BYOG – Bring Your Own Grub
Potluck parties, or bring-your-own-grub, as I like to call it, is a fun and (dare I say, ) cheap way for anyone to host a party for any occasion. It’s an ideal solution for hosts to gather their friends around for a good night together without the hassle of organizing a formal party with the food catering/cooking Each guest is encouraged to contribute a dish of food or drinks to the party, ensuring plenty of food for the guests.
Of course, you can’t just invite people and expect them to bring an assortment of goodies. Without prior consultation with the guests, you may just end up with an Empire State Building-high stack of takeout pizzas and ice cream, or 5 big bowls of salads and 10 bottles of wine, you know what I mean. You can discuss with each guest the food category they can contribute, or they may have a signature dish they are willing to make. Make sure all the bases are covered, from the meats to the salads to the rice/noodles, cakes and other desserts. This way, everyone gets to eat an assortment of food, and reduces the chances of leftovers.
As the host, it is your duty to prepare all utensils and crockery before the guests arrive. Your guests may bring their food stored in plastic containers, so it is best for you to prepare plates or bowls for quick transfers / re-heating when they arrive. This will make the food on the table more presentable. I find it easier for the host to prepare the drinks too, especially the chilled ones like soda and beer. Nobody likes to drink half-chilled or lukewarm beer.
Don’t forget the kids! Remember to prepare snacks or little games for guests who will bring their little ones to the party.
In the end, it’s the fun in organizing and eating with friends that make potluck parties a blast!
Tags: potluck
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