there, there Potluck

JennluvsPaul

I am confused.

 

I got this zany idea for a potluck. My question is...how the heck do you put a potluck together without hosting it? I mean, if I am "hosting" the potluck, then how do I put the whole thing together, without breaching etiquette that if you are hosting, you should never have your guests provide anything. How can you not be a guest if I am telling you that the potluck is at my house?

 Or does no one care as long as the potluck is not for a wedding?

Sorry, I am trying to finish my philosophy paper, and I have been spending too much time on the Etiquette board. 

6fsn

I'm not anti-potluck, but I think it depends on the reason for the party.  If it's to celebrate something for my kid or husband or for a shower I'm not going to do potluck.  I guess if there is a "guest of honor" it shoulnd't be potluck.  If there are a group of you saying you should get together or it's a 4th of July picnic potlucks are fine. 

I'd think of yourself as the coordinator.  Supply paper products, n/a drinks, your home, and a main course and just tell people to bring a side or dessert or app.  My friend does a 4th party, she'll send out an e-mail and just say something like "it's party time, I'll man the grill for some burgers in dogs.  You bring your favorite side or dessert." 

I would be prepared to fill in some stuff or direct some of your closer friends to a specific item in case everyone brings a side.

JennluvsPaul

Thanks! I just couldn't wrap my head around saying "Hey everyone, I'm hosting a potluck" because I realized that technically to "host a potluck" is an oxymoron. (can you even have an oxymoron with three words?) And "hey guys I am organizing, and providing my home for, but am technically not hosting, a potluck!" seemed too wordy, lol. 

  

Wine Enthusiast

I fully agree with 6.  I have done many potluck style parties for holidays (Memorial/Labor Day, 4th of July, Halloween, etc) but I would never consider it for a birthday party, house warming or shower.

If you have a group of family/friends that respond well to evite, I always use punchbowl for potluck parties because they have potluck list within the evite.  Everyone can sign up for something if they wish, and everyone can view it so there aren't as many duplicates.  You can even set up whatever categories you want people to sign up for.  This has always worked well with my guest list but I could see that it wouldn't work for everyone.

TarHeels&Rebels

Ha, I felt the same way when I hosted my first potluck in the fall.  "Wait...what do I do?"  Just make your home fabulous and serve the most complicated thing yourself so that someone else doesn't have to travel with it (sometimes a main, sometimes beverages if you want a fancy punch or hot cocoa, etc).