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1. Send out invites and create an event signup sheet so no one brings doubles under threat of a slow, painful death!
2. Set a strict rule about allowing only plate-friendly dishes so you won't have to bother with bowls. (Sorry, soup!)
3. Ban super-spicy dishes...unless this is a Buffalo wing-specific potluck. And if so, invite me plz?!
4. Don't forget to list desserts on your sign-up sheet.
5. Ask someone to bring non-food essentials like paper towels, napkins, plates, cups, etc. (Like maybe your friend who can't cook?)
6. Set the table with white tablecloths you can bleach later because someone, SOMEONE will spill stuff all over it.
7. Prep dish and drink labels for stuff that guests signed up to bring with metallic tape and index cards.
8. Make servingware easily accessible so guests won't go hunting in your kitchen drawers for a fork.
9. Keep dips, casseroles, and a gazillion other dishes at the perfect temp -- even hours after you cooked them -- in an Instant Pot.
10. Have several veggie-based sides to help fulfill everyone's dietary preferences.
11. Invest in the Old Faithful of dinner parties -- a card table set -- if what you have won't comfortably seat your number of guests.
12. And maybe also invest in this folding table that'll sidle up neatly to a wall as the perfect buffet surface.
13. Instead of fooling with a made-to-order cocktail selection, opt for a big-batch drink recipe.
14. Set up a self-serve wine station with whites and rosés in a cooler and keep table wine at the perfect temp with a Corkcicle.
15. Turn any flat surface into a primo banquet with this trivet table runner that looks pretty, works hard.
16. Over prepare with a set of serving spoons because no living human ever just happened to own enough serving spoons for a potluck's worth of dishes.
17. Don't forget about spatulas! It's wise to buy a few extras, too.
18. Show up with a bottle of something the host will drink in hand -- even if you didn't RSVP for it.
19. Keep seasonally appropriate dishes in mind before you commit to bringing your famous sweet potato casserole to a July family reunion luncheon.
20. Volunteer to bring something that can easily stay hot or cold and transport it in a way to help with that.
21. When picking a potluck dish, keep in mind that something with a high-fat content or cheese is a crowd-pleaser 99.9% of the time.
22. Go simple. If you have to explain your dish, people will be afraid to eat it.
23. DO NOT under any circumstances bring a crudite tray. If you're dead set on a tray, make it a cheese and/or meat tray.
24. Don't ask the host for ingredients or equipment for your dish. Either bring it made, or all the stuff you need to make it.
25. If you can't cook, volunteer to pick up something ~tasty~ or bring non-food essentials like napkins, cups, or utensils.
26. Tote along enough trivets for your dishes.
27. Let someone else be the worst guest at the pot luck.
28. Never leave behind another casserole dish by divvying up your dish's leftovers in some takeout containers for the host and other guests.
Get ready to floor everyone with your superior potluck skills.
