Small reunions with relatives and friends need not be expensive. To cut costs and still end up with a feast, you can go with a potluck event, where every guest brings a single dish to share. A potluck party, however, may be difficult to orchestrate, but when plotted properly, can be an entertaining and relaxing bonding time with friends and family. To allow you to host your potluck event properly, below are several practical tips.
Create a theme - This spares you the trouble of receiving dishes that really don’t harmonize with each other. Obviously, you must think of your guests’ cooking capabilities or budgets when identifying a theme for the party.
Use a sign-up sheet - One factor that can result to a disorganized potluck dinner is giving your guests total freedom when it comes to what they're going to bring. Even if you told guests of a theme, Italian for instance, that is not going to stop five individuals from bringing their version of spaghetti and meatballs. To prevent that, make use of a sign-up sheet where guests can write the dish they're going to bring. It's also possible to assign a group to bring sides, appetizers, main dishes, and desserts.
Provide portion suggestions - If you have 10 guests and you assigned two people to make one dessert each, they should each prepare something that serves five people. People generally do not eat a full portion of a dish when there are several other options served to them. By controlling portions accordingly, you avoid dealing with plenty of leftovers afterward.
Host with convenience in mind - If you're the host, think about using paper plates and disposable wares and cups so you don’t need to do a great deal of dishwashing. You may also provide to-go containers so that everyone can take some leftovers home. Furthermore, make sure to ask your guests ahead of time if they will need any equipment, like the oven or freezer, so you can make these available to them for the party.
Have backup dishes available - As the host, it is easier to pull together the main dish. It is also smart to do so because this will guarantee that the get-together is still on even though someone cancels at the eleventh hour. You also need to prepare backup dishes to fill any gap in courses or to ensure that you have sufficient food for everybody. Since you know already what your guests will contribute, you can opt for something more exciting. For example, stuffed shells are a great substitute for the potluck staple that is baked lasagna or spaghetti. Click here to know how to make stuffed shells.