How to Throw a Holiday Potluck and How to Survive the Fray

Throwing a potluck is a fantastic way to host Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. It allows everyone to participate in the fun, and spreads the burdens of cost and cooking around. Hosting a potluck is easy and fun, just follow these simple tips and ideas.

Get your invitations out early. Make sure you send your invites out at least three weeks early. Old etiquette says two weeks, but the holidays are a busy time and giving people notice that they're expected to bring something takes the stress off of everyone. Use the quick reference checklist to make sure your potluck will be perfect!

Use written invitations. Even if it's just Facebook, MySpace, or an email, send actual invitations. This gives everyone a reminder that dinner is potluck-style, and help alleviate the problem of folks showing up claiming not to have know. Include a request for a notice of what dish people are brining, and set a date by which you need to know. There are many polite ways to do this, and it is helpful in coordinating dishes so that you don't end up with ten jello molds.

Contact people before the event. Touch base with your guests to let them know all is ready, and remind them of time and any special instructions (such as, "let yourself in, but please don't let out the dog"). If someone hasn't responded, this is a great chance to remind them that they need to get back to you with their food item. It's also the perfect time to recommend they bring a particular food item that hasn't been claimed yet. Remember to ask people if they're going to need stove or oven space. Keep a list, and if there are too many people needing access, you may need to ask them to provide a slow cooker, or to cook the dish at home.

Provide the main dish. If possible, the host should provide the main course and a simple beverage such as soda or flavored waters. Cooking a ham or turkey elsewhere for the dinner can be cumbersome, and you may end up with cold meat. Let people know what you are providing in the invite.

Prepare the area the night before. To save yourself stress on the day of the dinner, set up a staging area for all the food guests will be bringing. Put out serving ware and any special utensils such as cheese knives. Set the table. If you're going to do a buffet, set up your area with plenty of potholders and trivets. Make sure you have enough available outlets, or set up a power strip for slow cookers and warmers.

Put all animals out of harm's way. The day of the event, remove animals that are likely to try and escape the house or yard to a room of their own. If cats or dogs have a tendency to beg for scraps (or, worse yet, help themselves), they should also go in a room for the day. While people are arriving, and while a lot of hot food is being moved around, it is generally a good idea to put animals in another so they aren't accidentally stepped on or burned by falling food or pans. Make sure they have enough food and water, and adequate bathroom access, and they'll be fine until after dinner is over.

Coats, hats, and shoes. In many areas of the country, the holidays take place at a time when inclement weather is the norm. Prepare an area for coats, hats, and shoes. Have a mat available for guests to wipe their feet even if their shoes are being removed.

Guest Arrival. When guests arrive, direct them to the appropriate areas for putting their outer clothes and the food. Then, offer then a beverage and relax until dinner.

When Something Doesn't Go Right. Things always go wrong. Remember, it's just dinner, and the point of the holidays is to spend time with family and friends. The green bean casserole turning out mushy isn't cause for a bad day. Keep number for emergency services handy, and then allow yourself to relax, too. If you're relaxed, your guests will be more relaxed, and everyone will have more fun.

Potluck Cheat Sheet

Three Weeks Prior

1. Write up invites. Include:

   1. Date, time, and place.

   2. What you will be providing.

   3. Date to RSVP with food item.

2. Send invites.

Three Days Prior

1. Contact people 3 days before event.
   1. Who needs oven space?
   2. Who needs stove space?
   3. Who needs a plug for their warmer or slow cooker?
   4. Has anyone not sent and RSVP that you were expecting to come? If so, suggest an item for them to bring.

The Night Before

1. Prepare area the night before.
   1. Set table.
   2. Set up food staging area:
      1. Serving utensils
      2. Trivets
      3. Potholders
      4. For buffets, outlets and power strips

The Day Of

1. Put all animals out of harm's way.
2. Arrange room for guests coats, hats, and shoes.
3. Put emergency numbers in easy reach.
4. Offer your guests a beverage, and enjoy time with family and friends.