POTLUCK PARTY TIPS
Summer is all about the potluck party, and I’ve got some potluck party tips to make your next potluck easy and, of course, delicious!
Actually, MOST parties tend to be all about the potluck: from Memorial to Labor Day, Halloween to Christmas, concerts in the park to picnics in the beach, not to mention weekend gatherings with friends.
What makes potlucks so appealing?
A potluck makes life a bit easier for the host of the party. It can be INCREDIBLY overwhelming to cook for a large crowd. There are tables to set, candles to light, a house to clean, linens to iron (not in my house, but this might be happening in yours), bar to stockโฆ..the list can go on, and on.
Not to mention, you also need to plan the meal and cook the food. Trying to figure out what to cook can be overwhelming and time consuming because, letโs be honest, the food is what people will remember. They might have a vague recollection of the cute napkins or matching plates, but what IS guaranteed is your guests WILL remember the salad they kept going back for seconds for, the bbq that was the perfect char, and the dessert that provided the perfect about of sweet at the end of it all.
Here are some rules I think every potluck dish should have:
* It should be as delicious cold as it is warm. (I’m looking at you grilled salmon!)
* A dish that wonโt spoil in the heat. (There’s a reason most people stay away from the creamy potato salad on a hot, sunny day!)
* Easily transportable. (which means it wonโt spill all over the inside of your car when your driving to the party)
* It should appeal to the majority of the guests. (fois gras is fabulous, but not everyone loves it)
* And my favorite rule of all: you should be able to make it ahead of time, so you can spend time with your friends and not in the kitchen.
To help you out for your next potluck, here are some of my favorite (and most requested) dishes, just in time for Labor Day weekend.
Click on the links to go straight to the menus and recipes.
Below is one of my “go to” dessert recipes I make all summer long. It’s super easy, crazy delicious and can be made ahead of time.
I’m so excited you’re cooking one of my recipes, so don’t leave me hanging — tag your pics #amenuforyou so I can see what’s cookin’ in your kitchen!
Appetizers:
Prosciutto and Ricotta Baguette Bites
Salads:
Radicchio, Fennel and Olive Panzanella
Desserts:
Grilled Corn Salad with Hazelnuts and Mint
BLACKBERRY DUMP CAKE