Is a Pot Luck Thanksgiving Dinner Suitable for a Big Family?

Is a Pot Luck Thanksgiving Dinner Suitable for a Big Family? - I've said it before and I'll say it again--I am probably the only person in the country that doesn't love Thanksgiving dinner. I am just not a fan of many of the items on the Thanksgiving dinner table. For this reason and the fact that I'm from a big family, we have slowly evolved this feast into a bit of a pot luck. We don't necessarily call it that, but we all contribute and it makes the holiday that much more fun.

First and foremost, by everyone bringing something it makes it much easier on the host. If they know that every member of the family is bringing a dish to add, that takes some of the pressure off of them and lets them focus on getting the house ready. If everyone brings a dish, then each person feels as if they are contributing. You know that whenever you have a get together, people are going to ask what they can bring. By assigning or talking amongst yourselves about who will bring what, it allows everyone to be involved and contribute something that they like. This can be a great idea for some of us that are picky eaters at this holiday.

In our family, the host makes the turkey. This is the item that of course cooks the longest and is the centerpiece of the holiday feast. This allows the host to stick the turkey in the oven early on and let it cook away until it's time to eat. We then divvy up the side dishes based on desire and willingness. I for example always bring the green bean casserole, a dessert, and an appetizer. My sister always brings a vegetable dish, an appetizer, and a salad. My mom is the queen of the pumpkin and custard pies, then overdoes it with appetizers, and a sweet potato dish. The one is hosting then fills in the blanks and makes mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and any missing appetizers or side dishes.

You want to be sure as with any other pot luck that you discuss exactly what you're bringing up front so that there is no duplication. We all have our favorite appetizers to bring, but we try to ensure that we're not overlapping ourselves. Of course you don't need too many appetizers, but we let the meal linger and have munchies throughout the day leading up to dinner. (which means we are usually too full to really enjoy dinner, but that's us!)

Pot luck does not have to be faux pas, it can be a fun family affair. Not only will it take some of the pressure off the host, but it also allows each guest to contribute and bring something that they like.