How to host a perfect bring-a-dish party | Unite Students (2024)

FAQs

How to host a perfect bring-a-dish party | Unite Students? ›

One thing you can do to make a potluck more fun is to have a theme. It could be a place or an era in history, or maybe a popular movie or something. Another thing that makes potlucks better is if someone kind of coordinates what people are bringing to some degree, so you don't wind up with 6 salads and no main dish.

One thing you can do to make a potluck more fun is to have a theme. It could be a place or an era in history, or maybe a popular movie or something. Another thing that makes potlucks better is if someone kind of coordinates what people are bringing to some degree, so you don't wind up with 6 salads and no main dish.

Potluck Etiquette

Bring something: Everyone on the guest list should bring something. If you genuinely forget your dish, try to grab something before you attend. Try everything: Sample everyone's hard work unless you have a genuine reason that prevents you from trying a dish.

Grain bowls and salads (barley salad, zucchini salad) Potato sides (loaded potatoes, air fryer potatoes, roasted carrots and potatoes) Dips (spinach dip, onion dip, guacamole, tzatziki) Spreads (pesto, white bean dip, avocado spread)

Potato chips, pigs in a blanket, fruit kebabs, hummus and pita bread, roll-ups, bruschetta, cookies, brownie bites, deviled eggs, and potato skins are stellar snacks to bring to a potluck. You want to pick up snacks that are easy to eat and easy to clean up, too.

Don't show up with a dish that needs tons of assembly or oven time, particularly if you don't know the host well. No soup! Potluck food should be plate-based. Unless you plan on bringing a stash of disposable bowls and spoons, it's best to stick to food that can be eaten off a plate with a fork.

Main dishes and side dishes are the heart and soul of a potluck feast. These dishes tend to be more substantial and filling, so it's essential to strike a balance and avoid excessive portions. As a general rule, plan for one main dish serving and one or two side dish servings per person.

Potlucks are about sharing the work cooking and being with people you like. Your friends have equally towering laundry piles and dog hair that needs to be swept, too. Unless you specifically assign it to a guest, a potluck host should provide plates, utensils and glasses.

How do I ask guests to bring a dish? ›

Say it's a potluck. Ask them for something they make well or let them know what is already on the menu. I often eat with friends. The host does the main dishes, and it's normal for guests to offer to bring nibbles, a starter, cheese or the dessert.

Remember the Essentials - In addition to plates, cutlery, napkins and cups, remember extra serving utensils and potholders for hot dishes. Don't forget plenty of extra dishcloths and paper towels for spills.

Anything More Than Empty Hands Is Acceptable

It's a fun communal activity that also takes some weight off the poor host. So can you show up to a potluck empty-handed? Heck no. That's the whole point!