First time I heard this word "Potluck party" when I moved to singapore and thought it is a new concept .I didn’t hear about it earlier and back in india gathering meant inviting close ones for the lunch / dinner to the house and cooking a full-fledged meal.
Thanks to my friends for introducing the
concept and here is what potluck means, it a gathering of people where
each person contribute a dish of food prepared by them. Later everyone
enjoy food, play games ,dance or just spend time together and endless talk.
To my surprise Potluck is not a modern concept
as I always thought it to be, it originated back in 16th century England and
was there used to mean" food provided for an unexpected or invited guest,
the luck of the pot".
To irish, a potluck was a meal with no particular menu. Everyone participating brought a dish for all to share. The term comes from a time when groups of irish women would gather together and cook dinner.They only had one pot so they cooked the meal together with whatever ingredients they happened to have that day.(Wikipedia )
7 simple tips to host a successful potluck party
1. Make a guest list
To start with, first write down whom all you are inviting close friends, colleagues , slot a day and time as per the convenience of everyone. A potluck party should have at least 5 to 7 people or couples for it to be fun and memorable. The more the better .
2. Let each one pick a dish
Once you figure out the guest list, you can ask each one what they would like to prepare instead of you deciding the dish for everyone. Every individual has a specialty dish that he/she can cook well. Co-ordination is a must to ensure there are a perfect number of appetizers, main course and desserts without any overlapping of same stuff.
3.Do not miss out on the essentials
This is very important point which we tend to miss out. If you are of the view that a potluck party host just needs to provide the venue, you are wrong. The basic items such as plates and utensils, tissue papers, water and other drinks is solely your responsibility. So ensure that everything is well stocked.
4.Pay attention to the food
Apart from the essentials, you also have to take care of the food and the temperature at which food is served. If a dish needs to be warmed in the oven before serving or if some dessert has to be refrigerated, do it.Always make sure that you are aware of everyone food preferences, some people don’t eat non vegetarian, less salt, less sugar. Please have a provision for the same as motive is to have fun time together.
5. Go for disposable wares
If there are too many guests coming over, choose dishes or plates made of thermocol, paper or plastic. This way you would not need to wash all the utensils once the party is over and in turn save up all your time and energy. Moreover, keep a huge bin near the kitchen so that the guests can dispose the plates in the bin after use.
If there are too many guests coming over, choose dishes or plates made of thermocol, paper or plastic. This way you would not need to wash all the utensils once the party is over and in turn save up all your time and energy. Moreover, keep a huge bin near the kitchen so that the guests can dispose the plates in the bin after use.
<!--[endif]-->
6. Picnic
potluck
Above we have mentioned all the points when we are hosting a
potluck at home but if you are having a potluck outside like picnic , in that
case clearly divide all the things as outside you will not get the basis
essentials like plates, spoons, tissue etc. For potluck picnic if anyone who
for some reason can't cook they can bring these essentials as well.
7. Kids
Don't forget if you have
little gang of kids for the potluck they are the most important people in the
party and make sure you have everything to keep them engaged and happy. Inside
house they can play in the play room and for outside bring some footballs, sand
toys etc .
Bring enough of empty trash bags, picnic mat, games and toys for
kids.
Capture all the lovely moments
Pooja
