Potluck Party

Last weekend I attended a very large Easter dinner complete with extended family and an excessive amount of food. There were over 70 people so it was a potluck. While the event had a commercial-style kitchen — complete with two ovens — it got crowded in the kitchen fast. While it may seem unnecessary to mention this, be careful when deciding what dish to volunteer. Here are some things to remember:

• If you bring appetizers: You cannot arrive to the party late. Instead you should show up a little early and at the latest, on time. Choose dishes that can be made in advance, travel well, and need as little time in the oven as possible. My appetizers required last-minute reheating and it got a little difficult when all of the guests started to arrive and bring their dishes into the kitchen.
• If you bring a main dish: You will have to leave in the middle of the party to make your dish. You should speak with the hostess or coordinator to determine what time the dinner is to begin and to figure out which oven space is yours.
• If you bring a dessert: Be happy! It's the easiest of options, especially if you make the entire dessert in advance. Avoid any dishes that involve last-minute broiling or baking. Also steer clear of desserts like ice cream that will melt.

I prefer to bring an appetizer or dessert. What do you like to bring to a potluck? Do you have any tips to add to mine? Please share below!

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Salads don't travel as well as other dishes, especially when the greens are doused in dressing or vinaigrette. When bringing a salad to a potluck, prepare all of the elements in advance. Assemble the salad later upon arrival at the dinner. To avoid a soggy salad use the following technique:

• Always wash the greens and lettuce. Even if you purchase a washed bag of greens there are so many recalls these days, it's best to take the time and wash them.
• Throughly dry the greens in a salad spinner, colander, or with paper towels and place in the serving bowl.
• Chop or dice the vegetable elements. Store in separate containers or plastic baggies and place on top of the lettuce in the bowl.



• If using an ingredient that browns easily — like avocado — wait until the last minute to cut it.
• Make the dressing or vinaigrette and store in a small Tupperware. Place on top of the salad greens.
• Cover the entire bowl with plastic wrap or foil, grab your salad tongs and head out to the party.

Got a tip for keeping salads fresh for potlucks? Please share with us below!

Use rustic, earthy tones to create an inviting table setting for your potluck dinner. Set the table the night before so that you don't have to worry the day of the party. Start by covering the table with a striped tablecloth. Use warm taupe plates and brown napkins held with gold napkin rings. A versatile clear wine goblet works well with both the blood orange punch and wine. Gold flatware makes the mood more festive. Run globe votive holders down the sides of the table and place a low floral arrangement in the middle. Make homemade placecards with twigs and pine needles. Light a fire in the fireplace and let the party begin!

Don't be afraid to ask guests to bring a wine along with their potluck dinner dish. Suggest that they bring a wine that will pair with either their specific dish or the citrus glazed ham. Pick up water and non-alcoholic beverages like soda or juice.

When guests arrive have a special cocktail ready and waiting. A punch is wonderful because you can set it up and leave it, allowing guests can help themselves. Take advantage of blood orange season, and make a blood orange punch. To see the recipe please read more

After New Year's, the last thing I feel like doing is planning another huge party. However, I want to get all of my friends together for a family style dinner, so I've decided to do a potluck. Hosting a potluck is a no-fuss way to throw a party. Start by downloading and filling in our potluck invite. Ask or assign guests to bring a side, salad, pasta, appetizer, or dessert. If one friend loves to bake, ask her to bring a dessert. Likewise, if another friend is plagued with chronic lateness, don't appoint him an appetizer.

As the hostess you should supply the main dish. A delicious citrus glazed ham will feed a crowd and is simple to make. Also, make an appetizer so when guests arrive they have something to nibble on. Little mushroom tarts are bite sized pastries that will have your guests licking their fingers. For these recipes please, read more