Tips For A Successful Potluck
Source of Recipe
Low Carb RESOURCE Newsletter
Recipe Introduction
Whether it is a company party -- or a get-together with friends --
potlucks are always fun. These tips can guarantee a good time. Follow
them and ensure you're tops on the list for the next potluck.
Recipe Link: http://www.functionjunction.ca/gtpscpot.htm * ALLERGY ALERT: Think you know your guests? Guess again. Most
people with food allergies like to keep them discreet, so they don't
seem like picky eaters. You don't want your famous chocolate-chip
cookies to send someone to the hospital! Always write ALL the
ingredients you've included on an index card, and attach it to your
dish. This way your guests can determine whether or not a food is
safe for them to indulge in. (For all of you with SECRET family
recipes: do not fear. You are not giving out the recipe, just the
ingredients; your friends still have no idea of the measurements or
preparation instructions to create your masterpiece.)
* RECIPE SHARING. From personal experience, potlucks tend to be a
great way to share cultural customs, especially ethnic dishes. You
would be surprised at how many people would love to exchange recipes
while conversing after a dinner. Come prepared with a few copies of
your recipe on index cards, and a notebook and pen to copy some of
your favorites as well! (Unless it s a secret recipe of course.)
* DON'T FORGET THE BASICS. Not everyone is into trying "exotic"
foods. By all means, bring a gourmet dish, if that is your fancy,
but keep in mind the most successful dishes at potlucks are often the
basic comfort foods.
* FIND OUT HOW MANY WILL BE AT THE SOIREE. Most people are
accustomed to cooking strictly for their family, generally between 2
and 6 people. If there are going to be 20 people in attendance,
remember to bring enough for 20 people.
NOTES FOR PARTY PLANNERS:
* Keep tabs on who is bringing what. You don't want to end up with
five tuna casseroles.
* Make sure you have utensils. People are bringing food. You
still need to take care of place settings, beverages, serving
utensils, hotplates (to keep food warm), hot pads (to protect your
table from hot dishes), dishwashing supplies, a fridge, and oven (if
necessary). If your party is outdoors, you need to accommodate for
that too!
PUTTING TOGETHER A POTLUCK:
A potluck may be a great way to share the load, and with just a
little planning you can avoid 15 green bean casseroles at your dinner
table. Ensure menu variety and head off an all-deviled-egg buffet by
assigning food categories to your guests. Don't be shy -- this
eliminates the guesswork for them, too. Give non-cooks a chance to
participate by including categories such as beverages, paper
products, or decorating. You should make the turkey, stuffing, and
gravy.
* Ask non-cooks to bring the flowers, wine, and candles or other
items to decorate the table.
* Pick someone prompt to bring the hors d'oeuvres. You don't want
your appetizers arriving just in time for dessert.
* You'll want at least two of the guests to make different salads,
two people to bring different potato dishes (one sweet potato, one
regular potato), two people to bring different green vegetables
(maybe Brussels sprouts and green beans), and two people to bring
pies.
* Make sure someone brings kid food. There's nothing worse than
having kids reject all the food at the table. Make sure there's a
dessert that appeals to the kids (ice cream, for example), some
sparkling apple juice for a special drink, and something they'll
like, like mac and cheese or yams with marshmallows.
* If someone's unsure about how a recipe will travel, have them
bring the components to your house and finish making it there with
your help. Dinner can be incredibly improved by an interesting side
dish.
* Guests who work full time can prepare a dish that they can make
ahead of time and freeze.
* Relatives who want to help but need something easy can do some of
the shopping for you.
* Plan a menu with some dishes that can be served at room
temperature so you don't have too many dishes that need to be kept
hot.
* Let your guests help with the cleanup. Cleaning up can be fun --
some of the best conversations happen in the kitchen.
* Finally, if someone really wants to bring a certain dish that you
don't particularly want, let them bring it anyway. You never know
which dish might turn into a family tradition.
Ref: http://tinyurl.com/28k9p
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