Tips for Hosting a Pot Luck Dinner

When you hear the words, pot luck dinner, do you go screaming and hiding for fear of it? Well, look no further. I love a good pot luck dinner and I will share with you 5 tips to help you create a lovely and successful pot luck Christmas dinner.

1. Make it a special event by sending out a handmade or store bought invitation. Most folks would just call or send an email, but a handwritten invite would make them feel special.
2. When you send the invitation, either have your guest RSVP with you about what they are going to bring or assign them a dish to bring. This will take some planning on your part, but it is much easier than your guests showing up with three green bean casseroles and no turkey. Keep track of the menu by writing it down and posting it on the fridge.
3. When you send out the invitations, make sure to specify what time you want your guests to arrive. I personally hate when folks arrive right before dinner is served and the leave right after they eat. Don't invite them if you don't want to be around them. By designating a set time, you can allow for time to reheat any dishes that need it and also time to get some much needed help setting tables and filling glasses. You guests want to help, so let them.
4. Who says cheap has to be ugly. Don't use paper plates or plastic utensils. I'm sure you have glass plates and silverware in your kitchen. Make your guests comfortable and welcomed by setting out your best dishes and glassware. Now, remember, I said your best dishes. That means whatever you have right now is good. Money may be tight and you don't need an extra set of dishes to store for the rest of the year.
5. Buy or make a special gift to have for all the guests and family that participate in the preparation work. This could be a candle, a favorite recipe, a cute photo, a napkin ring, a Christmas ornament, or anything. Really, all you are doing is saying thank you to the people that helped you. And don't forget the folks that help clean up too. They are just as important to the success of your pot luck Christmas dinner.

I've given you tips for having a good pot luck Christmas dinner. It's the small things that you do that will make it great. And be prepared to be asked to do it again next year. Who knows, you just may start your own family tradition. Happy Yule time