My crowd is mostly in their 50s. When we all get together, it's definitely potluck. Even though we can all afford the cost of hosting the entire crowd, we didn't start out that way and potlucks allowed someone to host without the burden of provisioning - and back then it would have been a burden. The point is to enjoy each others company and spread the work so no one is fussing in the kitchen while other's are socializing. My crowd also tends to clean up afterwards as well. We also gather at someone's home after a baby is born (not many now that we're in our 50s). 'Guests' brought the entire meal (sometimes cooking it in the home of the 'host'), put away/froze the leftovers and cleaned up. I love those people!

FWIW, when it's just a couple people over for dinner/the game, it's not a potluck. The host provides all the food but most guests bring a bottle of wine or a 6 pack - those are consumed/opened while guests are there.

I don't think they are tacky by definition. People can definitely be tacky in their use of potlucks, though.
I tend not to do potlucks when I host just because I enjoy cooking. Many people seem to feel more comfortable bringing something, and I don't turn them down (or don't try harder than one "No need" -- if they persist, I say whatever they bring is welcome.)
And potlucks can be a really wonderful way to get together when needed. I recently was to host a BBQ for a bunch of friends but injured my knee the week before. I emailed and asked if we could do a potluck since I was not in any condition to do a lot of cooking/food prep. Everyone chipped in and it was really kind of them. They brought food for the BBQ and everyone single person also brought something else to go in my fridge for later. Really sweet!

Anonymous wrote:People on here are always complaining about not having friends, not feeling connected, family problems..... Well if you don't go to potlucks, sprinkles, or anything that involves Saran Wrap, weddings where invites come with registries, or any event that comes with a registry, destination weddings, etc etc because you think they're tacky and beneath you-- then why would you think anyone would want to hang out with you?

So true.

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

So sorry your friends don't know how to cook.

In my circle of friends we all have our own dishes we are good at making; therefore we typically have potluck often.

The friend who doesn't cook brings the non-alcoholic beverages. We're in our 30's and it's pretty standard to bring your own bottle of wine or cognac.

Anonymous wrote:I love potlucks...... but only with my close friends and family who I know have clean kitchens and sanitary cooking practices. Other times the food might look good (and I'l even serve myself) I'll take a bite but hope it's clean and it's not enjoyable (in my brain) but my mouth will be happy-- the dilemma!

Oh, sweetie. You must never eat at restaurants, then.

We host potlucks all the time! Especially when we're expecting a big crowd. Bring a dish, bring some booze to share, whatever!

Our neighborhood block party was a potluck, as was the end of year school party, and the Halloween gathering. My husband and I work, and if it weren't for potlucks we wouldn't entertain "crowds" as much as we do due largely to time available to prep and--cumulatively over time--cost. Folks who want to come, do, and those who don't, well, "you lose!"

We also host intimate gatherings for friends where we do all the work, so to speak.

But most of our friendships are very casual and close. We don't have any pretentions, and that's how we like it. Open door policy, leave your ego at the door, or at least give it some beer or wine take off the edge a bit.

I don't think they are tacky, but hate them since I can't cook well.

People on here are always complaining about not having friends, not feeling connected, family problems..... Well if you don't go to potlucks, sprinkles, or anything that involves Saran Wrap, weddings where invites come with registries, or any event that comes with a registry, destination weddings, etc etc because you think they're tacky and beneath you-- then why would you think anyone would want to hang out with you?

I'm grossed out by potlucks, but that's on me. it's mostly work potlucks that have my mind racing with all the possible ways the various dishes are contaminated. I do love potlucks with my neighbors because it's much more relaxed for everyone. One person isn't stuck making all the food and we can spend more time hanging out as a group.

Anything with a lot of Tupperware and Saran Wrap has a bit of tackiness to it, but who cares.

I love potlucks...... but only with my close friends and family who I know have clean kitchens and sanitary cooking practices. Other times the food might look good (and I'l even serve myself) I'll take a bite but hope it's clean and it's not enjoyable (in my brain) but my mouth will be happy-- the dilemma!

I don't think they're tacky.

We usually take drinks with us, too. We're well over the cut off age of 28 or whatever.

My brother had an outdoor wedding with a potluck dinner. It was fun and relaxed. Best wedding I've ever been to actually.

I've been part of a church group who provided the luncheons for funerals. We decided the menu ahead of time though and everyone was assigned something to bring. It wasn't really potluck. Usually just sandwiches and squares.