When we host a potluck, it’s usually because we want to make hosting a bit easier. But if you’ve hosted a potluck, you know they aren’t always easy to host. In fact, there are many things that can go wrong - everyone might bring a dessert, the spread may end up being a hodgepodge of things that don’t go well together, or some may go overboard while others bring the bare minimum. So today, I’m going to share some easy tips to host easier and better potlucks.
Presentation matters
We’ve all been to that potluck: family sized soda bottles, mismatched containers, and stacks of paper plates. While the focus of any party is on good food and company, a lil extra touch can go a long way. So, instead of letting guests all serve from their own containers, transfer dishes to your own serving platters and bowls for visual consistency. Provide nice pitchers for drinks, and don't forget those serving utensils! Finally, prepare some cute labels for your guests to show off their creations.
Be organized, but stay chill
Yes, we all love deviled eggs, but do we really need three different platters of them? A simple online signup sheet can help with this. Don’t be afraid to list out the items for your guests to claim, and even group some items (soda AND chips) so the distribution feels fair for everyone. But don’t over-exercise your control. In the end, the spirit of potluck is in sharing, and guests should have some freedom to bring what they want to share. Oh, and if you do create a signup sheet, don’t forget to include a little section for dietary restrictions!
Have a fun theme
Get creative with your themes to get your guests excited and engaged. How about a classic movie inspired theme, like Mean Girls or Godfather? And you can have the movie or the soundtrack playing in the background, or even have a dress code. It can also be something silly like breakup foods (A dish so spicy it makes you cry! Food my ex broke up with me over…). You can also make it a group project where you provide the base for pizza or hot pot, and guests bring the toppings and fixings. Or if you want to get fancy, you can just make it a champagne night where you provide free-flowing champagne, and your guests bring luxurious bites to go with it. The more specific your theme, the more memorable your potluck will be.
Be a generous host
A potluck is a team effort, but don’t forget your role as a host! Anchor the meal with a main dish, and let guests bring the sides, desserts, and drinks. Provide the tableware (nicer disposable ones work just fine) and have takeout containers for your guests to pack some leftovers home. Your generosity and good planning will make the gathering one to remember.
What I’ve hosted recently…
A dumpling sauce competition for Lunar New Year (see my last email)! We had 20 different extremely creative sauces, and the competition was fierce. But my friend Vivian and her son Kai’s chili oil “The Best” took home the crown and Mott Street Girls’ Lucky Red Envelope as the prize. I prepared lobster fried rice and japchae, and our friends over at Nom Wah hooked us up with their GF dumplings. The party was a huge hit and likely has become a new tradition.
I hope this email will inspire you to host a potluck soon! And let me know if you do by leaving a comment - I’d love to hear from you! See you again soon, with your bellies and hearts full.
Cheers,
Susie
Such helpful tips! I miss your party feasts ☺️
Love these tips!