Better Luck With Potluck!

Have you ever gone to a potluck and felt a bit...unlucky? There was food, but no plates; ice—no drinks; meat—no sides or worse, sides—no meat. Well here are some tips you can use to ensure that your event will run smoother.

First, and most important if you are the host, you should plan the menu; at least a main dish and 2 sides (or more, depending on the number of guests you are expecting). The host will provide guests a category, such as meat dishes, veggies, desserts, etc., to choose from. This way a variety of foods can be expected.

Second, try to collect non-perishable items a day or two before the potluck, such as plates, napkins, plastic utensils, and beverages. This will assist the host when setting up the table and with the early guests who may want to “taste test” food already prepared.

Third, the host should be greeting guests as they come in, and have a designated area for coats and purses. This helps the host to get a closer look at these items so she can know which friends to ask to borrow something from later. :-) Just Kidding!!!

Also, the host should be explaining the setup of the event, including where trash is to be placed, and introducing guests that may not know everyone to avoid any awkwardness. Yes, this is the host's slick way of playing matchmaker!!! Don’t fret, have fun with it!!!

And lastly, don’t forget to eat as well, and enjoy your guests!

Served Cold

There can be lots of hustle and bustle when having friends and family over to visit. Have you ever found yourself too busy to enjoy your company because you have other things that must be done to keep the party flowing?

I once had a client who decided to rid herself of at least one very important task/chore, and that was cooking. She hired me to cook for her luncheon and wanted every dish to be served cold. This way, when her guest arrived, her only responsibility would be serving the meal. No reheating.

On the menu:
Wild Alaskan Poached Lemon Salmon and a homemade Honey Mustard Sauce
Mixed baby green salad with blueberries, walnut and a homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Basil Corn Salad made with fresh cooked corn from the cob
Dill Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Zest

My client was very delighted to enjoy the company of her guest without having to labor over the needed preparations. While everyone was eating their cold meal, she received warm reviews about all of the food served!

The Picky Eater

One weekend, my husband and I were invited over to the home of a few friends for a potluck. I was asked to bring a potato salad. I prepared it, and when we arrived my husband carried the bowl inside telling a friend that he slaved in the kitchen over it. Hmm…I can't say that I remember it that way :-).

All of the food there was the great! This couple has a tradition where they grill fish that the husband catches. It was fabulous! While the guest sat eating in different areas of the house, a woman came to me and began telling me how much her husband enjoyed the potato salad. He’s an extremely picky eater, and yet he asked her to find out who made the dish and to get the recipe.

Needless to say, I was very encouraged to receive such high praise from a "picky eater".