What’s old is new again and when we’re talkin’ potlucks, fun again! Although potlucks have been happening everywhere, forever, it has become quite taboo to call your “gathering that everyone brings something” a potluck. Well I am here to praise the potluck.
Before I left my beloved Toronto, my friends and I would gather every Friday night for what we referred to as our Friday-Seder, although we are everything but jewish. This customary potluck evening would always consist of a theme and would travel about the city from home-to-home. Everyone was instructed to bring something, sometimes even a new friend to join the group. These nights were all about great food and friends and best of all, didn’t cost us a fortune.

Here is my guide to hosting a perfect potluck.

Start with a plan. We don’t need to get too complicated here but you also don’t need 5 types of potato salad.

First rule, if someone makes fun of you. Tell them they are not invite.

  1. Choose a theme or not.
    We tried everything; French, Indian and even Cuban. You don’t have to set a theme but this is a great way to provide your guests with a guideline when choosing a recipe.
  2. Assigning dishes.
    Make a list of every person/party attending and assign them a dish. For example, Byron is bringing a french inspired appetizer and Aretha is bringing a french wine and so on. Just make sure to give guests ample notice of their obligation.
  3. Your meat or main dish.
    A rule of thumb at the majority of our potlucks was the host would provide the meat. Easy-pezy. Just check with guests regarding dietary limitations as this may influence your selection.
  4. Cooking. Ask guests to cook their dishes ahead of time and bring them at temperature. If someone needs to re-heat their contribution, ask them to arrive slightly early.
  5. Serving.
    Be sure to set-out all appropriate servingware and condiments depending on your cuisine. If you choose an asian theme, you will want to at least supply chopsticks and soy as well as any other appropriate sauces.
  6. Have fun.
    We often followed up our potluck with a dance party and copious amounts of alcohol. But that’s just us, you do as you please.