How to Throw a Holiday Potluck and How to Survive the Fray
November 19, 2008 by
Throwing a potluck is a fantastic way to host Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. It allows everyone to participate in the fun, and spreads the burdens of cost and cooking around. Hosting a potluck is easy and fun, just follow these simple tips and ideas.
Get your invitations out early. Make sure you send your invites out at least three weeks early. Old etiquette says two weeks, but the holidays are a busy time and giving people notice that they're expected to bring something takes the stress off of
everyone. Use the quick reference checklist to make sure your potluck will be perfect!
Use written invitations. Even if it's just Facebook, MySpace, or an email, send actual invitations. This gives everyone a reminder that dinner is potluck-style, and help alleviate the problem of folks showing up claiming not to have know. Include a request for a notice of what dish people are brining, and set a date by which you need to know. There are many polite ways to do this, and it is helpful in coordinating dishes so that you don't end up with ten jello molds.
Contact people before the event. Touch base with your guests to let them know all is ready, and remind them of time and any special instructions (such as, "let yourself in, but please don't let out the dog"). If someone hasn't responded, this is a great chance to remind them that they need to get back to you with their food item. It's also the perfect time to recommend they bring a particular food item that hasn't been claimed yet. Remember to ask people if they're going to need stove or oven space. Keep a list, and if there are too many people needing access, you may need to ask them to provide a slow cooker, or to cook the dish at home.
Provide the main dish. If possible, the host should provide the main course and a simple beverage such as soda or flavored waters. Cooking a ham or turkey elsewhere for the dinner can be cumbersome, and you may end up with cold meat. Let people know what you are providing in the invite.
Get your invitations out early. Make sure you send your invites out at least three weeks early. Old etiquette says two weeks, but the holidays are a busy time and giving people notice that they're expected to bring something takes the stress off of
Use written invitations. Even if it's just Facebook, MySpace, or an email, send actual invitations. This gives everyone a reminder that dinner is potluck-style, and help alleviate the problem of folks showing up claiming not to have know. Include a request for a notice of what dish people are brining, and set a date by which you need to know. There are many polite ways to do this, and it is helpful in coordinating dishes so that you don't end up with ten jello molds.
Contact people before the event. Touch base with your guests to let them know all is ready, and remind them of time and any special instructions (such as, "let yourself in, but please don't let out the dog"). If someone hasn't responded, this is a great chance to remind them that they need to get back to you with their food item. It's also the perfect time to recommend they bring a particular food item that hasn't been claimed yet. Remember to ask people if they're going to need stove or oven space. Keep a list, and if there are too many people needing access, you may need to ask them to provide a slow cooker, or to cook the dish at home.
Provide the main dish. If possible, the host should provide the main course and a simple beverage such as soda or flavored waters. Cooking a ham or turkey elsewhere for the dinner can be cumbersome, and you may end up with cold meat. Let people know what you are providing in the invite.
Winter - the time when many animals prepare to hibernate for the winter...when we all burrow into warm sweaters and crank up the heat...when we enjoy several-course meals, holiday cookies and other goodies. Enjoy it all, without gaining weight!
By Kathryn M. D'Imperio | Published 9/21/2006 | Read more »
When you plan a holiday dinner party, it need not be a stressful activity. By planning a holiday dinner party in an organized, step-by-step manner, you can achieve a relaxing, efficient gathering without a lot of extra fuss and worry.
By Scott Kessman | Published 10/26/2006 | Read more »
The prepared Thanksgiving dinners in Helena's Safeway, Albertsons and Van's Thriftway are excellent in quality and value. I have tried these delicious prepared dinners. This is a real stress buster for family gatherings.
By Mary Anne Simpson | Published 11/9/2006 | Read more »
In the affluent town of West Hartford, Ct, there is a great demand for prepared holiday dinners. Due to a host of factors, many people do not cook Thanksgiving meals anymore. It is simply easier and almost as economical to order a prepared meal.
By Thomas J McCabe | Published 11/18/2006 | Read more »
Take the stress out of fixing your holiday meal by getting a meal that has already been prepared for you. Here are three restaurant suggestions that offer already made dinners.
By L. Brown | Published 11/18/2006 | Read more »
Holidays can mean fighting temptation to overeat at parties and holiday dinners. You can use these tips to help you get past these temptations and still have fun. Cooking and baking can also be a source of added pounds, here are some tips to help.
By Laura Quintile | Published 12/6/2006 | Read more »
Most Comments Today
- Cyber Attack Aftermath: Perplexed AC Exec Asks, "Why Us?" It's easy to guess why cyber attackers went after the White House and the Pen... 26 Comments
- Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad: Product Review Use the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad to stay cool this summer. Designed to keep yo... 25 Comments
- Easy Napkin Folding Techniques Find easy napkin folding techniques that anyone can do. Butterfly fold, Bis... 24 Comments
- Michael Jackson is Missing The casket is missing, where is it? How did it disappear? 24 Comments
- Oh No! Michael Jackson's Body and Brain Missing Is Michael Jackson's body and brain missing? According to many websites they... 24 Comments
- Sarah Palin 2012? Sarah Palin 2012? 23 Comments