Every single event hosted by ourselves and our friends is a "pot luck." The host does the main course and drinks. The rest of us pitch in for dessert and sides. Single men often bring before dinner "snacks" of interesting nibbles they bought out. It's easy with group texting. Everyone brings wine or interesting beer. Is there another way?

I'm not a potluck fan either. But I do think it's totally fine if it's the end of season soccer party or something similar.

Anonymous wrote:I agree with potluck haters. If you're going to host, then be a freaking host. You're responsible for the main course and basic stuff like plates, cups etc. If someone offers, I think it's fine to ask for low effort items (wine, dessert, salad).

The only exception is if it's a group event and it's truly just someone offering a house.

This!! Don't expect others to help host your party. If you're not up for hosting, then don't! Potlucks are so tacky.

I hate it when people "host" a potluck. I put out the spread when I invite you over, but when you invite me you make me bring a dish? Just no. It's rude and tacky.

I'm sorry, it's all about seeing the people at a party, not about the potluck food. I don't ever expect that I'll have a good meal and I could care less if I don't. I bring something nice and a large portion of it, but by no means am I under the impression everyone else will. Don't go if it bothers you.

I completely agree OP. It's so disappointing because they can be fantastic if people would put in the time and effort. At one potluck I hosted, someone brought a half-eaten cake.

Anonymous wrote:There is no such thing as a nice potluck. Maybe they people bringing lame things are protesting the potluck "party".

Bingo. When we host. We host. When our friends host. They host. We take turns and the food, drinks, atmosphere is always great.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My only complaint about potlucks are the people who bring the sam's/Costco mini-quiches. We've all had them one time, we all know they are bland and dry. Don't being them.

What? I love these

me too! Just put a dollop of finely shredded cheese on them and they're great. That said I really hate it when I'm invited to a party, accept the invitation and then a couple days later am given a food assignment. It's like oh...I didn't realize I was accepting a potluck invitation or that there would be an admission price for your shitty party. If you want to do a potluck, tell people up front that's what it is so they can make a decision with all the information at hand. There are lots of reasons someone might not want to go to a potluck...like it's held on Friday right after work and there isn't enough time to go to the store during the week and whip something up.

Anonymous wrote:My only complaint about potlucks are the people who bring the sam's/Costco mini-quiches. We've all had them one time, we all know they are bland and dry. Don't being them.

What? I love these

I always wonder how clean their kitchen and cleaning habits are before digging into a random dish.

I agree with potluck haters. If you're going to host, then be a freaking host. You're responsible for the main course and basic stuff like plates, cups etc. If someone offers, I think it's fine to ask for low effort items (wine, dessert, salad).

The only exception is if it's a group event and it's truly just someone offering a house.

I totally agree! The worst people, though, are the people who bring NOTHING! I don't get that at all.

Our potlucks are typically for things like the end of season party for a sport or Girl Scouts. I've hosted many of them over the years because we can accommodate large numbers of people in our house. I go above and beyond and cover the cups, plates, silverware, drinks and a dish or two.

Others bring a crappy bag of carrots...not even a plate with it. Or they bring a tiny bowl of rice and 3 extra family members. Really?

Last year I did pizza to make it easy on everyone. Only ONE family offered to give me any money to offset the costs. It really makes me shake my head.

With that said, I have learned my lesson. No more hosting for me!

Anonymous wrote:I'm with the potluck-haters. If you want to invite me over, please just pick a nice, cohesive menu that you can execute well and I will bring some wine. Don't ask me to cook food for your party and then transport it there and then figure out what to do with leftovers, dishes, etc. Ugh.

+1
I'm happy to bring dessert from a bakery, too. Don't expect someone to cook for your freaking potluck. Or specify the guests must bring homemade food, thus way I'll know to stay home.

I HATE the chip and carrot people. It seems as though they're usually the ones who are unashamed to eat most of the food. My solution, "bring you any homemade dish! I'll have (the main) here are some suggestions (a crudite platter, a dip with chips -just one of each please! some sides, etc. let me know in advance so we don't have doubles!) if you can't cook feel free to bring wine or beer instead.

Sorry, that was supposed to be posted in the Frederick thread, I don't know what the hell just happened. I am lame. Carry on.