift card or give attendees raffle tickets with two winners receiving lunch at a restaurant with the boss. Another option is to offer each potluck attendee a small goody bag with coupons for free fast food, a small package of gum and inexpensive desk accessories or toys.

3. Tack a sign-up sheet to the wall in the break room. The sign-up sheet will allow people to list their names and the food they agree to bring to the potluck. Because you are giving short notice for the event, supply the main dish. For example, supply fried chicken, spaghetti or pulled pork and ask others to bring side dishes, paper plates or plasticware.

4. Notify coworkers about the potluck. Create and post flyers around the office as soon as you know the time, date and location of the event. Send an office email with the potluck details. Include an apology for the short notice you are giving before the office potluck and state that workers are welcome to "reply with the food or beverage they plan to bring."

5. Verify that each person is able to bring the food or items he signed up to bring to the potluck and send reminder emails about the event the day before the potluck. Make an announcement in the office reminding office workers of the potluck time, date and location.

References

• Tastefully Simple: Potlucks with Pizzazz
• Online Organizing: Expert Advice Tip Sheet--Planning an Office Party
• Better Homes and Gardens: Planning a Holiday Potluck

Resources

• Vertex42: Potluck Sign Up Sheets
• Gatherings: Quick Party Planner