Being a Good Potluck Guest

As promised, I am continuing my posts on potluck etiquette, offering some advice based on my humble experiences.

Let's start with being a good guest, since most people will be a guest at a potluck before they are a host (at least the way I think of it). Being invited to a potluck is a bit unlike other social events since you have a clear responsibility of bringing something. One does not simply show up to a potluck, as one would be outcast immediately. Or just receive some nasty glares from other guests. Either way, the obvious first piece of advice is to make sure you bring something to a potluck.

Now the question becomes what to bring. In my experience, this is difficult for most people, mainly because they "don't" cook or "can't make anything good". If you, dear reader, can relate to this line of reasoning, do not fret. There a few avenues you can take to remedy this problem, which usually involves talking to the host or to some other guests. First, you should ask them what the expectations are for this potluck. If it's a relatively informal gathering where the food is merely a means to an end (of having a great time), then perhaps bringing snack foods, alcohol, or a ready-made, store-bought dessert is a possibility. These are easy things to bring, as you just have pick them up from your favourite grocer and remember to bring them. If the event is somewhat more formal, and food is a higher order of the day, then you may want to bring something you have prepared yourself or a classier store-bought item, such a fine wine or more decadent dessert. The last case is where the host has something particular in mind for some or all guests to bring, in which case you may have already been volunteered to make something. This is either a blessing or a curse depending on your esteemed host. That delicious three bean dip or blueberry fruitcake may taste good and impress, but it could also take time, resources and money to prepare that you just don't feel you have.

In any event, make sure to let the host know about your comfort level in preparing something. You may be able to bring utility items such as soft drinks or paper plates in lieu of actual food. You may also be able to avoid getting locked into preparing something you do not want to. As with all social aspects of humans, communication is key, so talk to the host if you're sure of the expectations. Also make sure you know of any dietary restrictions, so you don't bring bacon-wrapped shrimp to a kosher party. This could be awkward for you and other guests, so be mindful. On the other side of the coin, make sure the host and possibly other guests know about dietary restrictions you have.

The only aspect to being a gracious guest is how you actually arrive and interact at the event. Make sure you're punctual, which should be an obvious point. Also remember to let the host know of any special equipment or preparations that should be done before you arrive. There are instances where it makes more sense to prepare or finish a dish on-site at the event. If this is the case, make sure the host knows about it! The last point is to be polite and courteous to other guest and dishes. Don't turn your nose up at other prepared dishes, as this is rude. Nor should you offer nonconstructive criticism of other dishes; if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all. In my experiences, most of the dishes prepared are actually really good. Potlucks are a perfect chance to experience new foods and perspectives, so don't ruin things by being a snob or an ass. Be yourself and enjoy!

In my next post, I'll give some tips for preparing good dishes and provide some potluck-friendly recipes.

Potluck 101: The Basics

I love entertaining and social events in general, particularly when they come together well. Your friends come, they bring other cool people, you mix and mingle, eat, drink and be merry. Frankly, I can't think of a better way to spend an evening but with good people at a good party/get-together. There are lots of options you can take when it comes to organizing such an evening, from the ridiculous to the sublime. When you are a student and so are your friends, a potluck is a good way to go. As a person who has been to some good potlucks, I thought I'd have a little series of posts on the in's and out's of this form of entertaining, as I have some experience in such things. I'll go over the basics, as well how to be a good host, a good guest, and some other tips along the way. Who knows, maybe fun will be had. But let's start at the beginning.

Essentially, a potluck is a type of party where every person invited brings an item of food or drink of their choice to share collectively with other guests. It's exactly what it sounds like, where you have to see what "luck" you have as to what's in the "pot". There are a few advantages to having potlucks. One is that you do not have to prepare an extensive menu for food and beverages while having potentially several friends over for a gathering. Another is the cost of having refreshments is lower on the host (which is good if you are a cash-strapped student). And of course, potlucks tend to be less formal events, which can bring an air of relaxation and mirth (especially when that really cute girl you told your friend to invite brings a spectacular dessert). Among the downsides are guests sometimes feeling obligated to make something "good" or "homemade", which can be testing for those culinarily-challenged, and making sure that not everyone brings the same or similar item. Nobody wants a meal of a dozen Caesar salads.

In general, potlucks are good event to plan if 1) cost is an issue, 2) you may be expecting a relatively large crowd and do not have the resources to prepare for them, 3) guests you invite enjoy cooking/baking, or 4) individuals who you would invite to such an event would actually enjoy it, as in, for example, no outrageously picky eaters. They are also a good basis for themed parties, where everyone brings a theme food item (eg East Asian cuisine, dessert). Or you can turn some other party into a potluck just by asking beforehand that guests bring particular items, which eases the obligation of the host. The biggest question you should ask yourself before organizing a potluck-style event is "Will this go over well with the guests I intend to invite?". If the answer is a no, perhaps consider something else.

I'll conclude with some general tips for potluck or potluck-esque events.

• Make sure you ask guests about allergies or dietary restrictions beforehand so guests know not to bring particular dishes. Don't invite a vegan to a "meatluck".
• Ask guests ahead what they plan on preparing. This is to avoid having multiples of the same dish, and to add some variety and balance to the meal.
• With any party or event, invite your guests carefully. Inviting people who have no interest in cooking or enjoying other people's food will likely lead to a downer of a time, so make sure you invite individuals with whom you will have a good time with.
  
• On the other side of the coin, do not be too draconian when asking what individuals bring. If they do not like cooking or really don't want to prepare a certain dish, don't force them to. This could put a strain on your enjoyment and theirs at the actual event.
  
• If necessary, establish who will bring needed non-food items (cutlery, cups, corkscrews, etc).
• Make sure there's enough food and drink to for the guests invited. Usually, in my experiences, this is not a problem, but it could potentially be if people cop out and bring nothing but napkins or a bag of chips.
  
• If necessary, establish beforehand what happens to leftovers when everyone has eaten. This can lead to surprisingly tricky situations, so make sure that people know what the deal is.
  
• Be polite, courteous and have fun!