I think its tacky. It's not that hard to put together a nice simple meal.

I don't think potlucks are tacky in general, especially if one person in a family or group of friends has the space to host the group more comfortably than the rest. I do think it's tacky to throw a gift-giving party for yourself or your spouse, etc., and ask people to bring a dish. For example, my cousin's wedding was potluck!

My cousin moved to some fancy Atlanta suburb a few years ago. One of the things he remarked about as being different (we're white UMC from the Midwest) was that when you go to someone's house for a cookout, rather than bringing a six pack or whatever to add to the cooler, each family brings their own cooler full of drinks to be consumed by that family only. Maybe a cultural thing?

But no, I don't think there is anything tacky about potlucks, but as a host I always provide meat and some drinks.

They're not tacky but I do prefer them for a brunch, cookout etc. where it is easier to have dishes brought by various people go together. For a dinner, the combinations sometimes don't work.

Anonymous wrote:Whenever I go to a potluck I bring a mess of tscos in a sack so that I can just eat those.

Now THAT'S tacky. You show them.

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's tacky I just think it is gross: mishmash of food that doesn't go together all on one plate. There's a reason why restaurants think about flavors that work together...

My, how absolutely dreadful! And to have to mix with the plebes while your food hasn't been thoughtfully chosen by a chef!

Whenever I go to a potluck I bring a mess of tscos in a sack so that I can just eat those.

I love a potluck. The bring your own drinks is a bit odd; usually the host provides that.

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's tacky I just think it is gross: mishmash of food that doesn't go together all on one plate. There's a reason why restaurants think about flavors that work together...

You do know you don't have to put it all on your plate, yes? And you do realize that some thoughtful hosts make thoughtful suggestions, once people have volunteered to help. So if the host knows Kim is bringing brownies, and Emily also volunteers to bring dessert, she can suggest somehting non-chocolate.

No, they are not tacky by default. But if is the ONLY way you entertain after the age of 25, time to branch out a bit.

For very large groups of people who are connected, it's a great way to see everyone without any one person/family going to too much trouble. My husband's college friends get together a few times a year, and families are welcome. The sheer volume of people means that potluck style makes the most sense.

BUT, I think, personally, that the host should provide basics of just about every category. That way, every general type of food/drink is covered, so if someone ends up not bringing what they were supposed to, or shows up with a store-bought pie, you've got something decent, no matter what.

I don't think it's tacky I just think it is gross: mishmash of food that doesn't go together all on one plate. There's a reason why restaurants think about flavors that work together...

I think it so much depends on the host and how they word the invitation. If they act like they are doing you a huge favor by throwing hot dogs on the grill, and they expect others to bring absolutely everything else required for a meal, that's annoying and tacky. If they are gracious and thoughtful and you like them, not such a big deal.

Plenty on dcum say yes it is tacky, but I think it depends on your circle of friends. We have five other families with whom we regularly socialize as a group as our kids are friends as well. Only one or two of the families typically host at their homes so it has become very standard for us to essentially potluck. Jane is famous for her baking so always brings dessert. Joe is a big craft beer aficionado so he brings a lot of the alcohol. It works for us and doesn't place the full financial burden or effort of prepping food for 20 people on the same people constantly.

Then don't go for god's sake.

Yeesh.

Lots of threads on what's tacky and what's not. Do you find potlucks tacky?

In general, I do not. However, I've just been invited to a potluck whose invitation asked that guests bring a side dish AND their own drinks. The dish I get, and I probably would have brought a bottle of wine to be polite, but for it to be expected that I'll bring everything I'll drink too?? I think it's tacky.