What is it with Americans and pot-lucks?

[Anonymous]

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?

[Anonymous]

Agree! I like hosting, but when I'm going to someone's house, I prefer to be duty-free!

[Anonymous]

I hate potlucks. I am always skeeved out by food handling in food that comes in weird containers.

My company likes to cheap out by having potlucks. Gross.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

In the past 5 years I've only ever been to potlucks at work. Even there, they drive me crazy. I HATE having to lug food to work (I walk to work, not convenient). I don't like trying all the weird foods and there ends up being too many apps & desserts and never enough main courses. Cheap government offices...

I think a potluck is okay if it's family only in a park

[Anonymous]

When we have people over we provide all food and drink. However, when we were young and poor pot lucks were standard. The same people always hosted since they had the space and willingness, but pot luck would relieve the financial burden on the hosts. I really like pot lucks - always a chance to try new things. Anymore, the only pot lucks we go to are the neighborhood block parties and holiday things at work. And last minute get together - everyone brings what they were going to serve their family and we all share. Since these things pop up within a few hours of a meal, no one really has time to plan to feed a group.

[Anonymous]

We we invite people for casual, eat outside, kids play, type of meals, we provide two options for main course, 2 sides, and something for dessert, also soft drinks, wine, & one junk drink per child. Guests usually ask if they can bring something, we tell them what we are having and they can if they want but no pressure. So many of our friends or their kids are super picky (there are some legit allergy issues) that it gives them an option to bring something they know their family will eat. For example, I have one friend whose children will only eat a certain brands like Ruffles and not Lays potato chip or only Kraft Mac & Cheese instead of homemade

[Anonymous]

Confession: I only eat what I make at a potluck, with a possible exception of a taste or two of crackers. Some joker always brings crackers.

I eat a meal in advance, help myself to soda and water and otherwise get the eating part of the event over ASAP.

I'm a control freak, dangerously allergic (really allergic, like 9-1-1 call allergic, not gluten-makes-me bloat "allergic") and for fun, have an eating-disordered past. Plus, if I don't know you, how do I know how clean your kitchen is?

I hate potlucks. Make them stop.

[Anonymous]

I love potlucks! I love all of the random food that you can try.

[Anonymous]

Some of you people are super uptight.

[Anonymous]

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!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Confession: I only eat what I make at a potluck, with a possible exception of a taste or two of crackers. Some joker always brings crackers.

I eat a meal in advance, help myself to soda and water and otherwise get the eating part of the event over ASAP.

I'm a control freak, dangerously allergic (really allergic, like 9-1-1 call allergic, not gluten-makes-me bloat "allergic") and for fun, have an eating-disordered past. Plus, if I don't know you, how do I know how clean your kitchen is?

I hate potlucks. Make them stop.

This is why I usually bring store brought to a potluck at my DD school. I never know how my cooking/tastes will be recieved.

But amoung family, I always bring something homemade. And I enjoy doing it.

To each his own.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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?

I don't want to start a flame, but it seems that people of foreign culture place a higher importance on treating their guests well, and are willing to spend some $$ and effort toward this. Americans are more laid-back. Burgers, hotdogs, coleslaw and macaroni salad - bam, you're done, what a great meal.
That said, in my (immigrant, 15+ years in US) house I have potlucks when I want to host a get-together "just because" or for a holiday celebrated in USA or in our culture of origin. For birthdays or anniversaries, of course, I prepare the entire meal, though guests may bring a bottle of wine or some chocolates.

[Anonymous]

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