The Potluck - A Great Way to Entertain for Less

As much as I love to go out to eat, especially with friends, these trying financial times have had me reevaluating my budget. This led to my boyfriend and I entertaining much more often in our home. From birthday parties, to small informal dinners, we have hosted many different events. We quickly found that we loved have people over and that food and friends always made for a great time. But, when dealing with a larger group, it can empty the coffers trying to feed so many mouths and fill so many cups. And so, of necessity, was born an idea - The Potluck.

A potluck is a gathering of people where each person brings a dish to share with the group and is an excellent way to host a party. The term potluck appears as far back as 16th century England, and needless to say people have been coming together with food in hand since the beginning of time. Not only does a potluck reduce your financial responsibility, it also gives a focus to your gathering. People love food, they love sharing favorite recipes, and they love trying lot's of different things, and this is what the potluck is all about!

The first thing you'll want to do is make a guest list. This should be as broad as possible, pulling from all your different social and cultural circles. The best part of a potluck is that the food is the focus, and it takes the pressure off everyone else. Invite good friends, coworkers, church and club members, anyone you'd be comfortable having in your home. I find it's best to allow guests to bring guests of their own, adding more flavor to the event. Watch out that your guests don't exceed your space, but also keep in mind that for every invite you send less then half that number will actually show the night of the dinner. If you have a fair amount of space then invite liberally, it just makes for a better time. Social networking sights like Facebook make this so easy. You can create an event and invite your peeps right online. Be sure to include an alternate contact option for those wanting to confirm directions and details with you outside of the land of Facebook.

To Theme or not to Theme?

Giving a theme to your potluck can be fun. I recommend if you are just trying one out for the first time that you just keep it simple. Bring a dish, any dish, homemade or store bought (for those afraid to cook), or some beverages, and have a blast. I always add a note to my events that bringing food its optional. If someone is just getting out of work and doesn't have time to grab something, they are more then welcome to just bring their bad selves, or grab a bottle of wine. I have always found there is more then enough food to go around.

Once we had a regular crowd we learned who the cooks were and who they weren't and figured out just how far we could go with the idea of theme. We did a Mexican Potluck, pretty standard, then a Pajama Potluck, where guests were encouraged to come clad in their sleep wear. A Green Potluck, where green food and clothing abounded. So any region or color would work great, as would vegetarian or gluten free nights, to get people thinking outside of the box. Other great themes are favorite comfort food, Desserts, soups (our soup potluck was a huge hit, have guests bring their soups in a crock pot and line them up. If they don't want to cook soup, have them bring bread!), breakfast food, or down home cooking.

The Night of the Party

Once the invites are out, the house is clean, and you've made your dish for the party, all you need to do is wait for your guests. Be sure everyone knows where to go and has room to park. Good lighting; piles of clean dishes, bowls, and silverware; a space for the food (kitchen or large table in the living room, your call); some music; and a pile of board games should just about do it. If you don't want (or definitely do want!) alcohol at the party be sure to let people know its a BYOB or a dry event. A potluck that includes children at 4pm is going to be different then a potluck that includes wine at 7pm, be sure people have an idea of what to expect.

As guests arrive show them where to put their food. It can be helpful for people to label their dishes or bring recipe cards, that way if someone goes to eat without the cook present they have an idea of what their getting into. Recipe cards are great in general, so people can share them as they discover new favorite dishes. Make sure people know where the drinks and plates are as well, and where to put dirty items. Then, let the good times roll.

After your first gathering you'll have an idea how they will go. Sometimes you end up with a glut of casserole item and no desserts, bread, finger foods, and beverages. You might need to stock these things your self next time, or change the theme. If someone brings a great dessert make sure to tell them, and ask them to bring a similar item next time. "Man, Bob, your apple crisp was amazing, and one of the few desserts, you should bring something like that next time." Make sure people take their dishes home with them at the end of the night, this is much easier then trying to get them back after the fact. If dishes are left, wash and identify them and give the person a ring.

I love having potluck dinners. I get to try all kinds of different food and learn some wonderful new recipes. I also get to spend time with my friends and family, and introduce people all around. Eating food with people you love is an important ritual. Potlucks are a regular part of my social life now; they have saved me some money and brought me some wonderful times. I would highly recommend a potluck dinner to those looking to bring together food, friends and fun without breaking the bank.