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. The host would give gifts to all who came, feed guests, and give the opportunity for those in mourning to dance and "shake off" their grief.
Potlucks in western culture are often quite similar, though perhaps not as formal or elaborate. The act of gathering together to share abundance is a natural and sincere expression of our humanity. It affords us the opportunity to meet new people, discuss our lives and issues, laugh together, and become even more familiar and ultimately intimate with family and friends. It's pretty easy to throw a potluck, and the return on the investment of your time and energy is well worth it.
PLACE
When planning your potluck, first, think about where you can gather, and how many people you can accommodate in that space. Smaller potlucks might be held in your living and dining room. Perhaps you or a friend has a big barn or garage. If you expect nice weather and have a good-sized yard or park nearby, an indoor area isn't even necessary. Next, set a date and time. Make sure the park will be open, and your best friend isn't moving that day.
PEOPLE
After setting a date and time, invite the crowds! There are a number of different ways to do this. To meet new people, invite three or four friends and have them invite three or four friends that you don't know (watch the math, with this one). Maybe there's a local health food store, craft store, or other specialty store that would let you post an invitation (with RSVP phone number) that would attract people that shared same interests. Don't forget to invite the owner and employees! To get in touch with the people who live in the same physical area, call it a block party potluck and assign dishes by even and odd house/apartment numbers.
FOOD
Assigning dishes is another important detail. I've never been to a potluck where no one brought a dessert, but imagine the tragedy! Depending on the size of your crowd, people should bring enough for themselves and six to eight others. So, if a couple attends, they should bring enough food for 14-18 people (two servings for themselves, and six to eight each in addition). Have people bring a main dish and either a salad/veggie or dessert. The idea is that people will sample six to eight other dishes, so serving sizes are smaller. Assign a main dish plus a side to people with names from A-L/odd numbered address, and a main dish plus a dessert to people with names from M-Z/even numbered address. With groups of 30 or less, just tell half to bring one and half to bring the other. Of course people are always free to use their best judgment if you don't assign anything at all, and usually in the cosmic scheme of things everything works itself out, even if only a bunch of desserts and main dishes get brought.
DETAILS
Decorations are NOT a must. Just clean up a bit, put out some fresh flowers or your prized potted plants, and have a good time!
To cut down on waste, have people bring their own plates, forks, cups, and serving utensils for their dishes. You'll have yours on hand if someone forgets, but it is more important to preserve our environment than save some time washing dishes. People will want to take theirs home, so they'll either wash them at your place, or take them home dirty. Either way it ultimately saves the planet and your time cleaning up.
If children will attend, make sure you have a space set aside for them to play together, where they can be noisy and safe without being disruptive. Young people often like playing games, drawing, and organizing closets. Have some simple things ready for them to do together. (Just kidding about the closets.)
Think about activities for the grown-ups, too. The classic party game charades is a good one to fall back on. Volleyball, dancing to good music, and frisbee are good aerobic activities. You could even organize a gift exchange. So what if it's not that time of the year! Often, a nice pot of tea or coffee and conversation will do just fine.
The most important detail of all is to simply be yourself, and have fun! Go with the flow and remember that bringing people together in a happy, loving, cooperative way is what the potluck is all about.
