Potluck Etiquette

Potlucks are great opportunity to enjoy a variety of foods with family or friends. I have been to many potlucks, and have also hosted several potlucks. What I have learned over time, is that many people don't know proper potluck etiquette. So here are my tips on how to be the perfect potluck guest.

RSVP

Many times hosts will send out invitations that include important information, like date, location, time and rsvp details. Rsvp is an important part of planning a potluck. It helps the host get an estimate of how many people are coming and what they are bringing. So as a guest, be sure to return your rsvp information in a timely matter. If you say your going to bring a particular dish, try to bring it. If something changes and you cant bring the dish you sign up for, inform the potluck host.

Tardiness

Always try to not be late to a potluck. Know when the potluck starts and keep track of time. If you are late by a few minutes, then its ok. If your five hours late, then that is unacceptable. If the potluck is a sit down dinner, call and let the host know you are running late. You don't want everyone sitting around waiting.

Store bought food

There may be many times when a guest might bring store bought food to a potluck. Its acceptable if you lack cooking skills or time. When bringing a store bought item, there are so important rules to keep in mind. First, make sure the food is not expired. You don't want anyone getting sick. Second, arrive early to the potluck. This will give you an opportunity, to dispose of the package and put it in a decent container. Third, don't buy store bought food that is too extravagant. You might outshine the guests, who spent time and brought a home cook meal.

Food

At a potluck, guests usually can bring whatever dish they like. Certain things you show avoid bringing are, meatloaf, imitation meat, anything with soy in it or anything with a large amount of mayonnaise and eggs in it. These things are usually not crowd favorites and might cause a bad stomach afterwards!

Clean up