BRING the item you said you would bring or that you were asked to bring. If you
cannot prepare your dish, purchase a prepared dish (good quality) at a restaurant
or grocery store (unless host specified your own home cooked). If you don’t cook,
ask to bring ice, sodas, drinking water, paper goods – something else the host may
need. You may have to drop it off early or be very punctual if it’s something needed
at the beginning of the party, such as ice. On that same note, if you’re bringing an
appetizer, don’t show up after the dessert has been served unless you had to
escape from your kidnappers to get there! Ask how many servings to bring and
stick to that quantity. If you must change what your host asked you to bring, call
to let them know (preferably at least a day or two ahead). Don’t show up with
chocolate cake instead of salad.
BRING your dish in its completed form. Using the host’s kitchen could be a hassle
for them. If your dish requires any kitchen use, even reheating in the oven or
microwave, it’s best to let your host know, unless you know them & their kitchen
well enough to know it is okay. Call a day or two ahead of time to ask if the kitchen,
grill, microwave, cook top, or whatever you need will be available. Adjust your needs
accordingly. If you plan to take an appliance, such as a crock pot, coffeemaker, or
blender, clear it with your host so you & they know there’s room and a convenient
electrical outlet.
BRING serving utensils. If you’re making soup, ask if you can bring some
disposable bowls and spoons – anything special that your dish may require –
furnish it so your host isn't scrambling around to find enough bowls, a ladle, or
whatever else may be needed to accommodate your dish.
BRING yourself to the dinner on time. Call if there is an emergency, you got lost,
or if you’ll be more than - say 20 minutes - late (if it's a sit down meal). And, don’t
show up early! Your host may need that time to themselves to get ready. Even if
you want to help, having to tell or show someone what to do can add confusion for
the hosts. For that same reason, there’s no need to call before the party to see if
they need anything. If you need directions, call the day before.
BRING a little token of appreciation for being included – especially if this is your
first invitation from your host (A small handful of wildflowers in a little container, a
nice bottle of wine). Since potluck is an informal occasion, a thank you note
afterwards is optional, but always appreciated. Because of the informality, a phone
call or email the next day would be appropriate for close friends or family.
For some recipes that travel well for Pot Luck, See Perfect for Pot Luck
Terri Burney-Bisett
CasiNada Cooks! Cooking Classes
cannot prepare your dish, purchase a prepared dish (good quality) at a restaurant
or grocery store (unless host specified your own home cooked). If you don’t cook,
ask to bring ice, sodas, drinking water, paper goods – something else the host may
need. You may have to drop it off early or be very punctual if it’s something needed
at the beginning of the party, such as ice. On that same note, if you’re bringing an
appetizer, don’t show up after the dessert has been served unless you had to
escape from your kidnappers to get there! Ask how many servings to bring and
stick to that quantity. If you must change what your host asked you to bring, call
to let them know (preferably at least a day or two ahead). Don’t show up with
chocolate cake instead of salad.
BRING your dish in its completed form. Using the host’s kitchen could be a hassle
for them. If your dish requires any kitchen use, even reheating in the oven or
microwave, it’s best to let your host know, unless you know them & their kitchen
well enough to know it is okay. Call a day or two ahead of time to ask if the kitchen,
grill, microwave, cook top, or whatever you need will be available. Adjust your needs
accordingly. If you plan to take an appliance, such as a crock pot, coffeemaker, or
blender, clear it with your host so you & they know there’s room and a convenient
electrical outlet.
BRING serving utensils. If you’re making soup, ask if you can bring some
disposable bowls and spoons – anything special that your dish may require –
furnish it so your host isn't scrambling around to find enough bowls, a ladle, or
whatever else may be needed to accommodate your dish.
BRING yourself to the dinner on time. Call if there is an emergency, you got lost,
or if you’ll be more than - say 20 minutes - late (if it's a sit down meal). And, don’t
show up early! Your host may need that time to themselves to get ready. Even if
you want to help, having to tell or show someone what to do can add confusion for
the hosts. For that same reason, there’s no need to call before the party to see if
they need anything. If you need directions, call the day before.
BRING a little token of appreciation for being included – especially if this is your
first invitation from your host (A small handful of wildflowers in a little container, a
nice bottle of wine). Since potluck is an informal occasion, a thank you note
afterwards is optional, but always appreciated. Because of the informality, a phone
call or email the next day would be appropriate for close friends or family.
For some recipes that travel well for Pot Luck, See Perfect for Pot Luck
Terri Burney-Bisett
CasiNada Cooks! Cooking Classes
| What to Bring for Pot Luck Entertaining a large informal group is much easier for the host if everyone brings some part of the meal. It’s not without its problems however, so here are a few tips to help things go smoothly for your hosts and endear yourself to them forever! |
