Holiday gatherings don’t have to be complicated, some of the sweetest moments come from simple potlucks where everyone brings one dish and shares the joy! If hosting feels overwhelming this time of year, a potluck is the perfect way to lighten the load and make the get together feel like a true team effort. We put together a few easy tips to help you host a festive, low-stress potluck this season. And when you’re ready to organize your gathering, our sister site, Perfect Potluck, makes it incredibly simple to coordinate who’s bringing what!
Credit: Mark Derse from Taste of Home
Choose a Simple Theme (Or Don’t!)
Themes keep things fun! You could do a chili night, a soup and bread night, favorite family dishes, a brunch potluck, or holiday appetizers. Having a theme gives guests direction and helps the table feel cohesive. My favorite is the “favorite family dish” theme; I’d bring this festive pigs in a blanket wreath. It’s such a fun twist on a classic!
Credit: Perfect Potluck
Let Our Sister Site, Perfect Potluck, Do the Organizing
Using our sister site Perfect Potluck is the best way to plan a potluck. You can create a quick online sign-up sheet so everyone can pick what they want to bring. It’s totally free to set up and makes the planning process so much easier. No duplicates, no guessing, and no last-minute texts asking what you still need, everything is right there in one place.
Credit: Take Them A Meal
Make One Cozy Main Dish
As the host, pick one anchor item —
• a festive salad
• a big pot of soup
• a baked pasta
• a roast chicken
Everything else can be contributed by guests, making the potluck simple and shared!
Credit: Take Them A Meal
Keep the Setup Simple
Potlucks are meant to be laid-back. Set out plates, napkins, and serving utensils, then let guests add their dishes as they arrive. A nice tablecloth, garland, and a simple centerpiece can make the space feel festive!
Credit: Walmart & Take Them A Meal
Have a Plan for Leftovers
Keep a few take-home containers around so you can send leftovers home with guests, or pack up a small container for a neighbor, a friend, or family who might be coming into town. I love bringing my casserole carrier to potlucks because it makes carrying my dish in and taking leftovers back home so easy.
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