When potluck fails, is it okay to ask guests for cash contributions?
ADVERTISEMENT
Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!
When potluck fails, is it okay to ask guests for cash contributions?
There’s a group of friends who regularly post about their potluck dinners and I am hooked. Each guest brings food that starts with the first letter of their name. If it was me, I could bring a variety of options, from adobo to apple pie.
There’s a group of friends who regularly post about their potluck dinners and I am hooked. Each guest brings food that starts with the first letter of their name. If it was me, I could bring a variety of options, from adobo to apple pie.
But in reality, potlucks are not as fun and stress-free as their monthly posts suggest, especially for the one hosting. To make sure we are all on the same page, when I write potluck, I refer to a communal gathering. It can be for friends or family or both, and guests contribute by bringing a dish or dessert. It used to be these were homemade or their own special recipes, but now store-bought food (and drinks) are welcome too.
But in reality, potlucks are not as fun and stress-free as their monthly posts suggest, especially for the one hosting. To make sure we are all on the same page, when I write potluck, I refer to a communal gathering. It can be for friends or family or both, and guests contribute by bringing a dish or dessert. It used to be these were homemade or their own special recipes, but now store-bought food (and drinks) are welcome too.
Because it is informal, it’s difficult to confirm the right number of people coming. Those last-minute confirmations and cancellations can be nerve-wracking. Plus you have to chase guests for what they are bringing, and pray that they will be bringing enough.
Because it is informal, it’s difficult to confirm the right number of people coming. Those last-minute confirmations and cancellations can be nerve-wracking. Plus you have to chase guests for what they are bringing, and pray that they will be bringing enough.
As someone who hates leftovers, my workaround has been to just tell people to come with their appetites. This is not exactly good for my wallet, which is also why I avoid hosting as much as humanly possible. If it’s your potluck turn for a get-together soon, here are some tips that can make it more budget-friendly for you and for everyone.
As someone who hates leftovers, my workaround has been to just tell people to come with their appetites. This is not exactly good for my wallet, which is also why I avoid hosting as much as humanly possible. If it’s your potluck turn for a get-together soon, here are some tips that can make it more budget-friendly for you and for everyone.
ADVERTISEMENT
#1 Pick a neutral place
You can be the host, but you don’t have to do it at your home. Try a nearby park, or village center, or any common area that’s free or affordable. When you have potluck at a neutral place, like the community swimming pool, guests are more understanding that RSVP is important. And because it’s not your home, your pantry is not going to be abused. Everyone will know they have to plan better, from the number of plates, spoons, forks and cups, to available drinks and more.
You can be the host, but you don’t have to do it at your home. Try a nearby park, or village center, or any common area that’s free or affordable. When you have potluck at a neutral place, like the community swimming pool, guests are more understanding that RSVP is important. And because it’s not your home, your pantry is not going to be abused. Everyone will know they have to plan better, from the number of plates, spoons, forks and cups, to available drinks and more.
#2 Make the potluck fun
Some guests know their assignment, but others need to be reminded, again and again. Think of a fun way to assign the food and drinks. You could borrow the idea from the blogging friends who use the first letter of their names, or try the cities where they live, or the schools they attend. Another way is to do one relatable word and assign to guests. For example, if you are celebrating a graduation, assign guests to each letter of that word. This way, everyone gets an assignment, and it’s pretty obvious when one comes empty-handed.
Some guests know their assignment, but others need to be reminded, again and again. Think of a fun way to assign the food and drinks. You could borrow the idea from the blogging friends who use the first letter of their names, or try the cities where they live, or the schools they attend. Another way is to do one relatable word and assign to guests. For example, if you are celebrating a graduation, assign guests to each letter of that word. This way, everyone gets an assignment, and it’s pretty obvious when one comes empty-handed.
#3 Offer to cover one thing
As host, you have the chance to choose what you want to bring. Choose wisely as you will be expected to be generous about this. If you will cover drinks, you may be expected to offer a variety, from water to soda to juices to adult drinks. Some go big and offer to serve lechon, or pasta, or chicken. Just know that whichever you choose, guests will expect they can all enjoy it, and possibly even take some home.
As host, you have the chance to choose what you want to bring. Choose wisely as you will be expected to be generous about this. If you will cover drinks, you may be expected to offer a variety, from water to soda to juices to adult drinks. Some go big and offer to serve lechon, or pasta, or chicken. Just know that whichever you choose, guests will expect they can all enjoy it, and possibly even take some home.
#4 Ask for volunteers
There’s no shame in asking for help. Ask if anyone can help set up the serving area, label the dishes, manage cleanup, even plan party games. The more pairs of hands you have, the less pressure on you, and the better the chances you will actually enjoy the party. You might discover that your guests are actually more than willing to help, but hesitate to offer.
There’s no shame in asking for help. Ask if anyone can help set up the serving area, label the dishes, manage cleanup, even plan party games. The more pairs of hands you have, the less pressure on you, and the better the chances you will actually enjoy the party. You might discover that your guests are actually more than willing to help, but hesitate to offer.
#5 Prepare for leftovers
More often than not, potlucks have leftovers. It could be the dishes that were not crowd favorites, or some miscommunication so you have spaghetti and palabok and pancit canton. As host, you should have containers ready for guests so they can bring back the extra food (and you are not stuck with all of them). You can also make this as one of potluck assignments, as containers have cost too.
More often than not, potlucks have leftovers. It could be the dishes that were not crowd favorites, or some miscommunication so you have spaghetti and palabok and pancit canton. As host, you should have containers ready for guests so they can bring back the extra food (and you are not stuck with all of them). You can also make this as one of potluck assignments, as containers have cost too.
Or just ask for cash
If you have tried these tips and are still looking at potluck fail (guests not confirming on time if coming and what they are bringing), then yes it’s okay to ask for cash. Frame it as your way of helping to better plan the dishes and also so guests won’t have to cook or buy. Look for a caterer within your budget and tell everyone the cost per head, then ask them to pay 2 weeks before the event.
If you have tried these tips and are still looking at potluck fail (guests not confirming on time if coming and what they are bringing), then yes it’s okay to ask for cash. Frame it as your way of helping to better plan the dishes and also so guests won’t have to cook or buy. Look for a caterer within your budget and tell everyone the cost per head, then ask them to pay 2 weeks before the event.
With a caterer, you can all relax, enjoy the food and spend time chatting than setting up and cleaning up. And because payment must be made 2 weeks before, no payment means they’re not coming. And those who already paid and did not show, well then you have leftovers to share.
With a caterer, you can all relax, enjoy the food and spend time chatting than setting up and cleaning up. And because payment must be made 2 weeks before, no payment means they’re not coming. And those who already paid and did not show, well then you have leftovers to share.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
