Planning a Potluck

At work- we made it pretty simple yet effective and fair.

I do not think your play date has over 10 moms in it right?
Note on sheet how many servings/moms & kids will need to be served.
* GO GREEN* have each mom bring their own supplies of plastic,tupperware,pinicware or even dishware,cloth napkins instaed of napkins or paper towels and no trash to throw out. ;-)
On 1 paper- divide into 4 squares and label each from below:
then sublist what items specifically that the Moms just sign on(agree) to bring -or- suggestions of whatever direction you are going for that section
Hot Items- (hot apps or finger foods or soup and tater tots-lol or steamed veggies fried green beans haha ect ect)
Cold Items- (salads,finger sandwitches,jello or pudding or fruit cups ect)
Paper/Plastic Items- (list if you need forks AND spoons or sporks and less knives ect)
Beverage Items- (bag ice is needed or fridge available ect, box juices or powder mix or bottled beverages suggestions,drinks for the mom ;-) ect)

I have also found buy discussing where the best deal on XXX is really helpful and who has the Sam's Club card can be a bonus. lol
good luck

Since you may all be new to one another....I would suggest you create a list that has a category of dishes, i.e. sweets, fruits and veggies, sandwiches, meats, dairy., and eggs, breads, grains or pastas. Let's not forget to include paper products and drinks to your list.

This way you can have the girls fill in where they fit best...every mommy has her specialty, allow them to shine as individuals. "Karen's cheesecake was fabulous!" Great conversational piece.

You can create the Potluck Menu on google docs and share the doc with your group via email and have them fill in the blanks. The ladies will see what is already taken and will naturally pick a category to create a balance...so you won't have a potluck of cupcakes :0)

Good Luck and have Fun!

I'm not sure if you are wanting help with the amounts you need, or the actual coordinating of it. If it is the coordinating, you could use something like evite.com to send out the invitation and list what is needed and how much in the body of the invitation. That is how my mom's group plans our big potlucks. Say it's for our Christmas brunch party. The evite will say "we need 5 people to provide a package of juice boxes or water. 3 people to provide 30 paper plates, napkins, silverware and cups. 8 main dishes/casseroles, 8 desserts, 6 appetizers..." something like that. (my amounts are just total guesses). Then it will go on to say "please note what you are bringing in your rsvp."

Then the moms will rsvp through a link in the email which takes them to the evite site. You say how many people are coming from your family, and there is a spot to type a message. When you go to respond, you can see what has already been taken and pick from what is left. I will often say "I'm bringing a dip, will update closer to the event with what kind." Then when I go to update I make sure no one has taken my dip idea already and change my reply. The person sending out the evite can go in and send reminders as it gets closer to the date and say what is still needed in the body of the email.

I hope that is what you were looking for. Does that all make sense? It seems like a pretty easy way to plan it. It is definitely easy for the guests to see what is needed and reply to. Good luck!

It depends on how many people, this will help decide if you want to break the menu down even further or you could ask

2 people to bring salad (Their choice)
3 to bring main course (1 Vegetarian)
3 to bring veggies
1 bring Bread
2 or 3 to bring dessert.

1 bring Paper plates, plastic forks and napkins
1 bring Tea
1 bring Lemonade
1 bring cups, Ice

Hope this helps

You have some great answers here... however, the host is better off supplying the paper goods and drinks unless the person who offers brings it the day before.... it's frustrating to the host when the person who is supposed to bring it is very late and there are no plates or utensils to serve with.

I make a list of: Main dish (hot or cold), side dish ( need salads of any kind, veggie tray, finger fruits) , Kid friendly foods (mac and cheese or chicken fingers) and desserts. Make most foods easy for kids to grab with their fingers. That way there is less mess. Have fun!

I suggest you offer categories for them to sign up for--main dish, side dish/app, salad, dessert, beverage, paper products. This gives the moms some flexibility in what they make the day of or night before, but also helps you know you'll have a well-rounded meal. db

Keep it simple.Take a piece of paper, Make different headings 1)Appetizers 2)Main Dish 3)Sides 4)Desserts Assuming, of course that it will be at a regular meal time. If you're doing it in the afternoon, than no sheet is needed. Anyway..have people put their name under a category and that's what they bring. The beauty of the potluck is that it's EASY! I host potlucks all time. As the hostess, I always provide the meat (hamburgers, hotdogs), buns, and condiments. I also supply the paper plates, napkins, cups and silverwear. Everyone else just brings whatever they want. We always make it bring your own drinks. If you're making up flyers or invitations, just state on there what each person is responsible for bringing. If you want them to bring their own plates, utensils and drinks, just state that on the flyer. Also, ask to see if anyone has any special dietary needs. Have fun! Potlucks are a great way to spend an afternoon :D