Potlucks!

We work really hard, we spend a lot of time in transit, grocery shopping, spending time with our children, working out at the gym or a yoga class.  When do we have any time to spend with our friends.  We know we end up having a fun time when we get together to catch up and chat about the latest news, so what holds us back?  Is it that we think that we always have to cook a three course meal in order to entertain? That we have so little time that spending it preparing a meal isn’t worth it?  The answer is no!

Sometimes it’s ok to get together just to watch a hockey game or to watch a movie, it doesn’t have to include a big meal.  Even getting together for coffee at brunch can be a great way to catch up.  It doesn’t have to involve hours of preparation for some elaborate meal.

You’re probably reading this and thinking, “I couldn’t have people over without serving anything to eat.”  Well the good news is that I would agree with you.  There is something called “the potluck” which needs to be reintroduced.  It isn’t only for students, family picnics or reunions. Whether you have a close group of friends or are introducing new friends a potluck, when done properly, can be a great way for everyone to enjoy a stress free evening with minimal planning.

Potluck: a meal or party to which each of the guests contributes a dish : [as adj. ] a potluck supper.

So how do you plan a potluck? Decide if the potluck is a BBQ, a formal event, an appy party or a night with a theme. Once you know what type of gathering you’re having then you need to know how many people are coming.  If two other couples are coming then it’s easy to delegate as the host.  Choose what you would like to make, i.e. the main course and ask the other couples to bring the appetizer and the dessert. Most people bring beer, wine or spirits with them, and there is no harm in asking them to, no one is expected to have a full bar at home.

Now when you have a group of people coming then it gets trickier, so we follow a simple list of the items we’d like to have.  Every potluck, regardless of size needs to have the following items.

  • Appetizer (Bruschetta, Artichoke dip, Canapés, Shrimp etc..)
  • Salad (Potato, Tomato/Mozzarella, Mixed greens etc…)
  • Bread (Baguette, Ciabatta, Party rolls etc...)
  • Warm dish (Fish, Cabbage rolls, Pork Dumplings, Hamburgers etc…)
  • Starch (Rice, Potatoes, Pasta etc…)
  • Vegetables (Asparagus, Carrots, Broccoli, Leeks etc…)
  • *Vegetarian dish (Vegetable Chili, Sautéed Mushrooms, Cheese plate etc…)
  • Dessert (Squares, Pudding, Cookies, Pie etc…)

* if there is a vegetarian amongst the guests

When inviting a large group, as host you may not even need to make anything.  Just provide the dishes, napkins, cutlery, glasses and the space. You’re already the hero for getting everyone together.

When arranging a potluck, be sure to delegate dishes to each of your guests and be sure to tell them that everything should be homemade and not store bought.  Voila!

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