Thanksgiving Potluck Tips

Thanksgiving is such a large meal that many people prefer to share the cooking duties by hosting a potluck dinner in which everyone brings a different dish. If you're in charge of planning this sort of celebration, here are some things to think about:

• Start with the cooking assignments. You don't want seven sweet potato dishes and no mashed potatoes, so it's important to split up the menu. Send out an email to all your guests and divide up the meal by last name. For example, last names that start with A to E should bring a whole grain side, last names that start with F to K should bring a vegetable side, etc.
• You make the turkey. Since it takes several hours to roast and is not easy to transport, the host of the potluck should make the turkey.

Get more suggestions after the jump.

• The host should provide light appetizers. You'll want to have something for guests to nibble on when they arrive. Set out a wedge of cheese and roasted walnuts. Then make sure the people who are assigned to bring appetizers are punctual!
• Make an oven plan. After you've figured out who is bringing what, send out another email and find out who needs to use your oven.
• Ask each guest to bring a beverage of his or her choice: a bottle of wine, beer, sparkling cider, etc. Designate an area of your house as the bar and set out ice, glasses, and buckets.

Is your Thanksgiving experience a potluck? Please share your tips with us below!