10 Tips for Hosting a Potluck Party
Although a potluck dinner takes away a lot of pressure of cooking an entire meal for a large group of people, it has its share of concerns, excitement and components to consider. The most important element is that of cohesiveness of the food you’ve chosen to prepare with the larger theme or menu list. So, how to take the pressure off your mind and host a beautiful potluck party? Here’s how you get it right.
1. Plan and assign
At least two weeks prior to the potluck party, make sure you plan an elaborate meal considering the guests and occasion. Next, assign a dish to each person or guest and make sure they are comfortable handling it. Also ensure you have adequate appetizers, entrees, main dish and desserts or as per the scheme of the party.
2. Select a theme
Sometimes, it may be too difficult to create an appropriate menu for a potluck party. So, the best way to start is in deciding a theme. A theme can be anything from healthy food to Mexican cuisine or fast food or just about anything you think will please the guests by and large.
3. Prepare a dish that can be cooked beforehand
Never make a dish half done and think of completing it at the time of the party unless the dish demands so. But, it is better to stay away from such dishes because the time of the party could throw a lot of other challenges. There is nothing more humiliating than an unfinished dish.
4. Don’t make changes
Sticking to the dish assigned to you is the first rule of potluck parties. However, if any unforeseen circumstances demand changes, make sure you inform the others well in advance and gather a consensus. The change made should not in any way hamper the cohesiveness of the meal.
5. Check for portions
Although this is a slightly tricky task, it nevertheless needs to be done. Sometimes, it is difficult to gage the palate of guests and how much they are likely to eat. Too little is embarrassing and too much means a lot of wastage. However, make a general assumption with the group of cooks and the guest list to ascertain portions decently.
