Try these tips for your next bring-a-dish gathering to avoid a dreaded #PotluckFail.
Everyone loves a good potluck.
It’s (hopefully!)
Credit: Jennifer Causey
full of your favorite people, keeps party costs low, and makes for an eclectic and memorable meal.
But a potluck can also be riddled with some unlucky side effects.
So check them out now and startplanning your next potlucktoday.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Assign Guests Categories of Food
This is arguably the most critical potluck party tip.
A potluck is inherently fun due to its spontaneous nature.
But when planning a complete party, you want a full meal!
Credit: Andy Lyons
That means you want to avoid repeated foods or missing food groups.
Try a simple sign-up sheet that you’re free to email around to everyone.
Be sure to include a fewnonalcoholic drinkson the menu, too.
Credit: Andy Lyons
We recommend opting for transportable meals like casseroles and slow cooker recipes over a messy platter of food.
Check out thesefall slow cooker recipesand bring one to your next potluck (intact!).
Test Kitchen Tip:it’s possible for you to always plate individually on-site when you arrive.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Pack Food in Ready-to-Serve Containers
Pack food in containers that can go straight to thebuffet table.
It can be as simple as using disposable foil trays.
That way, you’re not an imposition to your host and don’t have to dirty their dishes.
Credit: Quentin Bacon
Just remember to bring any nondisposable items home with you!
Avoid this awkward situation by bringing a ready-to-serve dish.
Trysomething like a saladthat can be served at room temperatureyou’ll get gold star guest points.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Offering abuild-your-own baris a great way to let guests pick and choose what they want to eat.
Label Your Food
Don’t make partygoers guess what they’re eating.
Your extra effort will be appreciated, especially by those with food allergies or intolerance.
Credit: Karla Conrad
Gift the Host
Asmall host giftis a great way to say thank you.
Bring a Batch of Beverages
We love batched cocktails for group parties.
It saves time and effort and allows thehost to enjoy the party, too!
Credit: Andy Lyons
We recommend abatch cocktail or beveragefor make-ahead ease and less stress at the potluck.
So be prepared by making a rockin' playlist in advance.
Set the mood for your party because no awkward silences are allowed at your potluck party!
Trust us: You’ll never have a potluck fail again!
