What is it with Americans and pot-lucks?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would much rather bring an appetizer than have to come up with some annoying hostess gift that the person probably doesn't want.

Bottle of wine. Done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a guest, wouldn't you have brought a bottle of wine, flowers, candle, etc. to the host of the party anyway? So what if you bring a dip or side dish? Big whoop!

A hostess gift isn't always required. Whereas at a potluck you HAVE to bring a dish. I always have wine on hand, I don't always have a dessert, app or side dish ready to go. I grocery shop with my weekly menu in mind and don't always have tons of extra food I can make without having to run to the grocery store.

Ahem...Emily Post disagrees with you:
http://www.emilypost.com/social-life/hosts-and-guests/772-should-i-bring-a-hostess-gift

Unless you consider the dinner "formal", looks as if you should always bring a small gift.

[Anonymous]

Please move home, OP.

[Anonymous]

I agree, they are horrible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please move home, OP.

I have to leave the country because I don't like potlucks?

[Anonymous]

I was born American. When my DH and I host, we spend a lot of money on food and drink, spend a lot of energy cooking and preparing a nice table, spend time cleaning and ensuring the place is ready for hosting. We treat our guests well. However, we also sometimes have people over where someone is bringing the dessert, another person is bringing an appetizer, and another person is bringing a side or some wine, etc. Sometimes it's more casual like that. We don't host or are rarely invited to completely-random potlucks, except in connection with work or with DC's school. But I kind of love the randomness of potlucks! I view it like tapas: a little bit of a bunch of different things. And with potluck, there's always something or other that DC will find acceptable to eat.

[Anonymous]

I love potlucks. Lots of variety and lots of subjects for small talk.

[Anonymous]

When I host I have a menu/theme/ a feel to the party in mind and don't want random things showing up.

I don't mind an occasional pot luck. In our neighborhood, however, seems like it's done so there's no obligation to anyone - no obligation to return an invitation. Just sort of blah.

[Anonymous]

Generally when we have friends over I cook the main meal and one family brings a salad and the other brings dessert. I'm in a dinner-club type thing and we rotate houses once a month and this is the format. It makes it less expensive to host, and also a little easier (less to make).

[Anonymous]

Nobody ever brings anything good. Ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nobody ever brings anything good. Ever.

I do. Always.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Generally when we have friends over I cook the main meal and one family brings a salad and the other brings dessert. I'm in a dinner-club type thing and we rotate houses once a month and this is the format. It makes it less expensive to host, and also a little easier (less to make).

If this is a rotating thing, I just don't get it. You could host properly once and then just be a guest and not do anything a few times instead of having to do something every time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand why people invite me over to their place for a pot-luck. People are such poor hosts. When we have people over we ensure that their is sufficient food and drink for all - and we certainly don't impose on our guests to bring part of the food.

We are all adults now. If you don't have the time to make something (which I don't really get, but whatever) can't you at least pick up some sides from a store or restaurant?

It's not just an "Americans" thing you know.

The countries I've lived don't do it, which are:

Germany
Switzerland
Austria
India
UAE
Saudi
Brazil


So, which ones do potluck like Americans? Only place I've ever encountered it is here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nobody ever brings anything good. Ever.

I do. Always.

Okay, what do you bring?

[Anonymous]