Here are a few images to inspire you …
I love to entertain at home. It is one of my true pleasures in life. I am energized by the planning, the inviting, menu creation, deciding what plates and napkins to use, picking out the perfect flowers to place on the table and what music should be playing in the background – I love all of it. But so often I hear friends tell me how the very idea of hosting a gathering at their home sends a wave of panic straight through them stopping the gathering before it even gets started. Trying to do it all can be overwhelming. My best advice – host a potluck gathering. Getting your guests involved in the preparation and cooking of the meal can help alleviate some of the pressure you may feel and allow you to have more time for aspects you actually find fun about entertaining at home.
Other words of advice to ensure a smooth potluck party: set the table with neutrals. Most likely you will not be able to control what color your friends platters and serveware will be, so don’t try to! By starting with a neutral base of plates, napkins and flowers, you create a welcoming neutral palette for any color or patterned plate that may arrive.
Once you have your table planned out, I always recommend the host make a main dish. It doesn’t need to be too elaborate or take too much prep work, however, Buttermilk Chicken {recipe coming soon} is a great dish that can be cooked the night before and is sure to be a crowd pleaser both aesthetically and to the taste buds. I also like to provide a bread or muffin type starch along with the main dish and this year I have been obsessed with Cast Iron Cornbread + Poblano Corn Sticks.
LEARN ALL MY TIPS FOR PLANNING THE PERFECT POTLUCK PARTY HERE
Disclosure: I have been selected by the International Housewares Association to be a contributor for Inspired Home. While I have been compensated for my time, my opinions, recipes, photography, reviews and ideas are my own.
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And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.
Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.
I grew up going to family potlucks all the time and it’s still one of my favorite types of party – so much more relaxed and fun!
Right Anita!! I did too!
Those are some fantastic tips! And that poblano corn bread looks so, so good. I can’t wait to see the recipe!
SOOOOO tasty Erin! thanks for stopping in !
I love to entertain, too, but haven’t done it in some time now. My husband and I used to have a big Christmas open house for all his co-workers and a huge family July 4 party every year with smaller celebrations sprinkled throughout the other months. I particularly like your idea of keeping the linens and tableware neutral for a potluck. Very smart!
Thank you Lana! I think 2016 is the year you bring back entertaining! Love a Christmas open house too.
Beautiful photography! Love your post and yes, you are right, making potlucks is a brilliant idea to lift off the stress of an invitation.
Thank you Lorena! I love entertaining and I think it comes through in my work!
Krayl,
I’m one of those panic-y types. But I’m powering through! After hearing about all the salsas I’ve been putting up this summer, my friend suggested I host a salsa party.
I LOVE this idea! I’ll supply a few and a starter pitcher of Cheater Margaritas, and ask others to bring snacks/drinks. I’ve set the date–now all I have to do is check out your tips and clean the house!
Thanks!
Kirsten I am proud of you! I hope you share all your pictures to encourage others!
Potlucks are perfect for a group and make life easier for the hostess for sure! Love that corn pan and everything really looks pretty.
Thank you Brenda! The corn pan is a dream – such fun!
Potlucks are a great way to host a party, while taking some of the pressure off of the host. It’s been a long time since I’ve hosted a potluck, but autumn seems like the perfect time to do it.
You are so right! A potluck is perfect for an Autumn gathering inside by the fire or outside on the patio!
Such great tips, Krayl! I also love to host gatherings and you’re right, it can all be overwhelming. It’s a fun way to get others to help out when you make it a potluck. That’s usually how my big Italian parties are!:)
Lora – I KNOW you are an amazing host! Can’t wait to try that Zucchini bread!
These are some great tips for party planning. I love potlucks too!
Thank you Angie!
I love the cool greens and greys – this is just beautiful!
Thank you Heather -it means alot coming from a pro!