Potluck Parties

Entertaining at home can
be expensive. A dinner party for twenty? Even if it’s not catered, it could
still cost you five hundred dollars and many hours of work. A get-together
during the football game? You’d like to do it every week, but those trips to
the supermarket really start to add up.

One of the best ways to
entertain at home, especially if you want to have friends over more than once
or twice a year, is with a potluck party.

Most people, when
invited to a potluck party, are more than happy to contribute. It’s a chance to
show off a trademark dish, and your friends will feel good about doing their fair
share to make an event happen.

But what
responsibilities does the host have? Just because you’re asking friends to
bring food doesn’t mean that all you need to do is show up at your own party.
You have to take care of the basics:

A party with a theme
is more fun. It could be a midsummer beach theme, a Mexican fiesta, or a
Valentine’s Day event. Commemorative parties, such as graduations, are always a
hit. You set the theme. If decorations are required, that’s your
responsibility. Remember, unless you have a special friend who is willing to
help, all preparations that need to be done before the guests arrive are your
responsibility.

You need to supply
basic eating utensils, plates, napkins, and beverage glasses. You’ll also need
ice and cooking apparatusthe kitchen stove or your backyard grill.

Generally, the host
provides one main entre. This might be burgers or hot dogs for an informal
summer gathering, or a broiled salmon for a more formal event. You might have a
pot of chili for a Mexican fiesta. The main entre sets the tone for the event
and gives guests an idea about what’s appropriate to bring.

The host also
typically provides a signature beverage. This could be sangria, a pitcher of
Bloody Marys for a brunch, or bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau. Your selection
helps to set the tone and provides insurance in case your guests don’t bring
enough.

Music. Your CD player,
or if you have a big budget, a live combo. You could even hire a local music student; many
would be thrilled to strum a guitar for a modest fee.

What should you ask your
guests to bring?

Food and beverages! Compile a menu
of what you’d like to have in a perfect world. Consult with your guests. Try to
get firm commitments from them, and make sure that you are expecting
contributions in each of the major menu groups: appetizer, salad,entres, side
dishes, dessert, and beverage.

How should you manage
the food service?

You’ll need plenty of
table or counter space for the items that your guests bring. As the food is
consumed and the containers are emptied, whisk them away immediately to the
kitchen. No one likes to see empty casserole dishes on the table. Periodically
wash the containers. When the party winds down and guests begin to leave, it is
important that you return their food containers clean and dry. When you wake up
the next morning you do not want to have a random assortment of bowls and
casseroles in your kitchen. You will forget which ones belongs to which guests,
and these containers will hang around your kitchen for months.

With proper planning,
your potluck party can be fun and economical!