First a little potluck history, The word potluck may be derived from the word potlatch, which is a ceremony performed by the Kwakwaka'wakw, a native tribe that lives in what is now called coastal British Columbia, Canada. The potlatch ceremony was done to show appreciation, and to display one's wealth, both spiritual and material. Central to the ceremony was the act of giving, sharing, and celebration. Potlucks in western culture are often quite similar, though perhaps not as formal or elaborate. The word's primary meaning, according to the Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, is "the regular meal available to a guest for whom no special preparations have been made." It is only in the second meaning as "a communal meal to which people bring food to share" that the definition matches our understanding of the word. The other common definition is "whatever is offered or available in given circumstances or at a given time."

Much like a picnic, a potluck meal can be easy and fun because no one person is responsible for all of the work. There are many different ways to organize a potluck supper, from assigning guests to specific categories and quantities, to asking them to simply bring something. It is usually not necessary to make a huge quantity, as potluckers tend to take a little sample of everything. What might serve six if it is the only thing in sight will easily stretch to feed 12 or 15 at a potluck meal. If you’re planning to host a potluck, or you’ve just been invited to one think about appropriate foods to bring. Remember the safe food tips that we recommended for a picnic and apply them here.

Meat that needs to be carved can be a problem unless the chef is willing to do the honours. (On the positive side, a beautiful roasted turkey or ham provided by the host can be the centrepiece of a potluck, with guests supplying side dishes and desserts.) Soups are not commonly served at potlucks, as they are temperature-sensitive and require a separate bowl or cup for each serving (although chili and chowder may be acceptable, as long as you bring some heat-resistant cups, extra spoons, and a ladle).

So have you decided to plan your own potluck? Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind.

1. Don’t expect guests to bring anything but their pot and an appetite. As host plan to provide the serving utensils, plates, cups, eating utensils, and a drink. Do not forget the ice cubes!

2. Think about assigning a clean-up crew and allow them to eat first, rewarding them beforehand will help them work harder at the end.

3. Decide where to have your potluck and take the size of the location into consideration when issuing invitations. Smaller locations would be your living or dining room, a friend’s barn or garage. Larger locations, backyards, parks are best when weather cooperates. Always have a backup plan for outdoor locations.

4. When you decide where, decide who will be invited to your potluck. Remember that potlucks are great ways to meet new friends. You may also want to invite guests who seem to share your interest by posting an invite at a local health food store, craft store, or other specialty store. If you want to invite your neighbors call it a block party.

5. There are several ways to assign people to bring dishes. One way is to indicate on the invitation that families with the last name A-H should bring side dishes/salads, I-Q bring main dishes, R-Z desserts. If you’re hosting a block party, assign food by odd or even house or apartment numbers. Also advise your guests to bring enough food for themselves and 6-8 others (a couple would bring 14-18 servings). The idea is that people will sample 6-8 dishes and serving sizes will be smaller. Dividing the categories of food will ensure that you do not have 12 different kinds of potato salad and no main courses.

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