Guest Etiquette Tips for Potluck Parties

Whether it's for a birthday or holiday, a potluck party is always a good alternative to a regular dinner party. A Potluck Party, if carefully organized, is where each guest contributes something for the party's meal when they arrive. It can be anything from a vegetables, meat, dessert, appetizers or drinks. The hosts of the party coordinate what guests can bring with them so there aren't too many desserts and not enough main entrees, for example. The hosts then prepare and decorate the location so that the meal is not just a meal, but an experience filled with smiles, laughter, good food and an ambiance appropriate for the gathering.

There is a lot of good advice being offered in magazines and websites for the host and/or hostess to better prepare their home for the arrival of guests, but I haven't found much on what guests can do about making the potluck (or dinner party), a little easier for the hosts. With a little forethought and cooperation, you can help your host/hostess and be the type of guest they will be happy to invite again for future gatherings.

1. Show good manners by RSVPing (letting the host know you are coming) and if you are bringing anyone else along like a spouse or significant other. They need to have an idea how many people are coming to adequately prepare. Make sure that you can invite someone else besides yourself. Some potlucks are only for the office employees or club members. Sometimes their immediate families are welcome and sometimes the event is only for adults.

2. If there is a list of who is going to bring what for a pot luck dinner, commit to that item you have volunteered to bring. If you don't, you run the risk of bringing something that is not needed and you will have spent your time and money for nothing.

3. Unless asked by the host/hostess, don't bring a large tray or dish of anything. Remember that others are going to be bringing food also. Try to find out in advance some idea of how much to bring by contacting the host/hostess. If this is not possible, try to bring enough for 4-6 people.

4. Arrive on time. If you have to arrive a bit early, offer to help out with any last minute preparations. If you arrive too late, apologize and expect some/or all of the food to be eaten. Be gracious and enjoy whatever you can.

5. If you are bringing the appetizers, arrive at the potluck about 15-30 minutes early. This way the appetizers will be ready for any early guests that arrive.

6. If you are bringing salad, do not bring it in a bag. Be courteous enough to bring it prepared in a bowl and don't forget the serving utensils and dressings. Never assume that the hosts will have salad dressing. Also, by bringing your own inexpensive serving utensils, you help cut down on the dish washing for your hosts. The same goes for cakes and baked goods. Bring them pre-cut or sliced and with serving utensils.

7. If your hosts tell you not to bring any food or drink, try not to come empty handed. A gracious guest will always come with a bottle of wine or an appropriate host/hostess gift. It doesn't have to cost a lot and the gesture is always appreciated. Some gifts can be candles, candy or flowers (already in a vase).

8. When the meal is over and guests are leaving, if you have the time, offer to help out with the clean-up. I have seen women offer many times to help out, but if you are a man, it would be surprisingly appreciated as well. Little things like clearing the table, wrapping or sealing food containers, or drying dishes are just some of the simple ways you can help out.

9. Do not stay long after the potluck is apparently over. This is especially important if it's late and the hosts want to rest for the evening.

10. If someone is unable to drive or walk home because they have been drinking, be a good friend and offer (or insist as necessary) to see them safely home. No one will want to hear any tragic news that will mark the potluck event with sorrow.

These are just some of the tips that will help you prepare and make you the kind of guest your friends and family will be happy to have over whenever possible. Oh, one last tip. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the happy moments spent together feasting and smiling together. Happy entertaining!