HOW TO PLAN

How to Host a Potluck

Hosting a potluck is

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Perks of hosting potluck style

Hosting a dinner party can be a lot of work! But making the party a potluck style meal can alleviate 80% of the stress that comes with host.

  • A potluck is perfect for small spaces
  • Can be casual or part of a theme
  • Great work weeknight hosting and busy weekends
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Less Stress

You’re planning a cooking an entire meal. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen preparing and cooking.

Social Interaction

Less time in the kitchen = more time with your guests. Plus guests can talk about each other’s dishes and ask for recipes!

Cost Effective

You only have to take care of 1 part of the meal and drinks. The cost of food is shared between you and your guests.

Low Effort Hosting

A potluck is the best way to ease into hosting. Only having to worry about 1 dish takes away 80% of the stress.

My favourite potluck tip

Find out what your guests are bringing so that you can account for oven space and cooking times ahead of time.
A good host is a host who is prepared! 

Here’s how to get started with hosting your potluck

If you’re new to hosting, a potluck is the best way to ease into it. Follow these easy steps to get started!

GUEST LIST + PICK A DATE

  • Who’s invited
  • Date & time options
  • Use a free Google Questionnaire to help with
    the planning

Themed or Casual?

  • You can still have a theme with a potluck style meal
  • Or keep it as a more casual gathering with friends where everyone brings a dish

clean the space

  • Reduce clutter & clear surfaces
  • Clean the areas where guests will be, not where they won’t
  • Seasonal requirements (ie. is it winter? Where will guests put their coats)

Set the Space

1 – 2 days prior to the party.

Depending on the size of your space, if its a themed party or casual night with friends you’ll want to make a plan for how you’ll be setting up and any decor you might need. A potluck style dinner party is also perfect for small spaces.

Create defined spaces for:

  • Food serving area
  • Drink station
  • Gathering / eating areas

Shop, decorate and set-up the space

2 – 3 days prior to the party.

Shop for any food or drinks 2-3 days before the party. The sooner you can shop for ingredients and decorations, the less stress you’ll have in the day surrounding your party.

Decorating and setting up the space at least a day in advance also takes the stress away from the day of hosting and allows you to enjoy the process more, especially if you’re doing a certain theme.

Prep! Prep! Prep!

1 – 5 days prior to the party

Prepare anything you can in the days leading up to the party. That means food batch cocktails, even setting up tables and decor. It alleviates SO MUCH pressure the day of.

  • Prep any ingredients that will go in your dish or make the dish ahead so it just needs to bake
  • Make a batch cocktail for easy serving or make sure drinks are in the fridge
  • Set up tables / decor as early as possible. It always takes longer than you think! Plus then you can focus on the details.

Reminders + last minute stuff

Night before / morning of party

I like to send out a quick message to all guests the day before or morning of the party. Send a message that:

  • Reminds guests of time and address
  • Specific directions needed like parking or buzzer code
  • Check with guests on their dishes cooking or reheat times (if needed)

Final touches

15 – 30 minutes before guest arrival

You want to be present and ready for your guests when they arrive. Plan to have the final touches ready ahead of time so you’re not distracted when they arrive.

  • Turn off overhead lights. Turn on lamps and light the candles.
  • Turn on the music
  • Throw out any last minute garbage and refresh your garbage bag
  • Pour yourself a drink and take a breath!

Guest arrival

You’ve made it! Everything is ready to go and the time has come to spend time laughing and connecting with your guests. Which is the best part of hosting, isn’t it?

  • Great your guests. Take their dish to put in the kitchen
  • Take guest coat, or let them know where to put it
  • Offer your guests a drink and let them know any details so they can serve themselves later
  • Enjoy your time with your guests!

A few helpful tips

  • To-Go Containers: Pick up to-go containers from the dollar store. There are ALWAYS leftovers after a potluck and this makes it easier for guests to take food home and go home with clean dishes.
  • Serving Utensils: Have extra serving utensils in case your guests forget to bring one with their dish. Or make sure to send out a reminder.
  • Main Dish: As the host, I’d recommend making the “main dish” since you don’t have to transport the food. Also by preparing your dish ahead of time, you can finish it off just before you need to serve and not have to get stuck in the kitchen.