What do I take to a potluck, and do I leave my bowls there?

Question

My son came home with a note from his grade 1 teacher that she is hosting a potluck at 5:30pm on a school night. I'm not sure what to bring...I don't know his teacher very well at all, do I bring a dinner meal, a dessert etc? And how do I handle getting my dishes back?

Myra C: Sorry I didn't give all the details, the potluck is actually at my Gr.1 teachers house after school at 5:30pm. The parents are to come with their child that is in her class, and their brothers and sisters are invited as well. Apparantley the children are putting on a show as well.

Answer 1

For grade one and at suppertime; Haven't met a kid that didn't like mac & cheese or weiners & beans nothing with nuts or peanut butter or even high sugar content (one of my son's young friends is diabetic). It's a good idea for kids that it doesn't look too healthy even though it can still be very healthy. Kids like muffins and cheese. I find this unusual for a grade one teacher to be doing this, are parents invited? With so many working parents and/or others in the family to prepare for will many of the children actually go back to school at 5:30 as school is usually finished 3:30 - 4:00 and many are dependent on school buses. Has the school principal approved? Was a poll taken from the parents? 6 & 7 year olds are not usually adept in the kitchen themselves quite yet. Given that this is a go and you all agree to go back to school for this event and stay until it's over or arrange for transportation home in the dark, you can't go too far wrong with Pizza.
No dishes - add some paper towels and have fun.

Answer 2

Since there were no instructions, bring anything you like.

You could call and ask if she knows what she's most likely to need.

If you have a dish that you make that is unusual and a crowd-pleaser, bring that, to wow everyone and get lots of compliments.

But you can also bring a salad, dessert, or any dish you want. You could bring a loaf of good bread and some cheese, and cut them for an appetizer, or to serve with the main meal. Your choice: main dish, side dish, dessert, salad, nibblies.

Take your dishes home with you when you leave.

Or take the dish in something that you don't care about. They sell cheapish things at the store you might get -- you know, those things you can use for leftovers -- if you can find one the right size.

Answer 3

If you can, call the teacher and ask what she thinks would be a good dish to bring along. If she doesn't have something specific in mind, then here are some ideas:

1. Appetizers are great and most folks won't bring one! Hot artichoke dip, Spinach dip in a bread bowl, mini meatballs in barbecue sauce etc. are all good ideas and easy to do.
2. Casseroles: Think Ethnic! A nice tamale pie, lasagne, chicken enchiladas, etc. are always crowd pleasers
3. Dessert: your favorite cake or pie!
4. Cheese and cracker platter: brie, manchenga, cambozola, cheddar with artisan crackers. Crisp green and red globe grapes are a nice accompaniement.
5. Fresh fruit skewers with a marshmallow creme dipping sauce.
6. Dinner sandwiches made from a round of your favorite whole grain sour dough, sliced in half and slightly hollowed out, topped with sopressata, salami, turkey, prosciutto, provolone, sundried tomatos, romaine, green olive tapenade and Italian dressing, wrapped in plastic wrap, weighted and cut into individual slices.

Take dishes you can stand to lose! There are so many inexpensive serving dishes around, that you won't need to worry about losing your favorite!

Answer 4

I would bring whatever it is you like to eat personally. I would bring something that is not too pricey and you feel comfortable making. I wouldnt use my pots and pans at all. Rather, use aluminum pans. They sell some that are more expensive and throw away. They look a little nicer then the regular aluminum throw aways and they come in colors. Dont even deal with using your own dishes. Paper plates and throw aways. Thats it!

Answer 5

Unless it says specifically something to bring, you can bring anything really. It's always nice to do a meal because it adds to what people can try at the event. . . .She will either return people's bowls, plates, etc. OR try to bring it in something disposable. . Or, what I often do is go somewhere like I Party, etc. and buy a cheap plate you don't care about parting with. They have ones that look so nice, and yet they will be $2 or so.

Answer 6

When i have a pot luck like that I take something like potato salad and rolls. If your a working parent like most and don't have time you can always cheat and buy a tub of potato salad or something along those lines and get one of the throw away Tupperware or decorative plastic bowls and you don't have to worry about picking it up or anything. when it is a family affair though I put an address label on the bowl and lid. hope it helps.

Answer 7

I would suggest mini salad sandwiches (order at grocer) .... tuna, chicken, ham or a dessert platter; cookie, brownies, etc.(order at grocer). In regards to getting dishes back, I always go to the dollar store to buy a dish/container that I will be using for potlucks. If I get it back fine, if not ........ no problem!

Answer 8

First off you can put your name on the bottom of your dish "just in case"... Then select a dish that you know is good and one your son likes and thinks is awesome.

Chances are you will eat dinner and then the socializing or whatever is on the agenda... Most will not be leaving their dishes and will take them and whatever remaining food is in them when they leave

Your Sons Reputation is on the line
Remember AWESOME -

Answer 9

Vegetable trays are nice. or cheese and cracker trays. Write your name on a piece of tape and attach it to the side or bottom of the dish.